She nodded. “You let me know what you need from me. I’ll back you up a hundred percent.”

He gave her a smile. “Okay, then. Let’s get this ball rolling.”

They went to the table and Carter sat at the head. Molly took a seat next to him.

“Let’s get started, everyone,” he said.

All in all, there were eight people. She’d met them all after wandering around for about fifteen minutes. Some she’d known, like Mavis and Samantha and Chelsea. Others were new faces.

“Old business first,” Carter said. “Cement is being poured this week, then the new pavers in front of the fountain are going down. The water department has set the spout system within the ground already. After that work is finished, the fountain itself will be put in the center. If you all look at your packets for confirmation, the schedule should be self-explanatory.”

Molly had pored over the graphics for the water play area and fountain. It was gorgeous, would be fun and interactive for kids in the warm-weather months, and a beautiful area in the center of town.

“I’m just wondering about the budget,” Mavis said. “We could downscale it some, and still have something aesthetically pleasing.”

Molly had also heard from her mother that Mavis liked to disagree about everything, even things that had previously been voted and agreed upon.

“This has been decided on, Mavis,” Carter said. “What is it that you think needs to be changed?”

“Well, I was just thinking that if we downsized the scale of the water play area we could put in some other equipment, like benches or a walkway.”

“There are two benches on the north and south sides of the fountain, and plenty of walking space already,” Samantha said.

“Yes, but . . .” Mavis paged through her notes. “I just think we need to plan for the future and growth of our town. In retrospect, I think maybe we overspent on the fountain.”

This was Mavis jockeying for position on the committee now that her mother was out of the picture. Time for Molly to step in. “Mavis, I realize I’m new to the committee, but wasn’t this entire plan decided and voted upon, and money allocated for the precise construction over a year ago?”

Mavis smiled at her, but Molly caught the bitterness in her eyes.

“Well, yes, but—”

“Then it makes no financial sense, especially since resources have already been allocated, and materials have already been ordered, to make changes this late in the process, does it?”

She had her, and Mavis knew it.

Mavis gave her a slimy smile. “I suppose not. But you know someone has to play devil’s advocate and suggest alternatives.”

“Of course. And I know everyone here appreciates it,” Molly said. “But we wouldn’t be fiscally responsible if we altered the trajectory of the project this late in the game.”

“Of course not. You’re absolutely right.”

Mavis sat, and the meeting continued.

“I was wondering if we should do nice plaques for contributors,” Mavis said. “We could put them around the fountain, and really showcase our bigger contributors.”

Molly wrinkled her nose. “Now that would definitely not be aesthetically pleasing.”

Chelsea shifted through her notes. “Aren’t we planning to thank our contributors in the color informational brochure that’ll be handed out upon completion of the project?”

“Yes,” Samantha said.

“But see, this is a more permanent solution.” Mavis had already drawn up a plan and handed it out to everyone. “Each plaque would be in bronze, and mounted at the foot of the fountain. I’m sure every contributor would be so pleased to see their names engraved forever at our town square. Some have given a lot of money.”

“Like my father and I,” Amanda Flannigan said. “I like this.”

“And we really can’t thank you enough for your donations,” Carter said. “But there’s no money in the budget for something extravagant like this.”

“And as I previously mentioned,” Molly added, “making changes to the project this late in the game could throw a monkey wrench into the entire thing. While I appreciate the desire to give mention to our more than generous contributors, I’m sure they didn’t donate for the recognition, but for the revitalization of our town square. Isn’t that right, Amanda?”

Molly gave Amanda a pointed look.

“Well, of course. For the betterment of the town.”

“And we all know that, and appreciate it so much,” Samantha said.

“Then we’re good with the mention in the brochure?” Carter asked.

“I suppose.” Mavis looked defeated. And irritated.

“What’s the timeline for completion, Carter?” Chelsea asked, then gave a grin in Molly and Carter’s direction.

“Should be about a month to six weeks to finish up.”

“So we should be on track to wind around the new town square for the holiday parade,” Mavis said.

Carter nodded. “Hopefully, if there are no delays.”

“Fabulous. And Molly, you’ll still be in town for the holidays, won’t you?”

Molly gave Mavis a blank stare. “I have no idea.”

“I’m penciling you in to judge the holiday parade.”

“Um. Sure.”

Carter gave her a horrified look and a quick shake of his head.

But apparently, it was too late, since she’d already agreed.

They went through some financial stuff, and a few items of new business. Molly went over the marketing plan for the project, then they wrapped up.

All in all, not too bad.

“I hope you and I have a chance to reconnect,” Samantha said. “It’s been a long time since high school.”

“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t stay in touch. I move around a lot.”

“That’s what your mom said. Maybe we could have lunch or dinner sometime?”

“I’d like that.”

They traded numbers and Samantha told her she’d call to set something up.

“Ready to go?” Carter asked.

“Okay. Sure.”

He led her out the door.

“Have you got a hot date?”

“No. I’m trying to save you from volunteering to be on some other committee. It’s bad enough you agreed to judge the holiday parade.”