“Did Nate make these?” Shona asked.
Adele nodded. “Ben and Kylie wanted some of his art to be here.”
Joseph cleared his throat. “They’ve already paid Nate for them. They’re a gift for the store.”
“It’s too much. The Christmas Shop doesn’t make a lot of money.”
“They wanted to do something special for you. It’s okay to accept help.”
Shona looked into his eyes and sighed. “Sometimes, I’m too stubborn for my own good.”
“So is Dad,” Adele said in a very matter-of-fact voice. “Granddad says he’s as stubborn as a mule.”
And just like that, Shona’s embarrassment was gone. “You should be used to stubborn people, then.”
Joseph relaxed. “I am, but it isn’t easy.” He glanced at Adele. She was already walking toward the empty craft table. “Don’t worry about kissing me,” he said softly. “It doesn’t change anything.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Shona sighed. “I really am sorry. I’ve been so worried about the store, and—”
“What did Mrs. Terry say about the sewing machines, Dad?”
“She’ll drop them off next week.” He looked at Shona and frowned. She had a sheen to her eyes that didn’t bode well for a tear-free tour of the cottage. “All you have to do is call her to arrange a day and a time. Do you want a hug?”
She nodded and stepped closer.
Silently, he opened his arms and held her against his chest. Her store was everything she’d ever dreamed about, but she hadn’t been able to do it on her own. She was overwhelmed, tired, and scared. But, with a little help from her friends, he knew it would be okay.
* * *
The next fewdays flew by. Shona was still stunned that everything had come together so quickly. Having the store finished made a massive difference to her peace of mind. She could focus on the finishing touches, talk to the women joining her quilting team, and plan for the store’s grand opening.
Mabel had arrived with the sewing machines on Tuesday. By Thursday, Shona had a roster of people who wanted to use them. All week, Mabel’s daughter, Barbara, had flooded the social media sites with information about the store and Saturday’s grand opening.
With the extra publicity, the phone was ringing nonstop. People were excited and looking forward to seeing the fabrics, spools of thread, beads, and tassels they hadn’t been able to buy in Sapphire Bay before.
On Friday, Brooke delivered one hundred gift-wrapped bags of fudge to the store. With a little tag containing the store’s website and phone number, Shona hoped it reminded people to come back and see even more quilts and novelty items on their next visit.
With Paris and Andrea busy at work, she was glad she’d asked Jackie to help organize the candy and the decorations for the grand opening.
As well as being Paris and Andrea’s friend, Jackie worked in The Flower Cottage. She had lots of retail experience and was happy to help Shona if she needed another pair of hands.
The last few days had been extra special because of the picnic dinners Joseph and Adele had shared with her. Each night, they’d arrived with a basket of delicious food and stories about what they’d been doing. It was a welcome distraction from the all the things she still had to do.
Joseph hadn’t mentioned anything more about kissing him. It was as if it hadn’t happened. Part of her was relieved, but the other part was worried. She was a huggy, impulsive person. Two great qualities that could get her into trouble if she let down her guard. And it was far too easy to be herself around Joseph. He was kind, compassionate, and gentle—all the qualities her huggy, impulsive personality loved.
She looked at her watch and sighed. It was four o’clock. She was exhausted and her back was killing her. Thankfully, Joseph and Adele were volunteering at The Welcome Center instead of visiting her tonight. She was looking forward to going home, running a hot bath, and soaking her tired muscles.
Picking up an empty box, she looked across the store. Quilts from the Bigfork craft group had been delivered this afternoon. They were a gorgeous addition to the ones she’d made. Other small gifts added something extra to the store; handmade birthday cards, a display of crushed velvet cushions, and dried flower arrangements from Paris’ store.
Everything was unique, colorful, and made with love.
Jackie added a pink ribbon to the balloon she’d filled with helium. “That’s the last balloon done. The store looks amazing.”
“Thank you. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved. The people who come here will love it.”
