“They did what they thought was for the best. The worst thing I could do is start a business and not be able to pay back the loan.”
That would be extremely unlikely. Shona would always have a backup plan to see her through the tough times. “Good luck with your phone call to Nate.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Am I a bad parent if I admit I’m tempted not to tell him? I want him to focus on his studies, not worry about me.”
“You know him better than anyone, but he isn’t the only child who worries about their parents.”
“You’re right.” Shona looked at him and smiled. “Maybe I worry about him too much, too.”
Just like that, he knew why he liked her so much. She could still smile, even when she was disappointed. “From what I’ve seen, Nate is incredibly resilient. If you talk to John about finding a private investor, let me know what he says.”
“I will. See you later.”
And, with the slice of apple pie in her hands, she walked back to her truck.
He didn’t know why the bank was so worried about lending her the money for the cottage. What she wanted to do made more sense than most of the small businesses popping up across Montana. Making quilts was what she loved doing, and people were lining up to buy them.
All she needed was an investor who saw the potential in what she could achieve. Someone who’d already helped a dozen small businesses thrive.
A person like him.
CHAPTER7
After work the next day, Joseph met John at The Welcome Center. He wanted to provide a start-up loan for Shona’s business. So far, everything looked as though it would work—as long as no one discovered who had invested in her store.
“Are you sure it has to be a confidential offer?” John asked. “It's hard enough not telling anyone about your donations to The Secret Santa Program. Shona will want to know who gave her the money.”
“It’s no different than borrowing money from the bank.”
“I disagree. It’s completely different. Besides not giving her any information about the trust providing the funding, you haven't asked for anything in return.”
“If Shona wants her store to be successful, she'll need to reinvest everything she makes into the business.” Joseph knew how difficult the first couple of years of opening a small business could be. Every extra dollar would be used to pay bills and build her customer base.
John rubbed his hand along his jaw. “What do you want me to tell her when she asks who provided the money?”
“Tell her the same thing you've told everyone else.”
“At some point, someone’s going to ask about the charitable trust I’m getting my funding from.”
John didn't like lying to his friends, but Joseph hadn't given him any choice.
“Just think of all the good we're doing.”
“That’s the only thing that helps me sleep at night. Do you remember what happened when you arrived in Sapphire Bay?”
Joseph smiled. “As soon as we stepped into The Welcome Center, Adele ran toward the cafeteria. You assumed she hadn't eaten anything in days and gave her a huge lunch.”
“Which she devoured. You both looked lost and lonely.”
“That’s because we were.” With his ex-wife living in Australia, there was no reason to stay in the city that had consumed every waking minute of his life. He’d needed a fresh start, and Adele needed to spend time with him. Sapphire Bay had saved his sanity and his relationship with his daughter. “You didn’t know who I was or where I was from, but you gave us somewhere to sleep and something to eat. I’ll never forget that.”
“While you were staying at The Welcome Center, you insisted on paying for your food and accommodation. You’ve always paid your own way in everything you’ve done. Shona’s the same. How will she feel if an anonymous funder gives her the money she needs and wants nothing in return?”
“I get your point, even though I don’t like it. If it makes her feel better, she can pay me two percent interest.”
John still looked worried. “We’re assuming she’ll ask me about finding a private investor. She might have other options.”
“If she does, that’s great. If not, the money from the trust will be enough to open her store.”
