Page 7 of Broken: Taylor

The ambiance was finished off with soft spa like music from hidden speakers.

The serene atmosphere of her new shop suited Allison perfectly. Even after the sleepless night, ugly sign episode, and Taylor Hamilton’s appearance, she felt calm and relaxed.

Thank goodness she’d found a love of flowers after her divorce. Amidst the days of feeling adrift, Allison took a flower arranging night class to fill the time. From that instruction, she discovered a gift for it. Months later her talent became a way to earn a living while doing something she loved.

Sure, there were times when shipments were late or a bride had a meltdown. These issues could make her job stressful. However, for the most part, flowers were all about special occasions.

Whether it was a happy or sad circumstance, the presence of flowers brightened people’s days.

The bell over the door jingled as her best friend Leah walked in. Ever since moving to Laurel Creek and getting together with Taylor’s cousin, Luke, Leah was in a perpetual glowing from the inside mode. Allison chalked it up to regular doses of good lovemaking.

Even now, her friend’s lips were curved into what could only be described as a satisfied smile.

“Hi,” Leah said, immediately distracted by the new display of chocolate truffles. “Ooh. I forgot you were getting these.”

Allison laughed. “Yeah right. Then why are you in town so early?”

“I’ll have you know Luke and I decided to have a breakfast date before he left for Billings.”

Was that the reason Taylor was in town as well? “Who all is going?”

“Luke and Tobias. Tobias is leaving from his vacation trip with the family and meeting Luke in Billings. Taylor is staying behind to take care of the ranch. Besides, Luke says he’s been a bear to be around lately. Probably needs to be alone.”

It was hard to imagine Luke calling anyone a bear, especially since Luke wasn’t exactly the most easygoing of guys.

“What’s up with Taylor? He was here in town earlier. Didn’t say much, just nodded and high-tailed it.”

Judging by her scowl, Leah was pondering how much to say. When her friend shrugged, it meant she’d unload an entire shipment of four-one-one.

“It’s the anniversary of his kids and ex-in-laws’ accident.” Leah let out a long sigh. “And I guess his ex wants him to come to Wyoming and pick up some boxes. She’s ready to move on or something and wants him to take the kids’ stuff she’s keeping. Seems that Taylor never dealt with all the belongings and she’s been storing them.”

“I can’t imagine,” Allison said walking to the truffle display. “They lost both kids and her parents at the same time in a car accident. How devastating.”

She took a pink-topped truffle out and placed it on a small marble board. After carefully cutting it in half, she held out one part to Leah. “We can’t test them all, I’ll go broke.”

“We can always order more,” Leah mumbled between chews. “Oh.”

Allison had to admit, the confection was delicious. “We?”

“I’ll pay for a truckload. Imagine these with a glass of cabernet.”

“We’re going to be chubby drunk chicks with rotten teeth.” Allison frowned as she considered a second one.

“True,” Leah agreed. “I feel horrible about what happened to Taylor’s children and in-laws. And then there was the follow-up of his marriage ending and the bank shooting that cost him his career. It’s all so tragic. I wish there was something we could do.”

“Poor guy, how horrible,” Allison agreed.

Her friend pointed to another truffle and she obliged. “Oh and his mom is in prison for life. You knew that, didn’t you?”

Allison nodded. “I remember it happened after he arrived here. We all thought he came because his parents were moving to Laurel Creek, but it turned out his mom planned it so that he’d be gone when she killed his dad.”

“Yeah, that was crazy.” Leah shuddered. “She was hoping to cash the life insurance or something.”

Leah leftwith six truffles just as two women walked in. By the quick scans and the look of utter dismay on the younger one’s face, it was obvious they were a mother and bride to be.

Allison had been in the business long enough to know how to recognize them.

“Hello ladies. How about we start off with a cup of tea and discuss what you’re up to today.”