Andrea waved the drill in the air. “Yes, you are. He’s everything you told me you need.”
“Is that the list that includes someone who appreciates caramel brittle ice cream, foot massages, and Christmas carols sung in the snow?”
“And the ability to make you laugh,” Andrea added. “From what I’ve heard, Richard ticks all your ‘must have’ boxes.”
“He might come close, but I don’t have time to date anyone.”
Jackie placed the last vase on a shelf. “That’s what you always say. Sometimes, you have to make the time. Is there anything else that needs unpacking?”
Paris took another box off the kitchen counter. “These wooden carvings need to go on the next set of shelves.”
Andrea screwed another bracket into place. “What you’re doing here is great. It isn’t easy finding places that will sell your products if you’re a small business.”
Carefully, Paris carried the box of sculptures across to Jackie. “Nate Milligan made these.”
“Shona’s son?” Jackie wiped down the table she was using as a workbench. When she saw the ornate candle holders, she smiled. “He’s so talented. Kylie said the decorations he makes for the Christmas Shop sell out as soon as they appear in their catalog.”
“I wonder if he’ll come back to Sapphire Bay after he’s finished college.”
Paris helped Andrea with the next shelf. “Why wouldn’t he?”
“There are lots of reasons. As well as not having many jobs, we don’t have any of the things a large city can offer people.”
“You came here with your boys.”
“I had a good reason.”
Even though Paris knew why she’d fled to Sapphire Bay, it still made her feel sad when she thought about Andrea’s life. “I don’t know whether Nate will come back but, if he does, he could start his own business.”
“Just like you,” Andrea said proudly. “My boys haven’t stopped talking about your store.”
Paris looked around the beautiful room. She was so proud of what she’d achieved, but it would all be for nothing if she didn’t make a profit. “All I can think about is what could go wrong.”
Andrea sent her a sharp glance. “Ignore those feelings. Even if something doesn’t go according to plan, it doesn’t matter.”
Jackie helped lift another shelving unit into the sales area. “I second what Andrea said. Think positive thoughts.”
That was easier said than done. Especially when she had less than a week to get everything ready.
Thanks to Richard and his team, the cottage was nearly ready and she had everything she’d ever imagined. Now all she had to do was find more customers.
Richard threw his cards into the center of the table, happy to let Wyatt continue his winning poker streak without him.
“I can’t believe you won another game,” Ethan muttered from the other side of the table. “There should be a rule that says you can’t win more than three games in a row.”
Wyatt scooped up the mound of chips in front of him. “It must be my lucky night.”
Pastor John scoffed. “There’s nothing lucky about it. Are you sure you weren’t born in Las Vegas?”
“I blame my uncanny ability to win on my grandfather.”
Richard picked up his drink. “Was he a professional poker player?”
“Nope. A gardener. But when he wasn’t working, he earned extra money in the back rooms of Atlantic City.”
“I knew it,” Ethan said disgustedly. “You’ve been genetically engineered to win.”
Wyatt grinned. “I’ll take any advantage I can get. Especially after John cleaned me out last week.”
