They spent the next half hour going through each box, taking photographs for the store’s website, and rearranging the shelving in the store to display the clothes to perfection.
When they were finished, Shona stood back and admired what they’d done. “I don’t know why we spend so much time displaying the baby clothes. As soon as I upload the photos to the website, people will buy everything you’ve brought in today.”
“At least you don’t have to worry about having extra stock to sell.”
“I’ll never have to worry about that with you. Do you have time for a cup of coffee?”
Jackie shook her head. “I promised Paris I’d come into work a little earlier. Andrea’s meeting us to finalize the flower arrangements and bouquets for her wedding.”
“That sounds exciting. How’s she feeling?”
“A little anxious, but very excited.”
Shona walked across to a table displaying pretty blue, pink, and purple crystal stones. “Take these with you. They’re for you, Paris, and Andrea. The amethyst is a wonderful crystal that promotes calmness, clarity, and relaxation. Tell Paris and Andrea that whenever they feel stressed, all they have to do is hold the crystal and take some slow, deep breaths.”
Jackie held them in her palm. “I’ll tell them. How’s Andrea and David’s wedding quilt coming along?”
“Even if I say so myself, it’s fabulous. Remember not to say anything to them. I want it to be a surprise.”
Jackie hugged Shona. “I won’t say anything. Do you want me to lock the door on my way out?”
“Don’t worry. At this time of the day, if someone wanders in, I’ll know them.”
After Jackie said goodbye, she checked her watch and walked to The Flower Cottage. Luckily, she didn’t have far to go. The first four cottages on Anchor Lane had been converted into small businesses. Paris was renting the first building for The Flower Cottage, Andrea had opened The Starlight Café in the second cottage, and Shona had opened her store in the third.
Before she opened the door to The Flower Cottage, Jackie looked down the street at the fourth building. Unlike the other three businesses, the sign above the veranda didn’t have any store logo or branding. It didn’t have baskets of hanging flowers, and there were no tables or chairs for customers to enjoy a peaceful few minutes.
Her friends were trying to convince her that opening her own knitting store would be good for her and the community. There was nothing she’d like more, but she couldn’t afford to take such a big risk. For now, the building was a blank canvas waiting for someone to make their own.
Someone who wouldn’t be her.
* * *
When Jackie walkedinto The Flower Cottage, Paris was busy arranging a vase of flowers at the counter, and Andrea was flipping through a bridal magazine.
She left her bag beside the counter. “You haven’t changed your mind about your bouquet, have you, Andrea?”
Her friend grinned. “Paris wouldn’t speak to me if I did. I’m looking in Paris’ magazines for inspiration for a big wedding decoration.”
Paris picked up another flower. “David wants something spectacular behind the bridal table.”
“Not only spectacular,” Andrea added, “but glittery and bright. Where will we find something like that so close to our wedding?”
Jackie frowned. “I’m not sure, but I’m happy to help you look.”
“I’ve already gone through all Paris’ and my bridal magazines. I don’t understand why David’s so set on having something big behind where we’re sitting. Until two days ago, he was happy with everything we’d organized.”
David O’Dowd was the clinical director of BioTech Industries. When Andrea had shown them the spreadsheet he’d created for their wedding, she’d been impressed. He’d listed everything they’d need, with a timeline of when each item had to be booked, reconfirmed, and paid for. David had an organized, process driven mind. For him to add something at the last minute was a little out of character.
Jackie frowned. “Maybe he’s feeling as nervous as you are about the wedding.”
Andrea sighed. “You could be right. He’s so busy making sure BioTech’s new research facility meets all its targets, he doesn’t have much time for anything else. If I could find a picture of something similar to what he wants, it might make him feel better.”
Jackie thought about the wedding arch Daniella had made for Jan and Cliff’s wedding. Pulling out her phone, she showed Andrea the photos she’d taken. “What about something like this? You could make it even more dramatic by draping chiffon around the frame and adding some kind of lighting to make it even more sparkly.”
Andrea studied the screen. “It’s big enough, but I’m not sure it’s what David wants. To be honest, Idon’t even know what he wants.”
“I’ll send you a copy of the photo. Show David and, if he likes the concept, we can design something so over the top that he’ll love it.”
