“Thanks. It’s nice to be back.”

“And just a heads-up,” Chelsea said, “Mavis is champing at the bit to be in charge now that your mom isn’t here. She’s disagreed with most of Georgia’s suggestions, which were all good ones.”

Samantha nodded. “Plus, your mom kept us on budget. Mavis likes to spend money that doesn’t need to be spent.”

“I’ve got all the files and I’ve looked them over,” Molly said. “It seems things are running according to plan.”

“So far so good. We have Carter and your mom to thank for that,” Chelsea said. “And hopefully you’ll be able to help us out.”

“I’ll do what I can.”

Molly had studied the files the past few days and had sat down with her mom to discuss the project, shocked at what she had managed to accomplish in the past year. It was obvious this was her heart-and-soul project, and Molly wasn’t going to let her down.

“Are you ready for this?” Carter asked as they made their way to the table.

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?”