“To make someone else happy.”
The simple explanation humbled Richard. “That’s a nice thing to do. How about we go to Sweet Treats now?”
Jack giggled as a gust of wind lifted his cap off his head. “Yes, please!”
Placing his stones on top of Jack’s, Richard said a silent prayer of thanks. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve having him in his life, but he would always be grateful.
Paris stopped her truck outside the cottages on Anchor Lane and turned off the engine. The last two days had been a whirlwind of activity. Kylie had considered her proposal and liked the idea of each business specializing in different types of clients. With that sorted, she’d met with Penny to see if the lease was still available on the first cottage.
Thankfully, no one else had asked about it. With a trembling hand, she’d signed a conditional lease subject to a start-up loan being approved by the bank.
Stepping out of her truck, she smiled at her two friends walking toward her. Kylie and Jackie were looking forward to seeing the cottage. “Don’t be put off by what you see. After the construction crew has finished, it will be amazing.”
Jackie hugged her. “I’m so excited. The cottage is in the perfect location. It’s the first building people will see when they turn into Anchor Lane.”
“I agree,” Kylie said. “The outside of the building is full of character and charm. I can’t wait to see what’s inside.”
Paris climbed the steps and unlocked the front door. “The contractors won’t be back until Monday morning, so we can stay for as long as we like.” Reaching into a box, she handed each of her friends a hard hat. “We need to wear these while we’re looking around.”
Kylie placed a hat on her head. “This reminds me of when I was remodeling Blooming Lovely.”
“If the cottage looks as good as your flower shop, I’ll be thrilled.”
“All it takes is a little imagination and lots of patience,” Kylie replied with a grin.
With her hat firmly in place, Jackie stepped into the room on the left-hand side of the entryway. “This is nice and sunny.”
Paris pulled a folder out of her bag. “The afternoon sun streams through these windows. I thought this area would make a wonderful space for the sales counter and my work table. What do you think about these counter options?”
Jackie studied the pictures Paris had found in an online catalog. “They look lovely. Any of them would be perfect.”
Kylie looked over Jackie’s shoulder. “I agree, but my favorite is the bleached pine counter. The lighter color won’t dominate the small space.”
“I like that one, too.” Paris crossed the hallway into the next room. “Come and have a look at the rest of the cottage. Richard’s team has removed the wall between this room and the one at the back. This is where I’ll showcase what I can do for large venues.”
“With pictures of our previous jobs?” Jackie asked.
“Sort of. I thought I’d incorporate a large photo of an event, and then recreate an aspect of the photo in front of it. It could be a decorated arch, a table with a guest book and a flower arrangement, or a selection of wedding favors.”
“You could make one of the gift baskets we gave the guests at the Mulligan’s wedding. They were really cute.”
Paris smiled. “That’s a great idea.”
Kylie walked to the back of the open-plan room. “You have enough floor space to be creative, but not too much that it becomes a burden. It will be fantastic when it’s finished.”
A weight lifted from Paris’ shoulders. “I was worried you’d think I was trying to do too much.”
Kylie’s blue eyes sparkled. “If you don’t try something new, nothing changes. Knowing you’ll decorate the bigger events has taken a lot of stress out of my life. I’m looking forward to spending less time at Blooming Lovely and more time with my baby after she’s born.”
“And I’m looking forward to not working all hours of the day and night,” Jackie added. “What are you looking forward to the most, Paris?”
She looked around the half-finished cottage and sighed. “I can’t wait to own a business that makes a difference in people’s lives. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Kylie murmured as she hugged Paris tight. “If you need any advice, come and see me.”
Paris hoped she meant it, because the next twelve months could be full of surprises.
The following week, Richard carried a sheet of drywall into the first cottage on Anchor Lane. With the plumbers and electricians focusing on the kitchen and bathroom areas, the rest of the construction crew was making good progress. Next door, in the second cottage, bags of trash were being thrown in the dumpster, and some of the internal walls were being removed.
