The Santa Express Page 6

  “Extremely. Red makes me happy.”

  John looked at the photo she showed him. For someone who was so detail-focused, Shelley’s emotional reaction to a color surprised him. “It’s a reliable model.”

  “And it’s red,” Shelley said with a grin. “What have you been doing?”

  “Talking to someone from the county offices about our funding application.”

  “From the frown on your face, it doesn’t look as though it was a good conversation.”

  John sighed. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to provide them with the ongoing documents they need.”

  “What type of documentation?”

  “Have a seat. This could take a while.” John printed off the list the county had emailed him and handed it to Shelley. “An accountant who retired to Sapphire Bay used to pay all our bills and do our monthly and annual financial statements. Nine months ago, he moved to Fort Wayne to be closer to his family. Since then, a team of local business owners have helped me keep our bills paid and our monthly statements up to date. But with Christmas just around the corner, everyone’s so busy that I’m doing most of the work.”

  Shelley’s eyebrows rose. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I get the impression that preparing financial statements isn’t something you enjoy.”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Only to someone who lives and breathes numbers.” She read the list John had given her. “The documents the county requires are fairly standard for funding support. Have you looked for another accountant?”

  “The nearest accounting firm is in Polson. Apart from the distance, they’ll charge a lot of money to prepare the documents the county needs. I’m beginning to wonder if it’s all worth it.”

  Shelley placed the sheet of paper on his desk. “Bailey told me what you want to do. The budgeting and counseling services will change people’s lives. You can’t let a list of requirements stop you from making a difference.”

  “We already have some services in place.”

  “Aren’t they run by volunteers?”

  John knew what Shelley meant. “I know that relying on volunteers isn’t a good long-term strategy. But unless I want to pay a company thousands of dollars to provide these documents and do our day-to-day finances, it’s the only choice I have.”

  “You won’t have to pay anyone thousands of dollars. How many hours each week does it take to keep your financial records up to date?”

  “On average, it probably takes five hours. I’m not sure how long it took our accountant to complete the end-of-year statements.”

  “Are your accounts audited?”

  John nodded. “Everything is sent to a chartered accountant.”

  Shelley took a deep breath. “What if we make a deal? You said there are spare rooms in The Welcome Center that could be used as office space. What if I prepare the documents the county needs and keep your books in order? In return, I can use one of the spare rooms for as long as I stay in Sapphire Bay. You’ll have to ask another chartered accountant to audit your accounts, but I know a person who charges really low fees.”

  “That doesn’t sound like much of a deal. All you get is an unused room.”

  “Hopefully, the church’s accounts aren’t the only ones I’ll be doing. I couldn’t set up a business from Bailey’s cottage. It’s too small. But, after Christmas, The Welcome Center would be perfect. If you don’t mind my clients meeting me here, I’m happy to help you.”

  John was worried that Shelley wouldn’t have enough time to do everything. “Are you sure you can put together everything the county needs? The Santa Express will take a lot of your time and Christmas isn’t far away.”

  “When do they need the documents?”

  “In the next two weeks.”

  Shelley sat taller in the chair. “In that case, I’d better work fast. How do you feel about your new accountant starting work tomorrow?”

  John breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day. Do you want to choose an office now?”

  “That sounds good to me.” Shelley picked up her bag. “If I need any extra furniture, I’ll pick it up this afternoon.”

  John hoped she wasn’t disappointed when she saw the rooms. The wooden tables and black metal chairs wouldn’t impress many people. Especially when they were used to working with companies who had a lot more money than the church.

  Shelley opened the front door to Bailey’s cottage and nearly leaped out of her skin. Silver streamers and purple balloons were draped across the entranceway.

  “Surprise!” Bailey yelled as she raced out of the living room and hugged Shelley. “I’m so glad you’ve decided to live in Sapphire Bay. Mom and dad will be thrilled.”

  “How did you know I’m staying here?”

  “Mabel was at The Welcome Center when John showed you the spare rooms. I don’t know whether she’s more excited about having another Jones sister join the fundraising team or happy that she doesn’t have to pester John about the invoices.”

  Shelley sighed. “Mabel’s read too much into what she saw. I might not stay forever.”

  Bailey’s smile disappeared. “What do you mean? I thought you were starting your own accounting firm? Mabel’s telling all her friends to see you about their tax forms.”

  “I need to buy some new furniture, design a website, and let everyone know how they can contact me before I start my business.”

  “Don’t worry about any of that. After Mabel posts something on the community Facebook page, you’ll have customers lining up to speak to you. No one will care if you don’t have an ergonomic desk and chair, or the decor is a little dated.”

  Shelley’s eyes widened. “Please tell me she hasn’t added anything to the Facebook page.”

  “I don’t think so. But if you’re super certain you don’t want any clients waiting to see you tomorrow, I’d give her a call. You know what Mabel’s like. Any sign of a story and she’s straight on the Internet, telling the world about what’s happening.”

  Before Shelley spoke to Mabel, she needed to take a deep, calming breath. She looked at the decorations and frowned. “The streamers and balloons look lovely. Are they from Mom and Dad’s anniversary party?”

  “We had a few decorations left over. I thought they were perfect to celebrate your almost forever move to Sapphire Bay.”

  “They are. I’m sorry if I’m grumpy. It’s been a long day.”

  “It will be even longer if you don’t catch Mabel before she posts something on Facebook.” Bailey rubbed Shelley’s arm. “You call Mabel while I make each of us a cup of hot chocolate. And if we’re really lucky, there’ll be some chocolate cake in the pantry.”

  “That sounds great. I won’t be long.” Shelley opened her bag and pulled out her cell phone. After a quick call to Mabel, she joined her sister in the kitchen. “Is it usually like this?”

  “Do you mean about Mabel or the way news travels around Sapphire Bay?”

  “Both. At first, Mabel didn’t believe that I might not stay here permanently. But, after telling her what I was doing, she offered to post something else on Facebook.” Shelley shook her head. “One day, Mabel will say something that will get her into trouble.”

  “She’s already done that and it hasn’t stopped her. So, what are you officially doing at The Welcome Center?”

  “The county wants more financial information for the funding application. In return for using one of the spare rooms as an office, I’ll compile what the county needs and keep the church’s accounts up to date. After Christmas, I’ll look at starting my own accounting business. John’s happy for me to work from the center. If I don’t get enough clients, I’ll find another fixed-term contract.”

  Bailey handed Shelley a large mug of hot chocolate. “Would you prefer to stay in Sapphire Bay?”

  “I would. Contract work is great and I’ve seen a lot of the country. But, some days, I feel like a nomad. All I want to do is unpack and stay in one place for more
than three or four months.”

  With a smile, Bailey slid an enormous slice of chocolate cake toward Shelley. “It’s just as well you arrived in town when you did. You can help John, have Christmas with us, and start your own business all in the next few months.”

  Shelley sighed as the chocolate cake melted in her mouth. “You forgot about The Santa Express, the Christmas wish fundraiser, and your wedding.”

  “I didn’t want you to feel overwhelmed.”

  “At least I won’t be bored.”

  Bailey grinned. “No one is ever bored in Sapphire Bay.”

  The next morning, Shelley stepped into the foyer of The Welcome Center feeling happier than she had in a long time. She didn’t know whether it was because she’d had a great night’s sleep or if, deep in her bones, she knew this was where she needed to be. Either way, she was glad to be working from the center instead of Bailey’s kitchen table.

  “You’re here early,” John said as he walked along the corridor.

  “I want to spend some time going over your accounts while you’re here.”

  “That’s a good idea. My first appointment isn’t until ten o’clock, so if you need anything, just ask.” He held up the cup in his hand. “There’s fresh coffee in the kitchen. Would you like one?”

  Shelley shook her head. “Not at the moment.”

  “Were you able to get access to the church accounts?”

  “Mabel made sure I can log in. After I’ve added any recent invoices to the database, I’ll make a start on the income projections for the county.”

  John smiled. “You don’t know how grateful I am. The invoices are on my desk. I’ll get them for you.”

  Shelley followed John into his office. “Do you have any written procedures for buying supplies or paying bills?”

  “Not really. Most of the time I pay the invoices. I always get a receipt.”

  “That’s good, but what happens if you aren’t here or have to go away for a while?”

  “I ask someone else to check my email account for any invoices. If a bill comes in, they pay it.” John handed her a folder. “No one would steal money from the church.”

  Shelley had heard the same words from a lot of organizations. “When people are desperate, no one is safe. I reread the county’s requirements last night. They want to know what happens when money comes in and goes out of the church accounts. Would you like me to create a draft document that you can review?”

  “What if I do the draft document and you check it to make sure it meets whatever standards the county need?”

  “Only if you have the time.”

  “I’ve got the time now that you’re here.”

  Shelley tried to ignore the warmth in John’s eyes. He was friendly to everyone and thankful for what she was doing for the church. But that didn’t slow her pounding heart or make her less aware of his amazing blue eyes.

  The only thing that would make her think twice about him were the texts from her ex-fiancée. John didn’t think anyone would steal from the church and she never thought she’d be harassed. Maybe, beneath her cynical exterior, she had more in common with John than she thought.

  Chapter 5

  “Who’s the gorgeous woman sitting behind the desk?”

  Shelley smiled at her sister, Sam. “I thought you were driving to Bozeman this afternoon?”

  “My boss decided to have our meeting online. That way, the whole team can be involved.” She handed Shelley a bouquet of pale yellow roses. “I brought you an office-warming present.”

  “They’re beautiful. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I thought they might brighten up the room. What’s with the fancy shirt and jacket?”

  “This is what I normally wear to work.” Shelley looked down at her black skirt, cream blouse, and deep blue tailored jacket. “What’s wrong with it?”

  “Nothing if you live in a big city. But this is Sapphire Bay.”

  “That doesn’t make a difference. I want to look as though I know what I’m doing.”

  Sam dropped into the nearest chair. “Everyone knows that you know what you’re doing.”

  Shelley frowned. “I haven’t spent a lot of time in Sapphire Bay. Most of the community don’t even know I’m an accountant.”

  “You’re underestimating the power of social media.” Sam studied Shelley’s face. “You haven’t seen the Facebook post, have you?”

  “Has Mabel told everyone I’m here?”

  “You guessed it. But she didn’t stop there. Mabel must have spoken to Bailey. Everyone knows your entire life story.”

  Shelley’s mouth dropped open. “I hope you’re joking?”

  “I wish I was. Thankfully, she didn’t mention anything about Jarrod.”

  Instead of asking her sister to repeat what Mabel had written, Shelley reached for her cell phone. Pinned to the top of the community Facebook page was a summary of her life. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been. But she didn’t want everyone knowing she was addicted to the chocolate fudge from Sweet Treats or that her first pet rabbit was called Carrots.

  Sam cleared her throat. “At least the photo’s cute.”

  Bailey had taken the photo on Shelley’s last trip to Sapphire Bay. She was standing beside Flathead Lake, laughing at something her sister had said.

  “Don’t blame Bailey. Mabel could work for the FBI. She has a way of finding out information that would impress any interrogation expert.”

  “I wish she hadn’t focused on me.”

  “It’s because you’re new. Once the novelty of having our very own accountant wears off, you’ll be just like the rest of us.”

  A soft tap on the door made both of them turn around.

  “Am I interrupting something?”

  Shelley smiled at the potted plant in John’s hands. “It’s okay. Sam and I were just catching up.”

  He left the green-leafed plant on the shelves beside the door. “I thought this might make you feel more at home, but it looks as though someone else had the same idea.”

  “That was me,” Sam said with a grin. “Shelley loves yellow roses. I thought they’d brighten her day.”

  Shelley could have sworn John relaxed.

  “I have something else that might brighten her day, too.” Opening his jacket, John pulled out a bag of chocolate fudge. “Welcome to The Welcome Center.”

  With a groan, Shelley accepted the bag. “You read the Facebook post?”

  “It’s hard not to when it’s pinned to the top of the news feed. If the number of likes is anything to go by, most of Sapphire Bay now knows who you are.”

  With a deep sigh, Shelley opened the bag. Normally, she saved this decadent treat for after dinner. But desperate times called for desperate measures. “Thank you for the plant and the fudge. You’d both better help me eat this treat. Otherwise, I’ll be bouncing around the center on a sugar rush.”

  Sam dipped her hand inside the bag. “And we can’t have that.”

  John helped himself to a piece of candy, too. “It’s just as well we’re saving you from your addiction. This was made yesterday.”

  Shelley bit into her piece of fudge. The rich, chocolatey smell was divine and the silky, smooth texture was incredible. “I feel better already.”

  John grinned. “We aim to please.”

  John slid a box along the back of Mabel and Allan Terry’s delivery truck.

  “You didn’t need to come out here,” Shelley insisted. “I could have moved the decorations into the barn by myself.”

  “I’ve already taken twelve boxes into the barn. You would have been here for half the night if you were doing this on your own.”

  “That’s not the point. You had appointments this afternoon that you postponed.”

  Until now, he’d never realized how stubborn Shelley could be. “There was nothing that couldn’t wait until tomorrow. How did you convince the Terrys to let you borrow their truck?”

  A bright red blush filled Shelley’s cheek
s. “Allan’s still recovering from his leg injury and Mabel needed to look after the store. It made sense for me to bring the Christmas decorations to the Colemans’ ranch. Otherwise, I’d have had to wait until Friday.”

  John’s eyes narrowed. “You aren’t telling me the whole story. Allan only lets a few people drive his truck.”

  Shelley squirmed under his scrutiny. “I might have mentioned something about the Facebook post. But I was very nice and didn’t say anything about the people who have asked me for financial advice. Mabel was sorry and promised to talk to me before she posts any other stories about me.”

  John picked up a box and followed Shelley inside. “Do you mean there’s more to your life than what Mabel said?”

  “Of course, there’s more.”

  “Like what?”

  Shelley lifted her chin. “Like lots of things. I enjoy spending time with my family. I’ve always wanted a dog, and my favorite meal is lasagna.”

  “Why didn’t you get a dog?”

  “Mom had a bad experience with one when she was younger. It didn’t matter how often we pleaded for a dog, she wouldn’t budge.”

  John leaned against the barn door, holding it open for Shelley. “You could get a dog now that you’re living in Sapphire Bay.”

  “If I was staying, I would. But I don’t know how long I’ll be here.”

  His heart sank. Each time Shelley talked about leaving, he had an overwhelming urge to tell her all the reasons she should stay. “If you’re concerned about starting your own business, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

  Since yesterday afternoon, whenever John walked into the corridor, there was a line of people outside Shelley’s office, wanting to talk about their finances. Mabel’s post had turned into a logistical nightmare. It was so bad, that Shelley had arrived at The Welcome Center at six o’clock this morning to work on the funding information for the county.

  “I suppose that’s the silver lining to everyone in Sapphire Bay knowing about my life. I’m still not sure whether people are visiting me because I’m an accountant or because they want to see the new person in town.” She looked around the barn. “It’s just as well you were reasonably up to date with the church’s invoices. I’ve been able to make a lot of progress on the financial forecasts.”