Homespun Christmas Read Online Free PDF Page A

he said, picking up on that immediately.
    Betty winced. “Myka, Will and I are partners.”
    “It’s mostly Betty’s thing,” Myka said quickly. “Will and I chip in with the property taxes and help out with other expenses when we can.”
    “Wait a sec. I’m missing something. You’re spending money to fix up an inn here in Independence?” he asked.
    Betty nodded. “It’ll be more of a B and B. A lot of people come into this part of the state during hunting and skiing season, and on summer vacation. It’ll be a seasonal business, but I think we’ll be able to make it work.”
    “I’ll be glad to stop by tomorrow and take a look,” Joshua said, “but I should warn you. One of your partners may not appreciate my input.”
    “That’ll be Will’s problem, then. Myka and I would really appreciate your expertise,” Betty said.
    Hearing the grandfather clock chime, Myka gasped. “Oh, no! We have to go right now, Josh. The meeting is at Liza’s house and we’ll be late.”
    “Wait—you’re going to a crafter’s meeting?” Betty asked, looking at Josh. “There aren’t any woodworkers there, I don’t think. It’s mostly the knitting, crocheting and weaving crowd.”
    “Tonight will be different,” Myka said. “We’re going to do some serious brainstorming and try to come up with ideas on how to help Independence. The more input, the better. Why don’t you come, Betty?”
    “I wish I could, but I have to get Evie home, then it’s dinner, bath and bed. Let me know what happens.”
    Myka saw Betty and Evie to the door, then came back for her purse.
    “What’s Betty’s story?” Joshua asked, after she’d left. “That was Tony’s kid, right?”
    Myka nodded. “Betty’s had some rough times, thanks to Tony, but she and her daughter will be okay now that they’re back home,” she said, unwilling to add any more details. “Ready to go?”
    * * *
    W HEN THEY ARRIVED , people were in the den hovering around a table covered with inexpensive snacks—everything from pretzels to chips, salsa and iced tea.
    The gathering, normally consisting of ten or twelve, was nearly double that size. Many familiar faces were present, mostly the husbands and adult children of the regulars. Liza’s sofa and two easy chairs had been supplemented by several dining room chairs and a dozen metal folding chairs borrowed from the Independence Methodist Church.
    As Myka stepped into the room, Liza caught her eye then went around to the TV, the focal point of the family room.
    “Time to get started, everyone,” she announced.
    As a hush descended, Myka moved to stand beside Liza. “I’m glad to see you all here. Most of you know Joshua Nez,” she said and motioned to where he stood. “I’ve asked him to join us because he’s an architect and he comes up with new ideas all the time. Joshua’s also a native of Independence and knows our community.”
    Several shout-out welcomes to Joshua went around the room, then Myka continued. “We’re all having a tough time getting by these days. Individually, none of us are in the position to help the community. What we need to do is pull together. A lot of you already know that I’ve got my own small internet business,” she said, and saw people nod. “Business is good, so I’ve been thinking of expanding my inventory to include a variety of crafts. I don’t have the cash to buy your pieces, but I could take them on consignment. Almost everything I’ve listed over the past months has sold within a week or less. Something like this could help everyone’s bottom line and, ultimately, the town’s economy.”
    Robyn, Liza’s daughter, stood up next. She had a stately five-foot-eight frame that always commanded attention, as did her beautiful black hair and blue eyes. “Myka, what you’re proposing wouldn’t even make a dent in the town’s economy,” she said in a quiet, nonjudgmental voice.
    “I’m not saying it’s a cure-all, or that we’d be rich, but we