While Rick scrolled, the rest of them read line after line of census information, deeds and property tax records on the farm. They may not have enough proof to declare the property had always been a business, but they might have enough to earn a zoning exemption. The zoning board had the ability to exempt certain properties from zoning rules, but they had to have a good reason.

Nana reached over and patted his arm. “There’s nothing this town likes more than its own stories, Michael. We’ll appeal to their history-loving little hearts, don’t you worry.”

Helen Russo nodded. “She’s right. And if we pack the room with supporters for Zoey, that can’t hurt. Those old cronies on the board don’t like conflict, so if the crowd wants Zoey to get an exemption, they’ll listen.”

“But what if that awful Schiff woman wants to pack the room with her supporters?” Cecile asked. There was a beat of silence.

“First,” Vickie started. “I don’t think Karen Schiff has a roomful of friends. She’s the only one who’s complained, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who knows her well, much less agrees with her.”

“Hmmph,” Iris sniffed. “I heard she’s such a snob that she doesn’t want to know any of the locals. So good luck filling a room with her supporters.”

“And second,” Vickie continued. “I have an idea how we can make Karen Schiff back down and make Zoey happy, too. And it’ll be just in time for Summerfest weekend.”

Summerfest was a combination art and music festival held every August in Rendezvous Falls. The college campus hosted it, and local businesses sponsored the awards and the bands. Mike looked across the table at Vickie, and she gave him a bright smile.

“What? She’s my goddaughter, remember? I’ll be damned if some outsider is going to make her get rid of her father’s legacy. I’ll also be damned if I’ll let her best friend let her down.” She winked at him. “So you put together the legal argument for the board, and I’ll tell you all how we’re going to handle Karen Schiff.”

By the time Vickie finished unveiling her plan, which—being Vickie—she’d presented with a little more drama than necessary, there was applause around the table. Mike only wished he’d come up with it.

“Zoey is going to love that idea!” his grandmother exclaimed.

Iris nodded in agreement. “I hate to inflate your swelled head any further, but damn, Vickie—that is a great idea. Not just for Zoey, but for Rendezvous Falls.”

“And Summerfest is the perfect place to announce it,” Cecile added. She turned to Rick at her side. “I’m guessing you helped with this?”