Bret kept a close eye on Lindy, who was next to him, and stopped to cut her meat. “I keep hearing whispers about it all over town.”
Summer dished up some salad. “All over town?”
“Yeah, word is out,” Robin assured her. “Everybody who came into the vet’s office today wanted info on everything. Fortunately, I don’t have any.” She laughed.
Summer smirked. “Better plug your ears. I’m about to spill details.”
Robin grinned. “No plugs. I want to know.”
“I talked to Helen a few days ago about doing a town mural – a Summer LeFey strictly for the town. She’s searching for the right location, getting the approvals and such, and I’m researching town history and trying to decide how to capture the essence of this place. Simple.”
Tom pointed a finger at her. “Yeah, about as simple as finding Santa.”
“Well, yes. It has turned into a bit of a research project. After using the library and talking to Adelina and Lucille – nope, I’m sorry, that won’t work. Mrs. Heigl.” Everyone around the table grinned.
“Mrs. Heigl suggested I trace family histories, and since I married into a family who came here decades ago, here we are.”
Olivia set her fork aside and patted her mouth with her napkin. “Decades ago is right. The Applegate family came to Echo Falls in late 1897. Lawyers, the lot of them. My family moved to town in 1914 and started an auto repair shop. I confirmed the dates in my records.”
“Lori Devlin found the Echo Falls page in the Texas History book for me. The town popped on the map about 1878 in themidst of the railroad construction era and all the massive cattle drives. It was sustained by farming and cattle.” Summer settled her hand on Tom’s thigh, and he didn’t hesitate to lay his over hers. It was a comfort and a turn on and said belonging things he’d delve into later.
“Still is.” Bret pushed Lindy’s juice away from the edge of the table. “How does that help you?”
Summer handed Olivia her research file. “Not sure yet, but it should be a part of the final design.”
Olivia flipped through the pages of notes. “A lot of family names here. Lopez – Rafe’s family, Murray, Culley, our families – Carnahan and Applegate, Stuart, Carlsson, Bradley…”
“Owned my farm once upon a time,” Chad noted, nodding at the names.
“Harlow, Slade, Parker, Bradda. More. I know all these families.”
“Me, too. I’ve had many of their kids through school.” Meg pointed at the rolls and Bret handed her one. “Mrs. Heigl arrived later. Early nineteen fifties.”
“Are most of these families still here?” Summer had quit eating and was making notes.
Olivia turned a page over. “Some. Rafe’s family for sure. Can’t turn around without running into a Lopez. Culley family isn’t, neither are the Stuarts. You have quite a bit here.”
Tom shifted so he could see Summer’s face. “Parker and Murray are Trina and Matt’s families. Bradda’s live past Chad’s. Their ranch has been a staple for decades, too.”
“And we all know Slade and Harlow.” Meg’s disgust was evident in her frowning face. “Are those two out of their minds?”
Bret groaned. “I’ve had so many complaints about their behavior, their decorations, their ruining of the holidays.”
“And you’ve said what?” Tom widened his eyes in question.
Bret smirked. “The holidays are what you make them. Override and move on. We’re handling the rest. I talked to Clem. Rafe yelled at both of them. Carmen’s been hands on in their area every shift.”
Robin shifted the conversation. “Speaking of decorations, Olivia, the house is beautiful again this year. I always enjoy yours because God knows sometimes ours doesn’t get finished. We have a tree and lights on the porch. That’s it.”
Chad chimed in. “Four kids are a handicap. Especially these two who are destruction on wheels.” He pointed at the little boys who laughed at him.
“Pregnant wife.” Bret chuckled. “And little Stevie, who is figuring out toddler destruction methods.
Meg slapped his shoulder. “Just wait, mister. One more inbound. What’s your excuse, Tom, Summer?”
“I’m hunting Santa thieves, and they’re gonna get more than coal in their stockings. Maybe lights on the porch tomorrow.”
Summer stayed quiet for a minute. “It’s not Christmas, yet. I’m working on a few things.”
