Everyone turned to Shona.
Her eyebrows rose. “Lots of other things have happened in Sapphire Bay over the last week.”
Andrea scooped a handful of peanuts out of a bowl. “Like what?”
“Another two tiny homes left the old steamboat museum. Mabel was on the local radio station talking about the issues we’re having with feral cats, and Brooke launched a Thanksgiving Day fundraiser for the summer camp BioTech Industries are building.” She looked at each of her friends. “What else has happened?”
“You won the International Quilting Magazine’s Supreme Award,” Jackie said helpfully.
“Congratulations!” Paris rushed around the table and hugged Shona. “That’s amazing.”
Andrea picked up her phone and swiped through a few screens. “Here it is. I knew I’d saved the magazine article.” She handed her phone to Paris. “It’s great advertising for Shona’s store.”
“The photos aren’t bad either. Have you had lots of people ask about other quilts you’re selling?”
Shona nodded. “The store’s been busy. I had to ask Jackie to work at The Cozy Quilt Shop in the afternoons after she’d finished at The Flower Cottage.”
“It’s been fun,” Jackie added. “Tell Paris about the junior quilting workshops you’ve started.”
Shona didn’t dare look at Andrea. Her friend knew better than anyone how much she was struggling with not seeing Joseph. Spending time with Adele last week had made her even more aware of what she was missing. “Four students have enrolled in the classes. They made pincushions for their first project.”
Paris smiled. “I would’ve loved to do something like that when I was younger, especially in a quilting store. Just being around all the colorful fabric and gorgeous designs makes me want to do something creative."
"I’m starting adult classes soon. You can always join one of those.”
“I’d love to, but it will have to wait until I’m working a few less hours at The Flower Cottage.”
“Talking about working fewer hours,” Andrea said excitedly. “I have news, too.”
Paris nibbled on a chicken wing. “Have you decided to close on Mondays?”
“Not yet. Even though it’s our quietest day, I can’t afford to lose the income it generates. The news I have to share is much better. David and I have set a date for our wedding. We’re getting married in six weeks.”
Paris’ mouth dropped open. “That’s fantastic, but do you know how much time it takes to organize a wedding?”
“I know it’ll be difficult, but it was the only time everyone could be together.”
Shona looked at each of her friends. “We’ve worked with tighter timeframes before. Look at what we achieved with my store. If it weren’t for everyone’s help, it never would have opened.”
Andrea cleared her throat. “It wasn’t onlyourhelp that made a difference.”
Shona sighed. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I know you don’t, but sometimes you need to get it off your chest. You miss him and it’s eating you up inside.” Andrea wrapped her arm around Shona’s shoulders. “We love you, you know that. All we want is for you to be happy. But each time I’ve seen you over the last week, you’ve been on the verge of tears.”
“You make me sound like a damsel in distress who needs a man to make her happy.”
“You’ll never be a damsel in distress,” Andrea said with a gentle smile. “You’re too stubborn.”
Paris frowned. “What’s happened?”
“It’s Joseph,” Shona said sadly. “He owns the trust that gave me the twenty-thousand-dollar loan.”
“That’s great,isn’t it?”
Shona shook her head. “He should’ve told me.”
“But if he had, would you have accepted the money?”
