Free The Old Fashioned Way (A Homespun Romance) by Geeta Kakade

help from the patron saint of all such businesses. 
    The trio adamantly refused to raise their prices, or change their mode of extending credit to anyone who asked for it.  They didn't want to consider closing the store and opening a mail order business.  They looked at the proposed budget he had drawn up, and agreed it was excellent but he knew it would only be followed till they found the next person in need. 
    Rising exasperation told Daniel his initial doubts were right.  The trio's attitude brought back memories of the time he had suggested his grandparents move to Arizona because they both suffered from severe arthritis.  They had refused, saying they hated change of any kind.  So, apparently, did the owners of The Busy Bee.
    Abby's load of guilt increased as the morning wore on.  It was one thing to cling to their beliefs, it was quite another to expect Daniel Hawthorn to see their point of view. 
    She shouldn't have challenged him like she had.  The trio were like water, Daniel like oil.  The two would never mix.  The more insistent he got, the more stubborn they became.  She could sense his mounting frustration and the tight rein he kept on his temper.
    “You have to stick with your goals,” he said. “No loans or barter deals till the mortgage is paid every month.”
    "I'm sorry you find us so uncooperative, Mr. Hawthorn, but you see, at our age, profit is not our only concern," Sarah stated firmly.  "Having something to do and helping others our age in the process is more important than money."
    There were nods and murmurs of agreement from everyone in the room. 
    Pack and leave, Hawthorn.  Forget you ever heard of this place. 
    Daniel frowned at his notes.  He wasn't a quitter.  He hadn't come down here merely to offer suggestions.  His integrity was at stake here.  Running away would prove his ideas didn't work in practice. 
    He looked around the room.  No one had told him it would be easy.  "As you don't find my first suggestions practical, we'll have to consider other ways of promoting business.  I suggest you have some flyers made, and distributed directly to homeowners in the area."
    Abby couldn't believe what she was hearing.  In spite of their lack of cooperation, Daniel Hawthorn was still determined to help them? 
    "We can get the flyers printed and distributed," Hamish agreed. 
    "My next suggestion is going to cost money, but I think the payoff will be worth it.  There's a billboard, visible from the freeway, three miles before the Carbon Canyon exit.  An ad up there would bring in a great many more customers." 
    "We'll find a way to pay for it," Sarah said. 
    "There's just one more thing...."  He wasn't sure how they were going to take what he said next.  Glancing up to find Abby looking at him, Daniel told himself he had no doubt what her reaction would be.
    "Yes?"
    Daniel looked at Sarah.  Her head was tilted to one side and her smile was encouraging.
    "There is no way the store is going to be able to make up its arrears in payment by the end of this month, therefore...."  Daniel paused.  He had to find just the right words to explain.
    "Therefore?" prompted Hamish.
    Taking a deep breath, Daniel looked at Abby.  "I've made the payments on behalf of The Busy Bee." He saw the snap of anger in her eyes and said quickly.  "Before any of you say anything, let me finish.  It was not an act of charity.  You now owe me four months' payment with interest.  It's what you owed the bank, with one difference.  We have a little more time to come up with a solution for the problems you face here."
    "We will pay you back with interest."  Abby's fierce comment made heads turn in her direction.
    "I expect you to," Daniel said evenly.  "I did this so I would have a little more time to help you."
    Fear was a lump in Abby's throat.  She ought to be glad Daniel had helped them out.  She wasn't.  This put them in his debt and she hated the idea. 
    "I think that about