Shona’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, missing?”
“As in no one knows where it is. It left the bridal company’s office nine days ago, and no one’s seen it since.”
“Why didn’t you say something sooner?” Andrea asked.
“I didn’t know it was missing until two days ago.”
Shona squeezed her friend’s arm. “What did the company say?”
“They’re doing everything they can to find it. If they can't, they don't have enough time to make another one. I'll have to choose a different design.”
“But that was the only one you liked in their catalog.”
“I'll have to be less picky. I don't know any bridal design company that could make a dress in three weeks.”
The optimistic look on Paris’ face was so forced that Shona hugged her. “It's just as well you know someone whose superpower is sewing. If you can't find a dress, I'll make you one.”
“That's so sweet, but you're busy. Making a wedding dress will take too much of your time.”
Andrea picked up her cell phone. “Penny’s sisters chose some pre-loved bridesmaids’ dresses from someone in Bozeman. I remember her saying there were racks of donated gowns to choose from.”
Paris frowned. “You might be right, but I don't need bridesmaids’ dresses.” She looked at Shona. “Andrea and my friend Jackie are my bridesmaids. We ordered their dresses three months ago, and they arrived two weeks later.”
“From the same company?”
Paris nodded. “That’s why I didn’t worry about ordering my dress from them. They assured me the dress would be delivered straightaway.”
Andrea frowned. “I'm almost positive the store in Bozeman also has pre-loved bridal gowns. I'll give Penny a call and find out.”
Shona collected their empty cups. “While you're doing that, I'll make everyone another cup of coffee.”
When she was in the kitchen, she added three more slices of cake to a plate, too. Goodness knows they needed it. For Paris’ dress to go missing so close to her wedding was a disaster.
Just as she was about to return to the living room, her cell phone rang. Leaving two of the coffee mugs on the counter, she pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Shona Milligan speaking.”
“Hi, Shona. It's Pastor John. Is it a good time to speak to you?”
“It's fine. Is everything all right?”
“It couldn't be better. I emailed your business case to a charitable trust I've used. They sent their response to me this afternoon. I'll forward it to you.”
Shona placed her hand over her heart. It was pounding so hard she could hardly breathe. “What did they say?”
“Read the email and call me tomorrow. We can work through the details in my office.”
“Thanks. I will.” With trembling hands, she ended the call and checked her emails. At the top of the list was the message from Pastor John. He wouldn't have called her unless it was good news, or that’s what she hoped.
Holding her breath, she tapped on the message and quickly read the first paragraph. Her eyes widened when she saw what the trust was offering. Taking another breath, she sat at the kitchen table and read the rest of the email.
Paris walked into the kitchen. “Do you need a hand with anything?” She took one look at Shona and sat beside her. “What's happened?”
Too stunned to speak, she handed Paris her phone.
After a few seconds, Paris grinned and threw her arms around her. “That's amazing! They’re lending you twenty thousand dollars for your business. You can open your store now!”
“I can't believe it. If it weren’t for Pastor John, this wouldn’t be happening.”
“Thank goodness you spoke to him. Did you see the interest you’ll be charged? That's half what the bank was willing to do. That alone will save you hundreds of dollars each year. I'm so happy for you.”
