“So am I. Let's take the coffee through to the living room. Hopefully, Penny remembers the name of the bridal place. If she does, I won’t be the only person going to bed with a smile on her face.”
Paris picked up the plate of cake and one of the mugs. “I hope you're right. Otherwise, I’ll be walking down the aisle in a dress from my closet.”
* * *
Andrea smiledwhen Shona and Paris returned to the living room. “Guess what?”
Paris handed her a cup of coffee. “Please tell me Penny remembered the name of the business?”
“She did, but I have even better news. The Bridesmaids’ Club has an online catalog we can use to find the perfect dress. If you don't like any of the dresses, a store in Bozeman sells the most amazing gowns. Penny said they have a good selection of styles.”
“That's the best news I've heard all day.”
Andrea was still smiling. “And it's not over yet. If you find one you like, Penny said her mom will to do any alterations you need.”
Paris sat on one of the big, comfy chairs and sighed. “I don’t know what to say except thank you. But that's not the only good news.” She looked at Shona and smiled. “You tell Andrea.”
“I can open my business! Pastor John contacted a trust that pays for some of the programs at the church. They looked at my business plan and want to lend me twenty thousand dollars.”
Andrea’s mouth dropped open. “That's fantastic.”
“I can't believe I'm opening my own store. I had to pinch myself after I read their email.”
“Believe it and enjoy it,” Paris said with a wide smile. “We’ll have to organize some electric drill lessons so you assemble some kitset furniture.”
“That would be wonderful but, first, we need to find you a wedding dress.” Shona picked up her laptop and searched for a website for The Bridesmaids’ Club in Bozeman. Her eyes widened when she found it. The range of dresses they gave away was astounding.
“You have to look at this. It’s amazing.”
With Paris and Andrea looking over her shoulder, they scrolled through the dresses. Some were traditional Cinderella ball gowns, while others were slinky, satin sheaths.
Paris pointed to a dress that wouldn’t have looked out of place inThe Great Gatsby. “That would make an amazing wedding dress. It’s simple but different.”
Shona enlarged the photo. The white 1920s-inspired gown with its sparkly fringe, heavy beading, and round neckline would look lovely on Paris. “It’s fabulous. I can't believe they don't charge people for these dresses.”
“Neither can I,” Andrea said. “Although, from what Penny said, most of the people who take the gowns give them to someone else after their wedding.”
Paris leaned closer when Shona clicked on another vintage gown. “That one’s beautiful, too.”
Shona handed her the laptop. “There’s a contact tab at the top of the website. Why don’t you book an appointment to see the dresses?”
“Jackie won’t be back from her vacation until next week. If I can book a time that suits you and Andrea before then, would you come with me?”
Andrea grinned. “I was hoping you’d ask. Of course, I will.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Shona smiled at the relieved expression on Paris’ face. Replacing the dress that had gone missing would be hard. But, if the pictures on the website were anything to go by, they might find a gown that was even better than the one Paris had ordered.
CHAPTER8
Joseph looked around the tiny home factory. With another two houses ready to be delivered, they were three weeks ahead of schedule—and he couldn't have been happier.
“I like the new exterior color scheme,” Pastor John said from the doorway of Joseph's office.
“Thanks. We thought we'd try something different for the Billings’ order.” He opened a folder and handed it to John. “They wanted a design that didn't stand out against the trees surrounding the site. We only have another four to build to complete the order.”
John studied the site plan and the photos Joseph had taken. “I'm impressed. You could easily overlook them If you didn't know they were there.”
“That was the idea. What brings you out to the old steamboat museum?”
