“We’re not in their marriage, so it’s hard for us, as outsiders, to judge.”

She took a deep breath and let it out. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I guess I feel bad for Jack, because he has to give up a job and a town he loves in order to keep his marriage together.”

He stood. “You don’t have to apologize to me. I guess he’s content enough to do that because he loves his wife more, ya know?”

“You’re right. It’s a hard choice, no matter what.”

Carter nodded. “I’m hungry. How about we grab a quick bite to eat at Bert’s before the meeting?”

“Good idea.”

A quick bite was right. Time was ticking, and as they ate they went over the agenda for the meeting. Molly barely had time to finish her soup and salad before they had to dash out the door.

She didn’t mind being busy, but this was crazy busy. And she didn’t even want to think about all the holiday shopping she had left to do, which meant she was going to be stuck braving the mall soon.

They were the last to arrive for the meeting.

“I was afraid you two were going to be no-shows tonight,” Mavis said as they walked in and shed their coats.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” Carter said, rubbing his hands together.

The wind had picked up outside. It smelled like snow, and Molly couldn’t wait. She’d bought new boots, though she worried about George—he wasn’t equipped for winter weather.

One of these days she was going to have to buy a new car.

Not this year, though. And probably not next year. George was just going to have to suck it up and deal. They’d weathered a lot of winters together. She was sure—okay, more like hopeful—they’d make it through this one, too.

Shrugging off thoughts of her poor old car, she sat down and they got started.

“The last of the landscaping is in,” Carter reported. “The fountain has been tested, and is in working order. The playground equipment is finished, and the Christmas tree was brought in yesterday.”

Molly shuffled through her papers. “The tree will be decorated tomorrow, and lights will be strung, so it’ll be ready for the tree lighting ceremony Friday night, and the parade on Saturday.”

Mavis huffed out a sigh. “That’s cutting it really close.”

“But still in plenty of time,” Chelsea said. “We got it all done in time for the holiday parade. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

“I can’t wait for Georgia to see it,” Samantha said with a wide smile. “She’s put so much work into this.”

“So true,” Cletus said. “Without her, this renovation wouldn’t have happened at all.”

“We have vendors scheduled to be in place around town square during the holiday parade.” Carter turned to Cletus. “You’re picking up the flyers from the printer?”

Cletus nodded. “I’ll get those on Friday morning so we can hand them out. I saw the draft and they look good. Plus there will be color boards of the project from start to finish in front of town square. I think folks’ll be impressed.”

“I’m excited—and proud,” Mavis said, then turned her attention to Molly. “Molly, don’t forget, you’re on the parade judging committee.”

“Oh, right. I had forgotten about that.”

“You need to be in place at nine a.m. in the judge’s booth at the corner of Main and Central.”

She was actually kind of excited about the parade—about the entire day, especially the debut of the new town square. “I’ll be there.”

They finished up business, then everyone milled about having coffee and pastries.

“I can’t believe she conned you into judging the parade,” Chelsea said.

Molly shrugged. “How bad can it be?”

Samantha was there as well, and her gaze shifted between Molly and Chelsea. “We’ve all been there. It’s not pretty.”

Chelsea let out a soft snort. “Sam’s right. You just wait ’til she tells you who to vote into first place. Then tell me how bad it’ll be.”

Molly lifted her chin. “My vote can’t be swayed. Besides, what can she do to me? Kick me off the parade committee? I won’t be here next year.”

Samantha laid her hand on Molly’s arm. “Oh, Molly. I wish you’d reconsider leaving Hope. We all love having you here again.”

“This is true,” Chelsea said. “Did I mention we’re having a Christmas shopping and wine extravaganza next week?”

Molly gave her a blank stare. “No.”

“That’s because I just now came up with the idea. And you’re invited. It’ll be you and me, Megan, Des, Sam, and Emma and Jane. Okay, like everyone. Everyone who’s available, anyway.”

“Terrific idea,” Samantha said. “My shopping list is a mile long and I haven’t had time to get out there yet.”

Chelsea had a sparkle in her eyes. “It’ll be search and destroy, then we’ll all get drunk. It doesn’t get much more fun than that. Work first, reward second.”

Molly laughed. “Sounds intriguing. And potentially inebriating. Count me in.”

“Me, too,” Samantha said.

“Great,” Chelsea said. “I’ll text everyone and we’ll figure out a day and time.”

Carter came up to them. “You ready to go?”