Page 106 of A Home for Harmony

“It can’t stay a secret forever,” Erica said. “And you’re right. It might be hurtful if he wants it that way.”

Her head went back and forth. “I understand he puts Scarlet first. It’s not like I want all that much of my personal life out there.”

“I noticed you’re not posting as much,” Erica said.

“I’m not,” she said, sighing. “I’m doing my videos like I do a few times a week. Words of wisdom or funny clips that make me laugh. Even my other posts are just that and not so much about my life. I’m not counting anything for my sponsors.”

People had been wondering what was going on or where she was. She already checked her phone today and it was blowing up with birthday wishes.

It only took one person to remember or know and post it and it was everywhere.

“You said you were going to cut back and only do things for your sponsors. But you know that if you don’t continue to engage with your followers, you might lose your sponsorship money too.”

“You’re raining on my birthday sprinkles,” she said, laughing. All things she’d thought of too. “I know those things. But my instructional videos are doing so well. I want to continue to expand on them.”

“I think you should,” Erica said. Her sister looked at her watch. “I’ve got to run. I’ll be back later and most likely before you.”

She hugged her sister and thanked her again for the birthday muffin and then went about her day.

She spent over an hour going through messages and emails. She posted the picture she’d taken of the muffin her sister had given her with the candle in but didn’t say who prepared it for her.

Might as well embrace it and let people know she was still around.

When the doorbell went off at eleven, she jumped to see who it was and the Blossoms delivery van was in the driveway.

“Yay me,” she said, opening the door. “I love flowers.”

“Happy Birthday,” Chris said. She’d met the part-time delivery driver a few times.

“Thank you. These are beautiful.”

“There are more.”

“More?” she asked. “That vase is huge.”

“You’re a popular girl,” Chris said, handing over the vase. It was the biggest, brightest bouquet she’d ever gotten.

She pulled the card out and saw it was from Poppy, Lily, and Rose. How sweet and she was positive they knew because of Daisy.

Two more vases came out. A smaller version of the one from the Bloom sisters and then a vase of pink roses. Those were from her father. She knew that. He always sent them.

“Thank you so much,” she said and shut the door.

Harmony pulled the card off the roses and read her father’s message. She squeezed her shoulders together and wiggled them some over how predictable he was.

The last one, she pulled the card off to see who they were from.

Happy flowers for the happiness you’ve brought to my life. Happy Birthday.

Hmmm, no name.

But it sounded a lot like what Micah said to her on Sunday, so she imagined they were from him.

Or she hoped they were.

Surprisingly, she hadn’t gotten another creepy email or message since Valentine’s Day. Over a month ago and she really hoped today didn’t break that.

What a horrible thought.