AllFreeNovel
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Tourists from Main Street stop in to see what the fuss is about. Husbands buy roses for their wives. Locals pop in and place orders. I unpack a box of vases handcrafted by local artisans. My father and Max FaceTime me and I give them the virtual tour of the shop. Fallon hands out flower crowns to each new customer. We sell out of ranunculus, then roselilies.
Finally, around six o’clock, the shop clears out. Charlie locks the door and flips the sign to closed. He claps his hands, the sound loud and victorious, and the room erupts into cheers. “Fucking done,” he announces, but he’s smiling.
“You did an amazing job,” Fallon says, coming up beside me. She hugs me to her, and I squeeze her tight. When I release her, she places a hand on my shoulder to steady herself. Still off-balance with her limp. A limp that has Wyatt watching with a blazing gaze from his spot across the room.
“Thank you,” I whisper, smiling at the compliment.
Fallon swears. “Shit. Ruby, I swear to God if you cry ...”
Giving a tearful laugh, I scan the flower shop. “Thank you to everyone.” My voice trembles as I fight off the emotion and clasp my hands to my chest. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Grumbles and shrugs abound from this big, gruff family. By now I’m used to it.
My family.
“Hell, we’re not done yet.” Hearing Charlie’s deep rumble of a voice, I turn, eyes locking with his. “I’m still looking for the brightest flower around.”
My pulse soars and warmth curls in my stomach. It still boggles the mind how much I love him. How handsome he is with his dark beard and worn blue jeans. Those dusty boots, bright belt buckle, and black t-shirt just complete the fantasy.
My forever cowboy.
Falling in love with him has been the best risk my heart ever took.
I smile brightly. “I think we have some dahlias in the cooler.”
“Nah,” he says, planting his big hands on my shoulders and kissing my lips. “You, Sunflower, you’re it.”
“You see? I was right. Everyone needs flowers.” I giggle, relishing the pride and love in his eyes. “I think this checks lucky number thirteen off our to-do list.”
He tilts my head back, capturing my lips. I’m pulled into his muscled body, and he slides his hand over the curve of my hip to coast over my butt. His gaze darkens in that primal way I love. “We’re not done celebratin’. Not yet.”
“We have to clean up first,” I whisper, wanting nothing more than to get naked with Charlie in the backroom.
Ford lifts the broom in victory. “Hell, let’s order a pizza.”
“Pizza?” Ford’s wife suddenly sits up on the couch. Her sleepy eyes shoot open. Tangled within her blonde hair, baby’s breath. I insisted everyone working today have a flower crown. “Please, pizza.”
Charlie chuckles. “Feed your woman, Ford.”
“Fuck you, fucker,” Ford snarls at him before he dips to give his wife a kiss.
Davis heaves a carton of Miller High Life out of the cooler. Emmy Lou follows, two bottles of champagne in her hands, twins at her heels.
Corks are popped. Drinks are poured. Flowers are put away. Laughter rings out. Ford and Jace return with pizzas from Nowhere. Fallon slaps Wyatt in the face with a carnation, and instantly, the bickering begins.
With tears lining my eyes, I clasp hands to my thundering heart. My soul feels so bright, so airy, I could float into space.
This is what I’m supposed to do with my heart.
Joy and sunshine and flowers. I never expected this level of happiness.
But how could I doubt that with Charlie I’d have anything less? He’s made every day of our life together a sunflower day. My wildest dreams exist because of him.
Taking my hand, my husband pulls me away from the crowd. Without words, I follow him as he leads me down the hall and into our back office. There’s a mixture of pride and wonder on his face as he stares at me. I tilt my head. “What?”
“You’re amazing.” He pulls me toward him and I melt into him. “This. All this. You did it, baby.”
“Not without you.” I slide a hand up his warm, broad chest. “None of this would be possible if it weren’t for you, Charlie.”
