“They called me while we were waiting for Mabel to take everyone’s photo. As well as an article in the International Quilting Magazine, they’re sending me a check for five thousand dollars and a credit for a thousand dollars of advertising. How amazing is that?”
“You deserve it. The quilt is stunning.”
Adele leaned against Joseph’s arm. “The lady’s interviewing Shona on Wednesday.”
“She wants to take photos of the store and some other quilts I’ve made. That publicity alone will bring people to Sapphire Bay.”
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of the praise. We need to celebrate.”
Adele’s eyes widened with excitement. “With ice cream?”
Joseph wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “With the biggest ice creams we can buy.”
Shona looked at the people around them. “No one will notice if we leave a little early. I’ll just say goodbye to Paris and Richard.”
As they approached the happy couple, Joseph spotted John and Shelley on the dance floor wrapped in each other’s arms, and dancing to a slow country ballad.
If they could find happiness in the small Montana town, there might be hope for him. All he had to do was trust that Shona loved him for who he was. And forgive him for not telling her about the trust.
* * *
The next morning,Shona woke up with a fright. There it was again. The rapid thump of a hand against wood. Someone was banging on her front door and they were in a hurry to see her.
Stumbling out of bed, she grabbed a sweater and rushed down the hallway. The first thing she thought about was Nate. If something had happened to him, she didn’t know what she’d do.
With a pounding heart, she unlocked the door, half-expecting to see two police officers standing on the veranda.
She let out a relieved sigh. “Andrea?”
“I’m sorry it’s so early, but I didn’t know what time you’re going to work. I wanted to make sure you heard the news from me first.”
Shona’s eyes widened. Her friend was on the verge of tears. Whatever had happened must be important. “Come in and tell me what’s wrong.”
Andrea followed her into the living room. “Nothing’s wrong. In fact, it’s incredibly right, but I’m already stressed and worried.” She took a deep, trembling breath. “David and I have set a date for our wedding. I’m so excited I don’t know what to do with myself. Except I do know what’s ahead of us, and it’s scary.”
Shona rubbed her forehead, trying to make sense of what she was saying. “I'm pleased you've found a date that works for everyone. Why is it scary?”
“Because we're getting married in six weeks. Six weeks! Who gets married that quickly? There's so much to do. We need to book a venue, find a caterer, work out a theme, and if that isn’t enough to give me a migraine, I have to find something to wear.”
She gave Andrea a hug. “It will be all right. All you have to do is write down everything you'd like and go from there. Where are the boys?”
“David’s parents are visiting us. They stayed with them while we were at Paris’ wedding.”
“That gives you time to gather your thoughts and talk to David. He’s overseeing the new BioTech research facility. If anyone can organize a wedding in six weeks, he can.”
Andrea sank into a chair. “You’re right. I didn’t get much sleep last night, and I’m overreacting.” She glanced at the coffee table and frowned. “Your cell phone’s flashing.”
“Nate must be trying to get hold of me. He programmed something onto my phone so it flashes when he sends me a message.” She picked up her cell phone and, sure enough, there was a message from him.
“Is he okay?”
“He’ll be fine. He wants me to read an email he sent. I’ll do it later.”
Andrea pulled herself out of the chair. “You should read it now. It might be important. And while you do that, I’ll make two cups of coffee.”
Shona opened her email app. “The coffeepot should’ve turned on automatically.” She found Nate’s message and frowned. Her eyes widened when she reread the email. It couldn’t be right.
While Andrea was in the kitchen, she called Nate.
