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Boone’s gaze flicked to Cora, and there was a little flare of something in his eyes that Shane did not care for at all.

“Boone, this is Mom’s wedding planner and Micah’s mother. Cora, this is my youngest brother, Boone.”

“Oh, the troublemaker,” Cora said with a bright smile. “I’ve heard a little bit about you.”

“I just bet,” Boone said with a grin.

Shane attempted not to tense, but it was hard when he noticed that Micah was looking back and forth between Boone and his mother with something akin to interest.

“Let’s get those chores done,” Shane said gruffly and abruptly. He tipped his hat to Cora. “Enjoy the flower farm.”

“I will.” She reached out and ruffled her hand over Micah’s hair. “Take care of my baby.”

“Ugh, Mom. Come on,” Micah groaned, slapping her hand away and hurrying down the stairs and away from his mother.

But Shane held her gaze, because he could see all her concern and worry and he knew that concern and worry all too well. “I will. I promise.”

Her smile warmed, and she nodded before disappearing inside to find Mom. When Shane turned to go down the stairs, he found both of his brothers staring at him. Micah was a few yards ahead, happily playing with Ben’s dog, King.

His brothers didn’t budge. Just blocked his way and stared.

“What?”

“Oh, nothing,” Gavin said in a tone that was clearly notnothing.

“So, have you actually made a move or are you still the pine in silence type?”

“Fuck off, Boone.” Shane didn’t push past his brother like he would have liked to have done, mostly because he was a little afraid even a friendly nudge would send his brother toppling over.

“Pine in silence type it is.”

“Who said I’m pining, silent or otherwise?”

“The grin she flashed at me. You’d made a move on her, she wouldn’t be looking at me.”

It burned, but Shane knew Boone was after a reaction, and he wouldn’t give it. “If you want to believe that, you go right ahead.” Shane, for one, wouldn’t.

He would try really hard not to believe that.

Chapter Ten

Cora could hardly believe what stretched before her. Rows and rows of colorful, delicate blooms. It was like a Pinterest picture, complete with little red barn in the distance that apparently acted as Lou Anderson’s florist shop.

“I can’t believe this exists,” Cora offered to Deb.

Deb smiled, though Cora noticed the woman wasn’t her usual cheerful self this morning. Not that she was sullen, or even quiet, just a little muted.

“The Fairchild girls had it a bit rough growing up. Their grandparents did everything they could to give them the opportunity to do what they really wanted with their lives.” Deb sighed. “Poor Lou,” she murmured as a young woman stepped out of the barn.

Cora didn’t have time to ask what was poor about her, because Deb was propelling them forward, calling a greeting to the woman.

“Morning, Lou. This is my wedding planner, Cora,” Deb said, pushing Cora forward.

Cora smiled and held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Lou smiled politely, but there was something off about the right side of her mouth. The right side of her face was mostly obscured by the flap of a bandana that seemed to hold back a short cap of blonde hair. When she shook Cora’s outstretched right hand, Lou used her left hand, which made it awkward.

“Welcome,” Lou offered.