Page 107

I close my eyes for a second, breathing through the ache in my chest. “Mom, please. I don’t want to talk about it. It hurts.”

For a second, I brace myself for more questions, more nudging, more maternal persistence.

But instead… she nods. Just nods.

“Okay,” she whispers.

I look up, surprised. She gives me a small smile, still holding my hand for a moment longer before letting go.

I return the smile, grateful, even if my heart still feels like it’s breaking. “I’ll be back later.”

She doesn’t say anything else—just watches as I walk out the door, head held high, even if I feel anything but strong.

I make it to my car, slide behind the wheel, and sit there for a long second. Breathing. Thinking.

Then I start the engine and drive.

As I drive through Bardstown’s quiet streets, my fingers tapping absently on the steering wheel, I realize the only thing I’m even remotely looking forward to today is Emma. She’s coming overto the shop this morning, and it’ll be the first time I’ve seen her since getting back from L.A. four days ago. We’ve both been very busy with work.

Four days. Four days of silence from Jack. Four days of pretending I’m okay.

I pull into the lot in front of the flower shop, the familiar scent of morning dew and soil wrapping around me the second I step out. I tug my cardigan tighter around me and walk toward the entrance. I’m barely inside when two ladies walk in.

“Good morning,” they greet.

“Good morning,” I say, offering a polite smile. “What should I get you this morning?”

“A bouquet of calla lilies, please,” the first lady says.

“Same for me,” the second chirps.

That makes me pause. “That’s weird. Ordering the same bouquet. That’s… actually my favorite flower.”

They smile.

“Most people go straight for roses or tulips,” I continue, a little amused. “Lilies—especially callas—aren’t usually the first choice.”

The woman shrugs, still smiling. “Well, today felt like a calla lily kind of day.”

I chuckle softly, trying not to read too much into it. “All right. Coming right up.”

After they leave, I stand for a second, bouquet ribbons in hand, watching the door swing shut behind them. The coincidence lingers in my chest longer than I expect.

Before I can overthink it, the bell chimes again—and this time, it’s a face I’ve actually been waiting for.

“Emma!” I rush out from behind the counter.

She barely makes it two steps in before I throw my arms around her.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I murmur into her shoulder.

She pulls back and grins. “You look like you’ve been through a war.”

I groan and drop my head. “Don’t start.”

“Too bad. That’s why I’m here.” She smirks, already walking toward the counter like she owns the place. “Now spill. And don’t leave out a single kiss.”

“There’s no kiss,” I lie as I follow Emma to the counter, folding my arms as I lean beside her. “First things first—Jack’s not coming to Bardstown anymore. The agreement’s over.”