Gunns & Roses (19 page)

Pulling the door of the shop open, Annie paused as she saw the amount of people milling between the displays. “Wow!” she said to Alice over her shoulder. “Look at all of these women!”

“I could see and marvel better if you’d let me through the door,” said Alice, laughing. After stepping over the threshold into the busy room as Annie moved forward, she added, “Mary Beth’s advertising about the workshop sure paid off! I hope there’s room for everyone.”

Mary Beth hurried over to the two women. “Hey—could you two help Kate set up another table in the back? A circle of chairs up front won’t do for this kind of class.” As soon as her friends agreed, she thanked them and rushed to handle another task.

Annie and Alice wove between the gathering women, sharing waves and “hellos” to those they knew on their way to the back. Kate was wrestling with a long table, much too bulky for one person.

“Wait!” Alice admonished the younger woman. “You’re a back injury just waiting to happen.” She and Annie rushed to help Kate extend the legs and set it upright, creating a U shape with the two tables already in place.

Kate brushed her hands on her shop apron. “Thanks, you two! We were caught a little by surprise, if you couldn’t tell.”

“We were amazed when we came through the door,” said Annie. “It’s obvious Ian’s idea of having a Robert Burns Dinner struck a chord with the townsfolk.”

Kate exclaimed, “I’ll say! Getting Brianna to come was a stroke of genius.” Her easy smile reflected her thanks to her friends for their part.

“Ah, there are my former students!” Brianna’s voice made the three women turn around.

They hurried over. “Welcome, Brianna!” Alice’s voice rang out. “I hope you’re ready for our rowdy Stony Point bunch.”

Brianna turned around to show them what hung from her shoulder, a large bag stuffed to bulging. “I come prepared for anything! And there’s more in the van.” She turned back to Annie and Alice. “May I borrow you two for some help with unloading? I planned to arrive earlier, but was delayed by an accident outside of Bath.”

The two friends hurried with Brianna to where her van was parked. Before loading their arms with items for the class, she reached over and grabbed something from the dashboard. She handed it to Annie. “A friend of mine asked me to deliver this to you both.”

Curiosity on her face, Annie turned the envelop over first to note how it was addressed. Written in lovely, flowing calligraphy were the names of those from Stony Point who had attended the Highland Games: Annie, Ian, Alice, Peggy, Wally, and Emily. Looking over her shoulder, Alice murmured. “How beautiful!” Annie quickly turned the envelope back over and slid a finger under the flap to open it.

She pulled out a thick square of paper adorned with a hand-painted falcon and rose. Underneath that, it bore the words:

“Your presence is hereby requested for the Bestowin’ of the Sporran next year, directly following the Highland Games.”