“Next time something like this happens, I will. I’m just grateful to Pastor John for what he did.”
“What’s the name of the trust?”
Shona was hoping he wouldn’t ask, especially after she’d just said she’d be more upfront with him. “If I tell you, you have to keep the name to yourself. The trust wanted the loan to be confidential.”
“Are you sure the money didn’t come from a gang or a drug cartel?”
If Nate didn’t look so worried, she would have laughed. “Pastor John assured me they’re a legitimate trust. Do I have your word you won’t say anything?”
“I promise not to tell anyone.”
“It’s called the Carol Hirshfield Trust. I don’t know anything about it, but I’m happy they saw what the store could become. Why did you want to know their name?”
“No reason. I was curious, that’s all. Have you nearly finished setting up the store?”
The waitress stood beside their table and placed a plate of pancakes in front of Shona. “Here you go. One plate of apple and cinnamon pancakes, a meat-lover’s omelet, and a side of fries. Is there anything else I can get you?”
Shona shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m okay.”
“Me, too,” Nate added.
“There’s ketchup and salt and pepper on the table. If you need anything else, just ask.”
“We will.”
Before the waitress had left, Nate was already eating his enormous omelet.
Shona smiled. He might be changing in ways she never imagined, but his appetite was still the same.
* * *
Later that evening,Joseph helped Shona out of his truck and checked the blindfold he’d tied around her head. “Remember, no peeking.”
“I couldn’t look, even if I wanted to.”
“Is the blindfold too tight?”
“No. It’s fine.” Shona lifted her hands and felt for his arm. “Make sure I don’t trip over anything. I can’t afford to have anything happen this close to the store’s opening.”
Adele slammed the passenger door. “Don’t worry. Dad’s a good guide. He helped me on the obstacle course at my school camp. I didn’t fall off anything.”
“That’s good to know.”
With Shona’s arm wrapped around his, Joseph took a tentative step toward the sidewalk. After she’d returned from Bozeman, he’d met her at Andrea’s house with Adele, and driven her to the cottage on Anchor Lane.
Adding today’s finishing touches to the building had completely transformed it. The baskets of red and white flowers hanging from the veranda looked stunning against the bright yellow walls. More flowers in blue pots decorated each side of the front door, adding lots of color and character to the cottage.
He just hoped Shona liked what they’d done.
Adele stood beside Shona. “Your cottage is so awesome. Everyone who’s stopped to say hello liked it.”
Joseph stopped a few feet away from the small white gate. It was more decorative than practical but, when Shona showed the construction crew some pictures of what she wanted, a white picket fence was at the top of the list.
His gaze skimmed over the front of the cottage. The wrought iron table and chairs that Penny had donated looked great. Filled with cushions from Mabel’s sewing group, the furniture was exactly what a travel-weary customer would enjoy.
He took Shona’s hand off his arm and stood behind her. “Are you ready to see The Cozy Quilt Shop?”
Her sharp nod told him she was nervous.
