Page 34 of Laced With Secrets
“Good.” His hand found my thigh, warm and possessive. “Because after hearing that heartbeat, after seeing our pup… I want to celebrate. Properly.”
“Dominic—”
“After we visit Nurse Margie,” he amended, his smile turning wicked. “I can be patient. Mostly.”
I shook my head, but I couldn’t help smiling. “Henderson’s Flower Shop first.”
“And then your chips,” he reminded me.
“And then my chips.”
His smile was pure affection. “Though after hearing that heartbeat, I’d buy you anything you wanted.”
“Dangerous promise to make to a pregnant omega.”
“Good thing I can afford it.” He pulled out of the parking lot, one hand on the wheel, the other finding mine and holding tight.
And as we drove toward Henderson’s, I thought about Thomas. Did he get to hear his baby’s heartbeat? Did he think about planning a nursery? Did he pick out names?
Someone had stolen all of that from him.
And I was going to find out who.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Henderson’s Flower Shop was doing brisk business when we walked in, the bell chiming above the door. The entire space was filled with a calamity of floral scents, with various arrangements covering every surface. Mrs. Henderson looked up from where she was helping a customer, her face lighting up with recognition.
“Ah! Just a moment, dears.”
The shop was warm, almost too warm after the cold outside, and I unbuttoned my coat. We waited while she finished with her customer, watching her efficient hands arrange white roses and silver eucalyptus into a stunning centerpiece.
“Now then,” Mrs. Henderson said, turning her full attention to us once the customer had left with their arrangement. She looked more frazzled than usual, her hair escaping from its normally neat bun. “What can I do for you two?”
“We’re visiting someone at Millcrest Meadows,” I said. “I’m thinking something cheerful.”
Mrs. Henderson gestured toward several elegant arrangements lined up on the shelf behind her counter. “I have a few New Year bouquets that would be perfect. I especially recommend the paperwhites with silver eucalyptus—they’re fragrant, elegant, and the scent fills a room beautifully. Or if you prefer something more dramatic, I have white amaryllis with frosted pine...”
“The paperwhites,” Dominic said smoothly.
“Wonderful choice.” Mrs. Henderson said as she began preparing the bouquet for transport. “You won’t be disappointed.”
Her nimble fingers punched the register keys with practiced haste. Dominic slid his credit card across the counter before I could reach for my wallet, his steel-gray eyes meeting mine with a slight shake of his head.
Dominic gathered the arrangement as we murmured our thanks to Mrs. Henderson. When we finally stepped out of the flower shop, the winter air nipped sharply against my cheeks and nose.
“She’s stretched thin,” I observed as we settled into the car.
“Committee work on top of running a business.” Dominic started the car. “That’s a lot for anyone.”
Once we were moving, I noticed the box of chocolates and two bags of salt and vinegar chips in the backseat beside the carefully secured flower arrangement. “When did you get those?”
“Stopped at Monroe’s before I picked you up.” Dominic pulled smoothly into traffic. “Called Millcrest Meadows this morning to check their policies—dietary restrictions, visiting hours, that sort of thing. The staff said Margie doesn’t have any restrictions and loves dark chocolate truffles.”
I stared at him. “You called ahead to check?”
“Of course.” He glanced at me, looking genuinely puzzled by my surprise. “Why wouldn’t I? Showing up with something she can’t have would be awkward at best, potentially harmful at worst. Always do research before an important meeting.”
“This isn’t a corporate negotiation,” I teased, warmth spreading through my chest at his thoughtfulness.