He was thrilled the bank had approved Jackie’s loan application. It was a big deal opening a business, even bigger when so much of her life had been a struggle. Her need to be connected to something bigger than herself was one of the things that most attracted him to her. She wasn’t self-centered or focused on making the most amount of money from the least amount of work. Jackie wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives, and she wasn’t afraid of working hard to make it happen.
He didn’t have to wait long for her to open the door. Her wide smile was just as cute as the bright red sweater and black leggings she was wearing.
“Come on in, Aidan. You’ve come at the right time. Daniella was about to eat dessert without you.”
“I heard that,” an amused voice called from inside the house. A few seconds later, Daniella appeared in the hallway. “Where dessert’s concerned, I don’t have much self-control, but I can wait for Aidan to join us.”
He handed Jackie the bottle of wine. “I’m glad I left work when I did, then.”
“So am I,” she said softly. “Thanks for celebrating with us and thank you for the wine.”
“You’re welcome on both counts.” He hung his jacket on the coat stand and walked into the kitchen with her and Daniella. When he saw the plates of food sitting on the table, his eyes widened.
Daniella giggled. “I know. I told Brooke she’d brought too much for us to try, but she said you can never have too much dessert, especially when you’d be here, too.”
Aidan sat beside Jackie at the table. “I don’t know whether to be insulted or grateful.”
Jackie popped the cork on the bottle of wine and grinned. “After you taste the desserts, you’ll be grateful. They’re our all-time favorites.”
Daniella placed some glasses on the kitchen table. “I like the white chocolate and cranberry bliss balls. Brooke only makes them at Christmas, so they’re in hot demand.”
Aidan took one of the bliss balls off the plate Daniella held toward him. They looked like something his sister made with rolled oats and dried fruit, except these were drizzled in white chocolate. He ate a piece and sighed. They were so much better than his sister’s.
Jackie smiled. “They’re yummy, aren’t they? You don’t have to feel guilty when you’re eating them, either. They’re jam-packed full of dates, oats, flaxseed, and cashew butter.”
“I’m hoping this means you’re adding them to the menu?” he asked.
Jackie nodded. “Everything here has made our short-list.”
“I’m looking forward to the gala even more now.” Aidan picked up the glass of wine Jackie had poured for him. “Before we try another sample, I’d like to propose a toast. To Jackie and the start of a new part of her life. Sapphire Bay won’t know what’s happened to them when they see your store.”
Jackie picked up her glass. “I’m hoping they’ll be so impressed they’ll join one of our knitting groups and keep coming back for more yarn.”
“I’ll second that,” Daniella said, clinking her glass against Jackie and Aidan’s. “Here’s to a long and successful career as a small business owner.”
A soft blush appeared on Jackie’s cheeks. “Thanks, guys. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m so happy the bank approved my loan.”
Daniella handed Aidan a small plate. “So am I. They would’ve been crazy to turn you down. Have you thought about what you’ll call your store?”
Jackie nodded. “If it sounds corny, tell me.”
Daniella handed another plate to Jackie. “Considering I own a business called The Fairy Forest, my ability to spot a corny business name isn’t high.”
“You have the perfect name,” Aidan said. “It draws people to Sapphire Bay, even if they knew nothing about what’s inside.”
“That was the goal,” Daniella said, clearly pleased with what Aidan thought. “So, what are you calling your amazing store, Jackie?”
“I thought I’d call it ‘A Stitch in Time’. What do you think?”
Aidan repeated the name in his head. “I like it. It makes me think of a quaint, old-fashioned store that sells knitting wrapped in good memories.”
Daniella nodded. “It gives you an emotional connection to the store as soon as you hear its name.” She high-fived Jackie. “Great choice.”
Jackie seemed relieved. “I’m glad you like it. Now, what dessert do you want to try next?”
Daniella’s gaze roamed over the dishes. “Let’s try the cheesecake. It’s raspberry ripple but, if we don’t like it, we can order another flavor or something completely different.”
Jackie’s expression turned to delight as she had her first taste of the cheesecake. “Oh, my goodness. I’m glad I haven’t had this before. I’d be buying one each weekend.”
