“I’ve had a few inquiries about making similar quilts. I can’t make them now, but the people are happy to wait.”
“When do you want to open your store?”
“As soon as possible.” Carefully, Shona folded the quilt and left it beside her sewing machine. “I have an appointment with the loan officer at the bank on Monday. If they can lend me some money, I’ll be able to open my store in a few weeks.”
“And if they don’t?”
“I’ll have to rethink what I want to do.”
Nate showed Adele another quilt. “They won’t say no. I dropped off some decorations at The Christmas Shop, and most of your quilts have been sold. They’ll be even more popular if you have a store in town.”
“I hope so.”
Joseph didn’t know anything about making quilts, but even he could see that what Shona made was remarkable. “I’m with Nate. And if you employ other people to help you, it will be good for you and the community.”
Shona sighed. “I hope the loan officer is as positive as you and Nate.”
Adele bit her bottom lip. “You should bring the person from the bank to your house. They won’t say no if they see how pretty the quilts are.”
“That’s a great idea,” Shona murmured. “I won’t bring them here, but I could take some of my quilts into the bank with me.”
Joseph picked up the quilt Shona had made for The Lakeside Inn. “Take this one. They’ll love it.”
With a bemused smile, Shona placed it on her worktable.
Joseph looked at the shelf of finished quilts. If the bank turned down her application, he’d speak to Pastor John. The Christmas Wish Program had never given anyone money to open a store, but there was always a first time for everything.
And some things were worth a different type of investment. Especially if it could transform more than one person’s life.
CHAPTER5
The following day, Shona wrapped her arms around Nate and hugged him tight. “Drive carefully. If you get tired, have a break. There are plenty of places to stop for a drink and something to eat.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“And don’t forget to text me when you arrive at your apartment.” Most teenagers would have rolled their eyes at this point, but Nate knew why she was so worried.
“I’ll have plenty of breaks and call you when I reach Bozeman.”
Taking a deep breath, she stepped away from her son. The longer he stayed, the harder it was to say goodbye. “It was wonderful having you here.” Tears stung her eyes as he threw his backpack inside the truck.
“I’ve enjoyed being home.” The door slammed, and Nate’s arms wrapped around her one last time. “Let me know what the bank says about the loan.”
“I will.”
“Love you, Mom.”
That was the last straw for Shona. The tears she’d tried to keep inside spilled down her cheeks. “I love you, too.”
It was always hard when Nate went back to college. He was such an important part of her life that all she wanted was to have him close. But he needed to spread his wings, absorb everything his professors could teach him, and learn how to stand on his own feet.
He opened the driver’s door and started the truck. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“That sounds great.” Shona waved as he drove away. With a sigh, she turned toward her house and blew her nose. Four quilts were waiting to be stitched and she had to call two of her customers. If that wasn’t enough to take her mind off Nate’s departure, she was meeting the bank later this morning.
But, right now, all she wanted to do was go for a walk. It would clear her mind and refocus her energy. From experience, she knew the jarring sense of loneliness would pass. All she had to do was get through today, and she’d be fine.
* * *
