Page 39 of Tango (Hunt Brothers Search & Rescue #4)
“I think that’ll do,” I say with a happy smile as I stand back and study both floral wreaths I designed and hung on the church’s front doors—soft white sprigs of baby’s breath combined with crystal blue hydrangeas, their stems in foam I soaked to ensure they’d remain alive through the Easter celebration we’re having tomorrow.
An Easter egg hunt followed by a potluck and some live music. It’s going to be a great day, and there’s only one thing that would make it better.
“You did a lovely job, Emma, as usual.” Pastor Ford says with a smile. “You sure you want to go into teaching? I think you would be great at floral design.”
I laugh. “A fallback plan, for sure.”
He chuckles. “You won’t need one. You’re going to be a fantastic teacher.”
“Thanks.” I bend down and lift the bag of supplies I brought just in case I needed to tweak anything once we actually got them hung on the doors. “Is there anything else I can help with?”
“Just the centerpieces, you’ve got those covered?”
“Arranged and in the refrigerator at Karry’s shop.” I’ve been working part-time at Karry’s Flowers for the last few years to pay my way through college. It’s been a gift from God, and I thank Him every day for the opportunity, though I am excited for the next chapter.
Even if the one person I wish I could share it with still isn’t home.
“Great. We’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“Yes. First thing!” I call out as I head down the steps. It’s such a beautiful day that I opted to walk the two blocks to the church. Fresh air wraps around me, and I take a deep breath, enjoying the way the light breeze dances with the strands of my hair that slipped free from my bun.
“Hey, Emma!” Talia Matthews, the diner owner, calls as she places their daily specials board out in front of the diner.
“Hey! French dip today?” I ask, reading her board.
“Yes.”
“Then you know I’ll be seeing you later,” I reply with a laugh as I move past the diner and into the floral shop two doors down.
Once inside, I set the bag down and check on the centerpieces again, just to make sure everything is in its place. Karry is at home on maternity leave, so it’s all me. I don’t mind it in the least, but the quiet does give me way too much time to think.
And miss him.
The bell overhead dings. “Hey, welcome, what can I do for—” I trail off when I turn to see Tucker standing in the doorway, his expression broken.
My heart falls.
My stomach turns into a pit.
And pain, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, guts me. “No.”
“I’m so sorry, Emma. They say that?—”
“No. Don’t you dare say it, Tucker Hunt.” Tears fill my eyes, and my throat constricts. I shake my head and back up until I’m pressed against the cooler, as though distance will change what he’s trying to tell me.
That the man I love more than life itself?—
The man I want to spend the rest of my life with is dead.
“I’m trying to find out what happened, but they say he’s gone.” Tucker’s voice breaks, and he sinks to his knees, unable to stand any longer.
They say he’s gone.
He can’t be gone.
I just opened a letter from him last month.
I’m not even sure how I manage to walk, but I close the distance between us and sink to my knees. As I wrap my arms around my love’s twin brother, I lose the fight against the pain that’s ripping me open and pouring acid into the wounds.
God, please, no. Why would You do this to me? Why would You take him?
“They said there’s no body,” Tucker cries. “I’m going to find him. Even if he really is gone, I can’t just leave him out there alone. In the cold. He needs to come home.”
I hold on to Tucker, barely hearing what he’s saying.
Dylan can’t be gone.
God, please don’t let him be gone.