33
A FEW HOURS later, tired and bedraggled, the family tromped into the house. They’d heard from a neighbor that the fire was contained, though it would still burn throughout the night. Since the wind had decreased, the most pressing danger that would cause the fire to spread had subsided.
Ivy slumped onto a stool in the kitchen. It was almost midnight now, and looking at her clothing, she began to laugh. The sundress she’d taken such pains to iron was a soggy, ash-streaked mess that reeked of smoke. “What a grand opening party this turned out to be.”
“But we’re still standing,” Shelly said, giving her a high five.
Her father and brothers and the nephews were stepping out of soggy shoes that had once been nice, too. Sterling chuckled at the sight. “Ivy and Shelly always did know how to
