Page 9

Since it’s snowing again, we bundle up first and then head for the door. When we pass by Denver, I wave and exchange a hello, before slipping out.

“Nora’s ex,” I explain once outside. “It’s a story she can tell you one day.”

Upton nods, satisfied with this answer. The fact he wants to spend time with our daughter and learn all of her stories melts my heart. Guilt tries to rear its ugly head, but I refuse to let that happen. Not when it’s snowing on Wing Whirr Way, thick and white, blanketing all the cute festive decoration.

Upton’s arm goes protectively around my waist when my boots slip on a slick spot. Warmth from his touch chases away the chill of the air. I lean into his firm body as we cross the street and head toward the flower shop. He was such a romantic and tentative boyfriend back in college.

He’s not your boyfriend anymore, Sandy.

My heart wants to argue with my logical brain because the way he has a grip on me suggests otherwise. It’s confusing, but I don’t fight it. His warmth and scent are a balm to my soul that’s been aching for far too long.

When we reach the other side and make it to Wild Petal, Upton releases me so he can open the door. The bell chimes as we’re met with the smell of fresh cut flowers of all kinds. I inhale the air and smile.

“Be right there!” a voice calls from the back.

“No problem, hun,” I say to what must be Isabel. “No rush.”

I pluck a single red rose from a bucket so I can give it a sniff. So lovely. Upton smirks when I push it toward him for him to smell to. Dutifully, he brings his nose to it and nods.

“You always were a sucker for roses,” he teases, eyes twinkling. “So easy to please.”

I bite on my lip, hiding the grin that wants to burst onto my face. This feels dangerously like flirting. But we’re old now. Our child is married and about to be a mother. A whole lifetime has passed since the last time me and Upton were together.

Why is being with him so easy?

Isabel rushes from the back, face red and features contorted into one of frustration. “Oh, hey, Sandy.”

“Swamped?” I ask, gesturing at the mess behind the counter.

“Unbelievably so.” She tosses her hands in the air. “Doesn’t help that anytime I hire someone, they flake out. Know anyone who needs a job?”

I don’t need a job per se, but the idea of working here intrigues me.

“I’m no florist,” I say with a chuckle, “but anytime you need an extra pair of hands, just give me a call.”

Isabel smiles. “Really? I can’t afford to close, and I have an appointment tomorrow morning. Could you sit the place for me? You could bring Amos.”

After I agree, she’s practically giddy and eagerly shows us all the stuff she’s working on for the reception. She’s a good friend of Nora’s and will make this portion no doubt spectacular. Upton’s phone rings and his face blanches. He excuses himself and steps outside.

“Still can’t believe he’s Nora’s dad,” Isabel says with a shake of her head. “You two make a cute couple, though.”

My face burns hot, but I can’t help but bask in her words. We once were a very cute couple. And now, we’re not a couple, but there’s definitely undeniable chemistry between us.

Once I tell her bye, I step outside just as Upton is ending his call. He stalks over to me and stands so close he has to tilt his chin to his chest to see me. My neck cranes as I look up at him. Heat trickles through me as I wonder if he’ll kiss me.

Kiss me?

To my disappointment, he tenderly strokes my cheek, sighs, and takes a step away from me. “Mom wants to meet me for lunch. She says it’s an emergency. My guess is the secret has finally made its way back to her.”

“Okay,” I murmur. “You’re still coming for dinner?”

His lips quirk on one side and he winks. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, sweet Sandy.”

He gives me a quick peck on my forehead and then strides away like he hasn’t twisted my heart into tight knots. I’m going to have to be careful or I’m going to fall in love all over again with this man.

Or I might admit that maybe I never fell out of love with him to begin with.

4