Paris brought a flower stand inside and turned the sign on the door to ‘Closed’. “It’s so cold outside. I can’t believe how quickly the weather’s changed.”
Jackie straightened a display of gift cards. “Mr. Jessop’s been telling everyone for the last few days to make the most of the weather. His arthritis always gets worse before a storm.”
“Thank goodness for the greenhouses. Without them, he wouldn’t be able to grow all the lovely vegetables for The Welcome Center. Are you coming to the Christmas meeting tonight?”
Jackie took the tray of money out of the cash register. “I wouldn’t miss it.” Tonight, they were discussing the Christmas events that Sapphire Bay had become famous for. Mabel was giving everyone an update on the carol competition and Shelley wanted to go over the project plan for the Santa Parade and the Christmas markets. “Do you know if Andrea’s going?”
Paris shook her head. “I spoke to her at lunchtime. She’s been so busy with work and organizing her wedding that she’s spending time with her boys.”
“They deserve some time together. Do you know how the meeting with the caterer went?”
“They’re able to do everything Andrea wants. I can’t believe how lucky they are to have found a caterer so close to their wedding.”
Jackie leaned against the counter. “I think Daniella might’ve had something to do with that. The catering company is the same one that works on events at The Fairy Forest. They have a deal with Daniella where they’re happy to prioritize her clients over other people.”
Paris smiled. “That makes sense. And, talking about deals, I saw Penny today.”
“If what you’re about to say has anything to do with the empty cottage beside The Cozy Quilt Shop, I don’t want to hear it. You know I can’t afford to open my own business.”
Paris smiled. “I know I said I wouldn’t mention it again, but you have to hear this. The county has agreed to subsidize the rent for twelve months. It’ll be half what Penny originally told us.”
Numbers bounced around in Jackie’s head. Considering the cottage’s size and location, the rent was always reasonable. But to halve it…that was incredible.
“I don’t know, Paris. It’s still a lot of money to invest, and I don’t know if I’m ready to take that kind of risk.” Jackie’s voice was uncertain as she tried to sort through her thoughts.
Paris placed a reassuring hand on Jackie’s arm. “I understand that it’s scary, and I don’t want you to leave The Flower Cottage. But I know how much you enjoy knitting. Opening your own store is what you’ve always wanted to do.”
“I want to do a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean I can do all of them.”
“I can’t tell you what to do, just like we can’t tell Andrea what she should do with her wedding. Just ask yourself if you’re truly happy with where you’re at right now. If not, then maybe it’s time to take a chance.”
Paris was right. Jackie couldn’t deny the longing she felt every time she walked past the empty cottage. The thought of turning it into a wonderful knitting shop filled her with excitement, especially after talking with Aidan.
“Okay, I’ll think about it. It’s just a big decision, and I don’t want to make a mistake.”
Paris’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That’s all I can ask. If you’d like any advice about setting up a business, I’m here.”
“That means a lot. Thank you.” With a grateful smile, Jackie hugged her friend and then moved the cash drawer into the safe.
Maybe it was time to take a chance, follow her dreams, and see where the road took her.
* * *
Aidan hurriedup the steps of The Welcome Center. Pastor John had invited him to tonight’s Santa’s Secret Helpers meeting to discuss the two fundraisers he was organizing.
When he’d first heard the name of the group, he’d smiled.He’d imagined a roomful of people making wooden toys and delivering them to unsuspecting children on Christmas Eve. But there was nothing quaint or old-fashioned about this group of volunteers.
The gifts they gave the community were more than children’s toys. Whether it was a wheelchair for a teenager who’d been born with cerebral palsy, a new washing machine for a single mom who’d arrived in Sapphire Bay with nothing, or a weekly box of groceries for parents who’d lost their jobs or fallen on hard times, Santa’s Secret Helpers were always there, making sure everyone in the community was safe and cared for.
He opened the door to the meeting room and sighed. With a table full of sweet pastries and muffins, and the smell of freshly ground coffee filling the air, the room was warm and inviting—a lot like the people inside.
The first person he saw was Jackie. She was sitting next to Paris, a pair of knitting needles in her hands and a ball of yarn bobbing inside a tote bag as she finished each stitch.
Pastor John sat at the head of the table, his kind eyes scanning the faces of everyone as he talked about the Santa parade. Shelley, his wife, was giving each person a brightly colored folder. Mabel, Andrea, Paris, and Jackie listened attentively. The room buzzed with anticipation as they discussed their plans to spread joy during the festive season.
Pastor John looked up and smiled. “It looks as though our special guest is here.” He beckoned Aidan forward. “Come and have a seat with us. In case you haven’t noticed, we aren’t all that strict on meeting protocols.”
Jackie stopped knitting, and her eyes widened.
