Page 34

All her joy from Tate’s kiss and the upcoming weekend fizzled out. She’d returned to town because of her father’s illness; the fact that it was just after her humiliation at Edwin’s hands was fortuitous. Everyone thought her sadness was to do with her father, which it was, but she’d also been grieving the loss of her relationship with Edwin. Which was totally stupid now, looking back. That jerk didn’t deserve any sympathy from her. Everyone in town had been excited when she returned later and bought This Bud’s For You. That was the upside of living in a small town, the openness they had for everyone. The gossipy side of town was the one she could do without.

“Yes, Mrs. Turner, Dad is coming home. I was just coming in to pick up some flowers to take to the center. I know it may seem a waste, but I wanted to make his last day at the center happy and bright for him.”

The lie tripped off Tate’s lips so easily, Kelly wondered how many other times he’d lied in his life. Had he lied to her during their time together?

She immediately banished the thought. If anyone knew the reason for this little lie it was her.

“Oh, that’s such a sweet gesture. I’m sure if he doesn’t want to take them home, he could let someone else enjoy them.”

“Exactly,” Kelly interjected as she passed the glass vase closer to Tate. “I hope your dad enjoys them.”

He hesitated a second, before wrapping his hands around the vase. “Would you like to come with me, Kelly?”

“What?” Surely she hadn’t heard him correctly.

He didn’t just ask her to go with him to see his dad, did he? Although it wasn’t like Trenton Prentice was a stranger to her. She knew him well enough to say hello. Like she knew almost everyone in town.

“Kelly, don’t be rude. I know you heard what Tate asked. I think it would be a good idea. I’m sure Trenton would love to see you. See, there was a reason I came in early.”

Mom’s matchmaking attempts were far from subtle, but she spoke the truth—it was a good thing she’d come in early. Arguing the point would make Kelly look petty.

“Thanks, Mom, you’re the best.” Kelly whipped her apron over her head before folding it and laying it on the shelf beneath the counter. “There are a couple of internet orders you can work on, and if you could go over the inventory so I know what to order, that will be great.”

“Sure thing, honey. Now you go have some fun.” She waved at the two of them, as if shooing them out the door.

Kelly rolled her eyes at her mother’s antics. “Let me get my purse. Do you want to go together or separately?”

“Together.” Tate picked up the vase and held it carefully, as though it was so precious that the slightest pressure would cause the glass to shatter beyond repair. She only hoped he would hold her heart as carefully.

As much as she tried to deny it, her feelings for Tate were growing day-by-day. The intensity, and how rapidly she was falling, was completely different to what she’d felt during her relationship with Edwin. The sensation scared and excited her.

Was this what Mom had felt toward Dad? Or even what Macy felt for Gavin? Could Kelly even trust her feelings? Her track record wasn’t the best.

“Are you going to stand there daydreaming, Kelly, or are you going to get your purse? Time’s a wasting.”

“I’m going. I’ll be right back.”

Trust her mother to bring her back to earth. Actually, she was grateful that Mom had interrupted her ramblings. Getting lost in her head was never a good thing. Unless it was working with flowers.

Grabbing her purse, she glanced at her reflection in the mirror by the door as she exited the office. Her hair was in her usual messy bun, strands brushed her cheeks and her lips were plump and red. There was a slight pink hue to her skin. She looked like she’d been well kissed, and she wasn’t ashamed of the look. In fact, she embraced it.

Smiling, she breezed into the shop area, noticing that only her mom remained in the space and the arrangement she’d made was back on the center of the counter.

“Where’s Tate?”

Surely he hadn’t gone without her and left the flowers behind.

“He had another call and took it outside.” She pointed to the arrangement with the scissors in her hand. “Why don’t you grab those and go?”

Kelly scooped them up, holding them so that none of the delicate blooms were crushed. “Thanks again, Mom.”

“Always, honey.” She’d reached the door when her mom called out to her. “Kelly?”

She glanced over her shoulder, her heart cramping at the love shining out of her mom’s face. “I like Tate, and I think your dad would too. I’m happy for you.”

Kelly swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat. “Thanks, Mom. I shouldn’t be too long, maybe a couple of hours.”

“Take your time, honey. I’ve got it all under control.”