Page 30 of Perfect Pact

“Thank you. I’m really excited.” I stand and shake her hand. “Alice, you’re a lifesaver. I appreciate you so much.”

“You’re welcome. I’m excited for you and Mason Creek. This town could really use a place like this.”

“I know. There are plenty of venues for weddings, but not much for kids.”

Alice laughs. “Yeah, especially with the boom in our population. Our town is really growing with all these cute new babies.”

“You’ve got that right.”

Even though I’ve already done the whole love and marriage…well, the marriage part anyway, I can’t help but think that maybe with my second chance, some of that happily ever after could actually be in store for me.

Alice walks me to the door, and once again, I’m on the move. I feel like I have something to look forward too. I really should go home, but opt to walk a couple blocks to One More Chapter to look through children’s books for inspiration

Strolling over to a beautiful display of baby books, I pass by Joey, Grady Jackson’s sister-in-law, giving Larkin, the owner of the store, a large package of birthday decorations.

There’s a banner of tiny hand cutouts with the saying, “I’m a handful,” in rainbow colors. Such a cute idea for a five-year-old’s birthday—especially for boy and girl twins.

I should mind my own business, but those decorations are too cute. They definitely not store bought. This screams handmade—and exactly what my venue needs.

“Excuse me,” I interrupt. “Where did you get these? They’re not like anything I’ve ever seen in a party supply store.”

Joey’s face lights up. “I made them.”

“You made these?”

“Yep. I actually have an Etsy store.” Joey digs in her purse and pulls out a card. “It started out as a hobby, but everyone kept having babies.” She laughs.

“I was just telling Alice at the bank the same thing. So many kids and nowhere special for parties other than the backyard. I’m hoping to change that.”

Backyard.

Something clicks. I have a barn. I want to have parties that don’t have to be held in their backyard but mine.

The Backyard Barn! That’s the name. That’s my business!

“Agreed,” Joey continues. “And who wants to pick up afterward?” We all look at each other, answering at the same time.

“No one.”

“Question—do you make more than birthday party invitations? What about weddings?”

“I do a little bit of everything. It started off as a side gig, but since moving to Mason Creek, my business has tripled. Now, I have a website, and it’s sort of become a whole world of its own.”

“That’s remarkable!” An idea hits me and I know I would regret not shooting this shot.

“Stop me if I’m being too nosey, but you mentioned seeing Alice and hoping to get the chance to host backyard parties. Tell me more about this.”

“Actually, I’m living at the old Jacobs’ barn and working on turning it into an event venue.”

“No way!” Larkin chimes in. “How soon? I know a couple kiddos who would like someplace other than home to have their party.”

“I wish I knew. I’m hoping to have phase one done in a month.”

“Not soon enough.” Larkin smiles as she excuses herself to help a couple customers.

“You know, this could end up being huge.” Joey claps her hands together. “Once everyone finds out, I’m sure my orders will pick up.”

This day keeps getting better and better. I had no clue Joey made party decorations. Everyone loves a good Etsy store, and now I have one at my fingertips without the shipping fees.

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