19
When Bennett returned to Shangri-La, the property was dark, save for a sole light in the kitchen. Through the window, he could see Ivy at the kitchen table.
He was bone-weary, but he and other Summer Beach residents had done all they could. He barely had time for a break before sunrise when he’d need to be available again. After parking, he walked inside, and Ivy rose to greet him with a hug.
He saw her tea on the table. “You waited up for me?” The thought eased the aches in his body. However, he didn’t have long to rest.
“Of course,” she replied, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “I’ve been thinking about us—and about what you did for Sunny and Jamir tonight. I’m so grateful you came to help. If you hadn’t…” She blinked, her voice trailing off.
“But you knew how to signal for emer
