I swallowed the noise that tried to leave my mouth. “We need a coat system. And a door person. How are we going to solve parking? The lot is only so big.”
“Kitty and I can tag coats with colored stickers. It will be adorable,” Lydia gushed.
“It needs to be functional,” I cautioned.
“It will be both since I can make stickers that have numbers on them and guests can have a corresponding ticket,” she told me, picking up her phone to start on the project.
“What about a bus?” Braxton wondered.
“A bus?” I questioned.
“We could have a shuttle bringing people back and forth from town. If the town okays it, people could park after hours at the town hall and library. That will give you some extra space,” Braxton pointed out.
“Braxton, you’re a genius,” I responded.
It was Braxton’s turn to blush and shrug. “Just an idea.”
“One that could work,” I gratefully replied, jotting it down on my list.
Dex appeared then with a toolbox hooked to his hand. “William, do you have time to look at the north window with me? The seal is failing and I want to make sure I repair it correctly.”
William nodded. “Let me get my hat and I’m yours.”
“Wear your gloves,” Helen advised, pushing them toward him.
I glanced at Dex but he was already following Dad down the hall. Braxton was put into service by Mom who was directing him how to hang tulle and lights along the bannister.
The decorating was coming along quite nicely, I thought, looking around. There was garland, red and gold ribbons, and festive lights everywhere. It was going to be beautiful when it was done.
“I’ve got Mistletoe!” Kitty announced as she came in the front door with rosy cheeks from the cold.
“We also have a Christmas tree to try to wrestle inside. We borrowed a trailer to hitch to the van so we need to return that today. Do you know where the guys are? Maybe they can muscle it in,” Meri said as she trailed Kitty.
“I wanted a bigger tree but Meri vetoed it,” Kitty pouted, leaning against the desk.
“I wanted one that would fit,” Meri stated logically.
“Did you say you needed some help?” Braxton asked.
“Please,” Meri replied.
“Where is Dex? He could help too,” Kitty mentioned, looking around. For some reason, Meri elbowed Kitty in the ribs.
I frowned. “He went to puttya window with Dad.”
“I’ll get him,” Meri volunteered, going down the hallway.
“How do you know what window?” I wondered.
Kitty shrugged. “She’ll figure it out.”
I shook my head.
By midmorning I had my coat on and was headed toward the little parlor in search of the extra surge bars I had seen in there, when Mom appeared out of nowhere, which is a skill she was very adept at.
“Lucy, dear, can you help me in the kitchen first?” she asked sweetly.
“I willbe five minutes,” I replied, my hand already on the doorknob.
