Paris came out of her flower shop and joined them. “I couldn’t resist having a look.” When the cover came off the sign, she tilted her head to the side. “It’s perfect. I love the stars you added above the text. It ties in with the café’s name.”
“That’s what I thought, too. The design looks even better than I imagined it would.”
As the men lifted the sign into place, Andrea breathed a sigh of relief. The deep pink text with gold stars looked great with the pale blue paint on the café’s walls. It made her think of old-fashioned cakes, sweet lemonade, and cups of herbal tea.
The men made quick work of their job. Before she knew it, they’d attached the sign to the metal roof and it looked incredible. After fretting about every single detail, the café was finally ready for its grand opening.
Paris hugged her. “Congratulations. You’ve done an amazing amount of work to get everything ready.”
“I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help.” She dragged her gaze away from the sign. “I don’t know whether I’m nervous or excited about opening the café. What if no one comes?”
“People are already talking about it. Your social media posts are fantastic and, once Theo’s interview hits the airwaves, you’ll become the Martha Stewart of Montana.”
She couldn’t imagine that happening, but she appreciated Paris’ positivity. “I just hope I don’t have any last-minute issues. When the dishwasher stopped working, I nearly cried.”
“The main thing is that it’s all sorted now.”
Charlie hurried inside and came back with Andrea’s cell phone. “We should take a photo for Mr. O’ Dowd. We have a real café now.”
Paris held out her hand. “Let me do it. Stand in front of the veranda and smile.”
Even though Andy wasn’t as excited about the photo as Charlie, he stood beside Andrea and smiled. She couldn’t have been prouder of what they’d achieved. All the early morning jobs the boys had helped with, and the late nights painting furniture and filling containers full of flowers, were worth it.
After Paris took some photos, she handed Andrea the phone. “Is David coming back for the grand opening?”
“No, but he’ll be here for Katie and Peter’s wedding.”
Paris’ phone pinged and she read the text. “I have to go. Shona can’t find a customer’s order.”
“Shona?”
“Shona Milligan. She works a few hours a week with me. If you need anything, call me.” Paris waved to the boys and then hurried toward her store.
Andrea sighed. In two days all her dreams would come true. All she had to do was cross her fingers and toes and pray that nothing else went wrong.
Saturday morning came around far too quickly. After a week of staff training, baking, and reconfirming orders with her supplies, The Starlight Café was finally open.
Andy and Charlie had been wonderful. Instead of enjoying their summer break, they’d cleaned the café until it shone, watered the plants, and watched her train the new staff.
Even this morning, they’d strung a wide red ribbon across the front door and made sure the cookies she’d made were perfectly displayed. To make the day even more special, Mabel and Allan Terry were here early to take photos of the first customers walking through the door.
Instead of the slow trickle of interest, people had arrived in groups, all wanting to enjoy the coffee and food they’d heard so much about.
Andrea placed two plates on Mabel’s table. “I have two slices of hummingbird cake with lemon buttercream frosting for you. I’ll bring your hot chocolate and coffee out next.”
“I’m so impressed,” Mabel said enthusiastically. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has enjoyed everything about the café. It’s a wonderful addition to the businesses in Sapphire Bay.”
“Thank you. To be honest, I’m glad the café is finally open. I don’t think my nerves would have stood another week of planning and preparation for the opening.”
Allan pulled his cake closer. “Mabel’s updated the community Facebook page with lots of photos of the café.”
“More than three hundred people have liked my first post from this morning,” Mabel said with a smile. “And the Facebook Live video was extremely popular. People are lining up to come inside.”
“As long as we can serve them in a reasonable amount of time, I’m happy. I’ll get your drinks from the front counter.” Andrea hurried across the café and smiled at Rosalie, one of the students from the church’s hospitality class. “Is everything okay?”
She grinned from behind the coffee machine. “It’s perfect. We’re busy, but I’m having so much fun.”
“You’re doing a great job.”
