Paris frowned. The Flower Cottage had cost more than she thought, but she didn’t have to install a commercial kitchen on top of the other expenses. “Why do you want to open a café?”
“My mom was a great cook. From when I was little, she showed me how to bake delicious cookies and cakes. When I was older, we made recipes from around the world. Baking makes me happy and, when other people enjoy my food, it makes me even happier.”
“Before I opened The Flower Cottage, Richard warned me that owning a business takes more time than you realize. Would Charlie and Andy be okay if you’re working more hours?”
“I want them to see that having a dream and working hard toward it are important. If that means spending a little less time together for a while, then it’s worth it. Mr. Jessop said he’d look after the boys when I’m working, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
Mr. Jessop was the gardener at The Welcome Center and an honorary granddad to Andrea’s two boys. They’d lived together for more than a year and were closer than Paris would ever be to her family.
“What about Shelley and John? They love having you work with them.”
“I can’t work for the church forever. This is my chance to make a difference.”
Paris knew how Andrea felt. Opportunities like this didn’t come along every day, especially in a town as small as Sapphire Bay. “I admire what you want to do. The boys will be proud.”
“I hope so. This is the most settled we’ve felt in years. I just hope I won’t make their lives worse by taking on more debt.”
Paris found the safety register and added their names. “The bank will only lend you money if they think the café will be a success.”
Andrea sighed. “That’s true. Have you heard from your mom since you opened The Flower Cottage?”
“No, thank goodness. As far as I know, she’s still in Las Vegas.”
“Do you think she’ll come to see you?”
“Apart from her vacation, she’s been busy at work. Jerry constantly flies to different cities for poker competitions, so the chance of them taking time off work to see me is remote.”
“From what you’ve said, that’s a good thing.”
“It is. I’d like to have a mom who’s excited for me, but it will never happen.”
Andrea hugged her. “There are plenty of people in Sapphire Bay who are excited for you. Don’t worry about your mom.”
That was easier said than done. Especially when she’d always wanted her mother’s approval—even if she was an alcoholic.
Richard took another box into his new home. Jack was spending the morning at Shelley and John’s house, getting Louie acquainted with Toto.
“Where do you want this bed, boss?”
“That’s mine. Leave it in the first bedroom at the top of the stairs.” Tommy and the other members of Richard’s construction crew had offered to help move the heavier pieces of furniture. After the beds and a couple of dressers were removed from their tiny home, there weren’t a lot of things left.
Ethan carried a box toward the kitchen. “Mabel dropped off a set of saucepans and some other kitchen things.”
“She didn’t have to do that.”
“Believe me. There’s no stopping her when she thinks she can help. Don’t be surprised if she comes back with more things. She told me about a floor rug that will look perfect in your living room.”
Richard pulled out his phone. “I’ll call her.”
“Good luck.”
He didn’t have to wait long for Mabel to answer her phone. After explaining how much he appreciated her help, but that he had everything he needed, she reluctantly agreed not to bring anything more to the house.
Ethan joined him on the veranda. “Do you want me to bring the last couple of boxes from your tiny home?”
Richard shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m heading to the village now. I’ll put them in the truck before I clean the house.”
“Sounds good. I heard you’ve adopted a dog from the animal shelter.”
