Page 44 of Flowers Near Me
EPILOGUE
CHARON’S DILEMMA
A YEAR LATER…
F lowers cascaded from the modern chandeliers, creating a lush, floral canopy over the bustling crowd at Narcisi. The restaurant was the perfect choice for Laura’s baby ‘sprinkle,’ and Persephone had enjoyed collaborating with Charon to create this magical, garden oasis. After all, with Laura and Peter’s surprise second baby on the way—years after they thought they were done with midnight feedings—the occasion called for a celebration.
Hades, ever the doting husband, waved a hand to light the candles, brushed a kiss against Persephone’s cheek then went to place their gift with the others. As Charon nestled bottles of sparkling mineral water into an ice bath, she cast a glance at Persephone. “Have you heard from Laura?”
“She’ll be here in ten minutes,” Persephone replied, stacking a tower of colorfully wrapped presents on a cloth-draped table. She propped up a large poster board decorated with glittering flowers. “She’s going to crack up when she sees this baby voting board.”
Charon grinned. “I’ve got my vote on ‘coffee.’ Laura swears the baby already reacts to the smell.”
Persephone laughed. “I’ll bet Peter will suggest ‘no,’ and Laura will choose ‘mama.’”
Before they could share more, a swirl of fragrant, violet smoke heralded Hecate’s arrival. She stepped out, glamorous in a fitted black dress, her lips curled into a knowing smile. “A contest over the baby’s first word? How wicked.”
Charon’s face went pale as Hecate sauntered over, her heels clicking in time with the background music. “Wait—is this too much?” Charon asked, her voice uncertain.
Hecate looped an arm around Charon’s shoulders, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Relax. It’s perfect. And much tamer than a game I’d suggest.”
Persephone waved off Charon’s concern. “Laura loves stuff like this. She’d be disappointed if we didn’t make it competitive.”
“How’s Helena feeling about becoming a big sister?” Hecate asked, grabbing a glass of wine from a nearby table.
Persephone’s face softened. “Oh, wait until you see her. She’s taking her responsibilities very seriously and has a list of ‘big sister duties’ only she’s allowed to handle.”
“That’s adorable,” Charon said, but her smile seemed forced.
Hecate’s eyes narrowed on Charon with curiosity. “Speaking of taking things seriously… how was your date with Vanth?”
Charon’s cheeks flushed, and she fidgeted with the torch pendant hanging from her neck. “I canceled.”
“What?” Persephone and Hecate gasped.
Charon managed a nervous laugh. “Well, us psychopomps aren’t as impulsive as you gods,” she joked, but she didn’t quite meet their eyes.
Hecate cocked an eyebrow. “Canceling dates? When have you ever canceled something in your own schedule?” She exchanged a knowing glance with Persephone. “Come on. Do you even want to give him a chance?”
Persephone leaned in, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Or should we tell him to back off? The poor guy is head over heels for you.”
Charon’s gaze darted between the two goddesses, her fingers twisting her pendant. “It’s complicated.”
Hecate’s voice softened, but a hint of intrigue remained. “How complicated?”
Charon swallowed, her cheeks paling further. “We work together. If it doesn’t work out, it could ruin everything.”
Persephone rolled her eyes. “That’s all?”
Charon sighed, but her voice dropped to a whisper. “No. There’s more.”
Hecate leaned in, her expression intrigued but less intense. “Go on.”
Charon took a shaky breath. “I stole something important from him. And I think he wants it back.”
Persephone shot Charon a worried look. Hecate asked, “What did you steal?”
Charon winced, clutching her necklace. “Let’s just say giving it back isn’t an option, but keeping it has made things… messy.”
Hecate sipped her drink, murmuring, “Well, this baby sprinkle just became a lot more interesting.”