26
AS THE LAST OF THE lanterns flicked to life in the blue-hued twilight, and the scent of gardenia filled the air, Ivy saw the harried wedding planner return and take up her post near the rear of the house to manage the processional party. The woman looked vastly relieved and gave Ivy a quick nod. Ivy returned to her seat between Bennett and her parents.
“Crisis averted,” Ivy whispered to her mother.
“Thank heavens,” Carlotta replied.
Bennett twined his fingers with Ivy’s, and she savored the warmth of his touch in the cooling evening air. With lanterns flickering around them and the enthralling sound of the ocean rising behind the strings and keyboard, Ivy thought it was one of the most romantic scenes she’d ever seen. A sigh of relief escaped her lips, and Bennett squeezed her hand.
