“Then we'll have to be extra careful. Shona’s meeting me at my house at six o’clock.”
“What about Adele?”
“She has choir practice until seven-thirty.”
John sighed. “That should be more than enough time. Text me when you’re leaving your house.”
“I will. Good luck with smuggling everything past Shelley.” Joseph ended the call. Regardless of how much he wanted to tell Shona about what his trust had been doing in Sapphire Bay, he had to be careful. A lot of people’s pride was at stake.
He’d already let Shona down and he didn’t want to do that to anyone else.
CHAPTER20
Shona parked on the street outside Joseph’s house and took a deep breath. She didn’t know how he’d react to her apology or even if he’d want to hear it. For all she knew, he might have decided he didn’t need the stress of having a girlfriend. But, unless she got out of her truck and spoke to him, she’d never know.
She hadn’t even made it to the veranda when his front door opened and Joseph came outside. Her heart sank. He was wearing a heavy jacket and a ski cap, as if he’d never intended to be home when she arrived.
“Hi. You’re on time. That’s good.”
She frowned. “Did you want me to talk to you outside?”
He followed her gaze to his jacket. “No. I mean, that’s part of the reason I’m wearing my jacket, but we have to go somewhere.”
“We do?” Shona was confused. “What about Adele?”
“She’s at choir practice. We’ll take my truck.” He held onto her elbow and steered her toward the driveway.
It was just as well she’d worn jeans. She’d spent ages going through her closet searching for the perfect outfit to tell Joseph she’d overreacted. But the clothes were either too formal or too flouncy for the conversation she wanted to have with him.
“Where are we going?”
“To The Welcome Center.” He opened the passenger door.
Shona didn’t move. This was getting crazier by the minute. “Why are we going there?”
“I have to show you something, but we don’t have much time.”
“I came to apologize for acting like an idiot. I can’t do that at The Welcome Center. There’ll be people everywhere and—”
Joseph’s lips landed on her mouth.
For a few delirious seconds, she could almost believe the last week hadn’t happened. But when Joseph abruptly ended the kiss, she didn’t know what to think.
“Apology accepted.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a nudge. “We’re meeting John at the center in five minutes. We can’t be late.”
“I’ve just told you I’m sorry and you want to talk to Pastor John? Do you think we need counseling?”
Joseph frowned. “No, we don’t need counseling, but we do need to get to the center. Even though it might not look like it, I’m doing a happy dance on the inside. I thought you wanted to break up with me.”
“No, I…” When he pointed to the passenger seat in the truck, she gave up and sat inside. At least it would be warmer than standing in the cold night air. Clicking her seatbelt into place, she waited for Joseph to start the engine. “Are you going to tell me why we’re going to The Welcome Center?”
“You wanted to know what my trust has funded. It’s easier to show you.”
“Oh.” Shona sat back in the seat. “Do you have any questions or comments to make about my apology?”
“Only that you didn’t need to apologize.” Joseph reversed out of the driveway and headed toward Main Street. “You were right. I should have trusted you more.”
She didn’t know what to say. Since Sunday night’s catchup with Paris, she’d been worrying herself silly about talking to Joseph. But within thirty seconds of seeing him, all was forgiven. “Are you sure you’re feeling all right?”
