Chapter 23
Christmas morning dawned clear and cold, with sunshine streaming through the tall windows that looked out to the ocean. Ivy moved among guests in the dining room, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. This morning, she’d put on Bennett’s new necklace, which paired beautifully with her forest-green, crushed velvet dress.
“Good morning,” Ivy said, pausing by the long table where Ophelia, Molly Ann, and Rosamie were sitting together and chatting like old friends. Next to them sat Gilda, who had come downstairs early and was holding a wriggly Pixie in her new doggie sweater.
As they chatted, Imani joined them. She was sporting a festive snowman sweater with matching dangly earrings.
“What a fun outfit,” Ivy said.
“I’ve had this sweater since Jamir was a little
