Flora turned around, surprised that Camden was coming into the shop. He wasn’t one of the regulars. In fact, he hadn’t been there at all since she started working, even though she had told him about her new job.
“Hey, there,” he said, smiling at them. “How are my girls doing today?”
“Good!” Sofia said excitedly, running up to give him a hug.
Their bond had grown deeper with each passing day. Flora’s heart swelled at the sight of them together, warming to him slightly with the knowledge that he had become a steady presence in her daughter’s life. It almost made her want to abandon her plan to escape Silverrose with Sofia, but in the back of her mind, she wondered if the change she’d seen in Camden since returning was only temporary. She couldn’t help but remember all the horrible things he’d said and done when they were younger.
“And you?” he asked, turning toward her.
“I’m fine. A little stressed because Clementine wasn’t free to watch Sofia today,” she admitted, and then stopped herself. She tried not to bring her problems to Camden if she could help it, but this admission had slipped out. Seeing her with Sofiamade it seem like they were a partnership, but she knew that leaning on him only gave him the opportunity to hurt her again.
“It’s nice of Mr. Thompson to let you bring her in,” Camden said, still holding Sofia in a side hug while she wrapped her arms around his leg. “But I can’t imagine it’s much fun for her to sit around all day. Do you want me to bring her with me? I don’t have anything else planned for the day.”
“That’s okay,” Flora said quickly.
“Please, Mom!” Sofia interrupted. “Can I go with Cam?”
Her eyes were wide and questioning, begging her mom to let her go. Flora sighed, but couldn’t think of a good reason to say no that didn’t make her sound controlling and fearful.
“If it isn’t too much trouble,” she hedged.
“Not at all,” Camden said. “We’ll go to the park. That sound good?”
When Sofia nodded, Camden sent her to pack up her things.
“If she’s any trouble, you can bring her right back,” Flora pointed out.
“She won’t be,” Camden said. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to get to know her better. She is your daughter, after all. I’d like to be a part of her life as much as the two of you will let me.”
Flora nodded, unsure of what else to say, and then turned back to her work. She was clearing off a table when one of the human regulars flagged her down.
“Miss?” he said. “You got a minute?”
“Sure thing,” she said, putting on her customer service smile. “Did you need a refill on your coffee?”
“No, I’m getting ready to head out, and I was about to write my phone number on this napkin,” he said, flashing her a sheepish grin as he toyed with the napkin on the table. “But I was worried that was taking the easy way out, so I’m going to take a chance and just ask you face-to-face. Would you like to go out on a date with me sometime?”
Flora was stunned. The last thing she was looking for was a relationship, and she didn’t think she had given this man—or any of the customers—any indication that she was available.
“I’m sorry,” she said with an apologetic smile. “But I’m actually—”
“—She’s married,” Camden interrupted.
Flora had forgotten he was still there, waiting for Sofia to grab her backpack. His eyes were narrowed at the man, who had blanched when faced with the intimidating figure of Camden’s imposing form towering over him.
“I didn’t know,” the man said quietly. “She isn’t wearing a ring.”
“It’s none of your business whethermymate wears a ring or not,” Camden growled.
“Of course. I’m sorry,” the man mumbled.
He threw some cash on the table and scurried out with Camden glaring after him.
“I’m ready!” Sofia said, bounding up to them.
“Great!” Camden said, turning instantly back into his usual charming self. “We’ll see you at home later, Flora.”
Still in shock from the interaction, Flora watched as they left.
