Each Thursday, without fail, Andrea and Paris had dinner together after the café closed. It was a way for them to unwind, forget about life’s trials and tribulations, and enjoy each other’s company.
While they’d worked together on her application form, they’d become good friends. It was nice spending time with them, and laughing at the crazy ups and downs of living in a small town.
Closing her eyes, Shona repeated the words that had brought her here. Just because the bank wouldn’t lend her any money, it wasn't the end of the world. She could brainstorm and find another way to make her dreams a reality. Even if it took another year, she could do it.
She forced a smile when she saw her friends. “Someone’s had a good day.”
Andrea grinned and pulled out a chair. “Come and have a seat. Paris was telling me about her wedding cake. It will be amazing.”
Paris handed Shona her cell phone. “I asked Megan if she could make a cake that’s covered in roses. These are some of the options she came back with.”
The photos were lovely. Each cake had two or three layers of deliciousness wrapped in white frosting and gorgeous flowers. “Which one’s your favorite?”
“The first one. I like how the roses cascade down the cake, and it only has two layers. We're not having a big wedding, so it should be perfect.”
“You won't be disappointed. Megan’s cakes are wonderful.”
“So are her cookies.” Andrea placed a cup of coffee in front of Shona. “She's making dozens of chocolate chip cookies for the table favors. I've already offered to help wrap them.”
Paris laughed. “You'll need us there to make sure you don't eat most of them.”
“I'll have to be on my best behavior.” Andrea searched Shona’s face. “Something’s wrong. What's happened?”
Taking a deep breath, Shona gathered what was left of her courage and told her friends the news she didn't want to share. “The loan officer called me an hour ago. They’re worried about my projected income. At the moment, the bank isn’t prepared to lend me any money.”
Paris’ eyes widened. “That's silly. You had a solid business plan and the potential to grow your business.”
Shona was just as confused. “They're worried that once I resign from my job at the church, I won’t have enough income to cover the repayments. The loan officer suggested I reapply in twelve months.”
“The cottage won't be available next year.” Andrea reached for Shona’s hand. “I can't believe they’re not lending you the money. Especially when they were happy to give Paris and me a start-up loan.”
Tears gathered in Shona’s eyes. She wiped them away, determined to think only positive thoughts. Drowning in self-pity wouldn’t make any difference to what they’d said. “I can't do anything about their decision, but I'm hoping I can open the store without their help.”
Paris hugged her. “I'm sorry they didn't approve the loan, but we’re here for you. How can we help?”
“I'm not sure yet. I need a few days to think about my options, but I appreciate your support.”
Andrea sent her a reassuring smile. “While you're doing that, we'll do the same. Between the three of us, we'll find a solution.”
“I hope so. After my first meeting with the bank, I was sure they’d lend me the money. I'll have to talk to Penny. She’ll want to know what they said.”
“Don't call her too soon. If we can find a way to open your store without the bank’s help, you'll still be able to take over the lease.”
“At some point, I need to let her know what's happened. But I guess you’re right. Another couple of days won't make any difference.”
“It will be okay,” Paris told her. “You already have a great business. All we need to do is find a way for you to open a store on Anchor Lane.”
Shona appreciated the sincerity in her friends’ eyes. She felt so much better than she had an hour ago, but there was a lot of hard work ahead of her. It would take a miracle to open the quilting store. But, as Pastor John often said, miracles were closer than you thought.
* * *
Joseph was washingthe last of the dinner dishes when the front doorbell rang.
“I'll get it,” Adele yelled from the living room.
“Look through the window before you open the door.” He didn't have to see his daughter’s face to know she was rolling her eyes. After they moved to Sapphire Bay, it had only taken her a few days to forget the safety instructions he'd given her in Los Angeles.
“It's Shona!”
