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“Thank you. I appreciate that. But I don’t blame you for thinking what you did. It isn’t as if I’ve tried to change people’s thoughts.”

“No, don’t make excuses for me. As I said, I shouldn’t have made false assumptions.”

He nodded, accepting her apology before taking a bite of his food. Once he swallowed, he smiled. “I have to admit I like having a secret identity.”

“Tapping into your inner Superman persona,” she teased.

He laughed. “Maybe.”

“Well, I’m honored to help the Flower Magician spread his magic everywhere. I promise, the next time you come in, I’ll make the arrangement extra special.”

“They’re already amazing. You really are talented, Kel.”

“Thanks.” A rush of heat bloomed in her cheeks.

Over the years, she’d had many brides gush about their bouquets and table arrangements and not once had she blushed in embarrassment. But coming from Tate, the words seemed more sincere. Which was stupid, as there wasn’t anything mind-blowing about the compliment. He’d already told her once before she was an amazing florist.

Kelly reached for her glass of wine and gulped down the remaining warm liquid. She was glad she’d heeded Mom’s advice—and taken a chance with Tate.

What other man would think to give flowers to people he didn’t know for the simple reason he wanted to make them smile? Not many. Definitely not anyone she’d dated. She could count on one hand the amount of flower arrangements she’d been given over her dating life.

No, Tate was considerate and caring—traits she’d been craving in a partner. Traits her father had had.

Her body and mind were tallying Tate’s good points. He liked to have fun, and because she’d decided to throw caution to the wind and have a fling he was the perfect candidate. Yet, she still couldn’t quite let go of her dream. The one where she wanted to settle down. Wanted to start a family almost the second she got married.

At present, Tate was his father’s main caregiver. He always would be Trenton’s caretaker. Kelly had no doubt that Tate would be a wonderful father, but he might not want it to happen the second he got married.

Then again, who was to say that Tate was her forever guy anyway? He could be her right-now or even her six-month guy. The point was, she’d never know if she didn’t take the plunge. Ever since she’d come back to Sweet Ridge, she’d been focused on, first her dad and his illness; then, she’d been concentrating on making her business a success. Which she had. Orders were flowing in and now the Founders’ Day festival was another way to showcase her talents.

Now was her time, and she had to let go of her fear. Really grasp the live-in-the-moment edict. Her time was now and tonight was the first step.

She jolted when his hand landed on hers. Kelly looked up to find Tate watching her intently. “Everything okay, Kel?”

“Better than okay.” Twisting her hand beneath his, they were palm to palm. His touch was everything. It warmed her and gave her hope. She smiled. “Everything’s great.”

Chapter Eight

Never in hisdating life had he experienced this feeling of complete contentment. Normally, when silence fell between him and his dates, he’d found himself gazing around, wracking his brain to come up with something to break the awkwardness. Yet, with Kelly it didn’t happen. Words didn’t seem necessary.

“I guess I’d better go,” she said quietly. “It’s getting late and I’ve got an early start, and I’m sure you do too.”

“You’re not wrong. For the next couple of months, I’m going to be awake before the sun.”

“Life on a farm, huh?”

Tate chuckled. “Yeah, life on a farm during harvest season. Late June to the end of August are always the craziest months.”

“But you wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“Nope, never. There’s nothing like walking through the orchards as the sun is peeking over the horizon. Little drops of dew glistening on the ripening fruit. Circle of life in front of me every day.”

“You would fade away if you lived in the city.” Her fingers tightened around his. He liked the contact they shared.

“Yes.” How did she seem to know and understand him?

Or was he just being fanciful at the moment, caught up in experiencing one of the best nights of his life? Romance had never been a big agenda item for him. He never bought into the whole love-at-first-sight or soul mates convention. Regardless of the fact that his dad still mourned the loss of his wife.

But just because Dad believed he was a one-woman man didn’t mean Tate did. His past dating life was a testament to that. But for Kelly, he could see himself spending more than just a couple of dates with her. Question would be if she wanted to date him.