The Merriest Magnolia (Magnolia Sisters #2) - Michelle Major Page 0,7
up straighter. “That’s right,” she chimed in. “I don’t think anyone needs reminding that tourism revenue was up almost thirty percent in recent months. We’ve already sold out vendor tags for the holiday craft fair, and arrangements for the festival are well under way.”
“I know.” Malcolm held up his hands, palms out. “Trust me when I assure you, I’m not looking to incite the wrath of the three furies.”
Meredith arched a brow. “I prefer goddesses, Mayor.”
“Goddesses,” Malcolm amended with a nod.
“You don’t want to mess with us,” Avery added. “If you upset Carrie by keeping pertinent information about town investors from her, you upset all three of us.”
Carrie blinked away tears as her two sisters stared down the older man. She understood Malcolm meant well and probably hadn’t thought much of omitting the information about Dylan’s deal. She also understood that she’d let people, especially her father, underestimate and manipulate her for years because she hadn’t believed she had anything to contribute beyond being his underpaid lackey.
“I can’t stop you from selling out to Dylan Scott,” she told the mayor. “But I won’t let him waltz in here and take over without a fight. Our father was a difficult man, but he did a lot of good for Magnolia. I plan not only to continue that but make it better. This is my home.”
“It’s mine, too,” Malcolm reminded her. “I want what’s best for the town.”
“Even if the investor with the deepest pockets isn’t it?” she asked.
Mal sighed. “We won’t allow one person to run roughshod over the rest of us again. Niall proved that doesn’t work.” He scooted out of the booth. “We’re on the same side, ladies. I promise. Scott Development has purchased five buildings downtown and is under contract for the old textile factory off the beach highway. Dylan has submitted an initial set of renovation plans to the town council.” He glanced to either side of him then leaned forward. “I’ll be sharing them at the next business owners’ association meeting on Thursday night. You’re welcome to stop by my office to review them before then.”
“Thank you,” Carrie said, even as her mind whirled. “I appreciate having you on our side.”
“I’m on Magnolia’s side,” Malcolm corrected then nabbed the leftover slice of bacon from her plate. “I recommend you make certain you can say the same before you run that boy out of town.”
Carrie gave a shaky nod and watched the mayor make his way through the restaurant, greeting other diners like the old friend he was to most of them.
“Am I being totally self-serving in my wish to see Dylan go away?” she asked, facing Avery and Meredith. “Maybe I’m more like Dad than I realized.”
“Not in any way,” Meredith assured her. “It makes perfect sense not to want to deal with the man who broke your heart. Or any guy who does you wrong. Remember when I was supposed to go on a date with that hot guy a few weeks ago? I never want to see him again.”
Carrie and Avery both laughed in response.
“It’s not funny,” Meredith said then stuck out her tongue.
“Uh...you went to meet a blind date and it turned out to be Morris Haegler.”
“Who might be older than God,” Carrie added.
Meredith rolled her eyes. “It was awkward, not funny. He knew he was meeting me. He copied his profile picture from the internet—total false advertising. But I still don’t want to see him, and I’m not going anywhere near the hardware store where he and his buddies hang out.”
“Are you equating my animosity for the ex-boyfriend who took money to break up with me with you swiping right on Magnolia’s septuagenarian Lothario?”
“I didn’t swipe any which way,” Meredith said, looking affronted. “It was a reputable dating site.”
Avery nudged Meredith’s shoulder. “If you’re looking for a date, I can ask Gray to set you up with one of his fire station buddies.”
Gray Atwell was Avery’s fiancé and a longtime friend of Carrie’s. He’d grown up in Magnolia and was not only one of the kindest men she knew, but he also loved her sister in a way that made Carrie’s ovaries pinch in jealousy.
“Too much testosterone,” Meredith said, waving away the suggestion with a flutter of her hand.
Carrie laughed. “That probably wouldn’t be an issue with Morris.”
“Forget I mentioned my ill-fated date.” Meredith clapped a hand to her forehead. “Let’s talk more about how we’re going to take down Dylan the villain.”
“Does everyone need a nickname with you?” Avery shook her