Within a half hour, she’d taken Libby out, fed her, showered, and dressed in dark leggings and that classic black V-neck sweater and boots. With less than twenty minutes to go, she drove from Nags Head into the town of Duck.

She missed Dani’s house on the first pass, made a U-turn at the Wee Winks convenience store, and retraced to the house with a bright-yellow mailbox marked 272. She pulled down the wooded drive toward the small New England–style cottage located on a hill overlooking the Currituck Sound. The house had been in the Manchester family since the early 1990s, when the main road had been paved only as far north as Duck. In those days, Pete Manchester had started buying up shore property when it was cheap. When selling started in the early 2000s, his values rose tenfold, and he made a fortune.

Ivy had been here more times than she could count. In the last dozen years, the house had gone through several renovations and was now covered in gray Shaker-style siding and black shutters. A sunporch addition faced the sound, primed to catch the blazing sunsets. A perfect artist’s retreat.

She parked behind Dani’s SUV and walked along the brick sidewalk to the front door adorned with a brass oval-ringed knocker.

Ivy knocked and listened inside to firm heeled steps approaching the door. She smoothed back her hair, suddenly wishing she had washed it and applied makeup because she would bet her net worth Dani had.

The door opened to Dani’s tall, sleek frame. Hair in a ponytail, she wore a pink cowl-neck sweater, skinny jeans, and heeled black boots. Earrings dangled and sparkled.

“Are you sure we’re going to a doctor’s appointment?” Ivy asked. “You’re dressed up.”

Dani cocked a brow. “I’m always dressed up.”

“True.”

“Come inside while I grab my purse and phone.”

Ivy stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Brightly colored works of art, carefully curated, filled all the walls. Impressed, she followed Dani into the kitchen and was met by an explosion of white marble countertops, custom kitchen stainless appliances, and wide-plank caramel wooden floors. On the large center island sat a hand-carved wooden bowl filled with lemons and apples.

“Place sure has changed since I was here last.”

“Helps to be a decorator and work in a family construction business.”

“Where does your dad live now?”

“He moved in with Dalton after I divorced Matthew. He said Bella and I needed our own place. I wanted him to stay, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”

“He’s been batching it with Dalton for the last decade?”

“Dalton built a good-size garage for his truck and tools, and above it is Dad’s apartment. It works out well for them both.”

“I’m surprised Dalton doesn’t have someone. He’s been a catch since high school.”