Free Homespun Christmas by Aimée Thurlo Page A

money stand in the way,” Joshua said, giving the mayor his email address. “I’m away from home right now,” he added, “but I’ll check the email on my cell phone then fax back my signature later. Thinking ahead, where can I get the keys to these buildings?”
    “Glad to see you’re already on the ball, Josh. You’re just like your father—sharp and dependable,” he said. “The keys are kept at town hall. When you want to pick them up, give me a call at this number and I’ll meet you there, okay?”
    “Sounds good, Mayor. Thanks for your confidence. I’m really looking forward to this. By any chance is the Brooks Mansion on the list?”
    “Sure is. It’s a showpiece, and the town’s determined to preserve it.”
    “What’s your deadline for the estimates?”
    “That’ll be spelled out in your contract. If you need to adjust any of the dates, call me and we’ll work it out,” Mayor Allen said.
    “Thanks again,” Joshua said, then ended the call.
    * * *
    J OSHUA PULLED UP at Daniel’s store ten minutes later. He’d begun this drive knowing he was almost out of groceries, but he’d been determined to buy only what he absolutely needed. Now, with some money coming in, he was in a far better mood and he was ready to remedy the food supply situation.
    As he stepped inside, he saw Daniel setting up a display of toys and gifts at the front window. The garland circling the window frame made it clear the grocer wanted people to start thinking of Christmas, though it was still October.
    “Hey, buddy,” Joshua said, coming up to him. “Didn’t know your place carried toys now.”
    “I’m keeping a low inventory, but I thought I’d give it a try this year since there’s not much competition in town,” Daniel said, looking up from the display showcasing high-end dolls. The “cowgirl” looked downright Southwestern with braids, Western hat, boots, jeans and a concha belt. Another doll wore a dark blue velvet dress in colonial New Mexican style with a shawl over her shoulders and a silver barrette in her long hair.
    “Most of the families around here are on tight budgets right now, but I think they’ll move heaven and earth to make sure the kids have a proper Christmas. I’m starting to offer layaway, as well.”
    Joshua looked at the price tag on one of the dolls and whistled low.
    “Yeah, I know, but these are very popular, and I’m offering them at the same price as the Painted Canyon stores. I’m only carrying two of each, so we’ll see what, if anything, happens.”
    “Testing the market is a good idea,” he said, his thoughts drifting for a moment.
    “So how come we haven’t seen you in here lately?” Daniel asked, bringing him back to the present. “I figured you’d either given up eating or were driving to the superstore in Painted Canyon.”
    He laughed. “I had a short talk with your grandmother while picking up stuff for breakfast a few days ago. I’m not much of a cook, though, so I’ve been eating burgers at Shorty’s.”
    Daniel nodded. “He still gets enough business to stay in the black.”
    “The food is just as good as when I was a kid. The chicken-fried steaks melt in your mouth, and he’s got the best hamburgers I’ve ever tasted,” Joshua said. “None of that franchise assembly line food.”
    When Daniel’s gaze shifted, Joshua turned his head to see what had captured his friend’s interest. Betty was at the front of the store holding Evie’s hand and talking to Daniel’s grandmother.
    “Are you ever going to ask Betty out?” Joshua whispered.
    “What? Nah, it’s not like that between us.”
    A second later, Evie came over. Although she didn’t touch anything, her eyes were glued to the doll in the colonial dress.
    “She’s beautiful,” Evie said in an awed whisper.
    A second later Betty came over. “Sorry! She wandered off.”
    “Mom, look,” she said and pointed.
    “I know. It’s the doll you saw in that catalog,” Betty said. “Maybe