“While you’re doing that, I’ll make us a hot drink.”
“That’d be wonderful. I’m really glad I saw you. I’d still be wondering about the loan if you hadn’t mentioned it.”
Daniella grinned. “You have more willpower than me. I would’ve been checking my phone every few minutes while we were talking.”
“I was worried they’d say no. It was better to focus on what I could control instead of being upset if they said no.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry anymore. Call Penny before someone else does.”
Jackie found Penny’s number and waited for her to answer. “Hi, Penny? It’s Jackie West. I just received the loan I need to start my business. If no one else has shown an interest, I’d like to secure the lease on the cottage on Anchor Lane.”
“That’s so exciting,” Penny replied. “Why don’t we meet at the cottage after you finish work, and we’ll go through all the paperwork?”
“That’d be amazing. I’m just having a meeting with Daniella, but I can meet you at the cottage in half an hour?”
“Half an hour is perfect. Congratulations on the loan. The store will be an amazing addition to Sapphire Bay.”
“Thank you so much! I’ll see you soon.” Jackie beamed as she ended the call. She turned to Daniella and shared the good news. “I’ll sign the lease this afternoon.”
“Congratulations! You’re officially a business owner.” Daniella cheered, raising her coffee cup in a toast.
“Almost,” Jackie corrected with a smile. “There’s still one more person I have to call.”
A mischievous gleam filled Daniella’s eyes. “Let me guess. He wouldn’t be tall, dark, and handsome with stunning blue eyes, would he?”
“How did you know I’m calling Aidan?”
“Because he didn’t take his eyes off you the entire night of David and Andrea’s wedding. I have a sixth sense when it comes to romance, and wedding bells chimed whenever I spotted the two of you together.”
“It’s not that serious. We like each other, so we’ll go on a few dates and see what happens.”
“That’s how most relationships start,” Daniella said. “Who knows what the future holds.”
Jackie did, and it involved living hundreds of miles apart and making lots of long-distance calls. With that sobering thought dulling her excitement, she called Aidan.
“Hey, Jackie,” he answered, his deep voice resonating on the other end of the line.
“Hi,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “I wanted to tell you I got the loan for my store. I’m about to sign the lease on the building.”
“That’s fantastic news! Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Jackie replied. “I won’t take any more of your time. I just wanted to share the news with you.”
“I’m glad you did,” Aidan said sincerely. “It’ll be a wonderful store. Do you want to go out tonight to celebrate?”
“I can’t. I have to get more knitting finished, but you could come around to my house. Brooke and Megan are making some sample plates of the desserts we’ve selected for the Christmas gala. Daniella’s coming, too.”
“I’d like that. I’ll bring a bottle of wine to celebrate. What time would you like me there?”
“How about seven o’clock?”
“I’ll see you then.”
Aidan ended the call and Jackie sighed. She still couldn’t believe she was about to embark on the most amazing adventure of her life. And all because of a little cottage and a big dream.
* * *
Aidan’s fingersdrummed a gentle rhythm on the steering wheel as he pulled up to Jackie’s home. The warm glow of the living room lights spilled onto the porch, and he could see shadows moving inside. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of his car and made his way along the garden path.
