Page 33 of Courageous Demands

“Oh Mary…” she began, feeling her own eyes sting, knowing Alec had lost his father as a boy.

“That man was the best thing that ever happened to me – and I spend time in that garden because it lets me ‘feel’ him again, you know?” the woman volunteered and let out a small laugh. “Look at me getting all personal and emotional. You probably think I’m silly or making too much of this, but I’ve never had my son ask for much.”

Her words hung in the air, unfinished and full of implications.

Alec asked for this – for you.

“It sounds like Brian was a wonderful person,” Willow said gently, linking her arm with Mary. “And Alec has a few of those traits.”

“He does indeed,” Mary smiled at her. “Now, let’s get you fixed up. Do you know anything about cutting roses, or do you prefer something like lilies, irises, or dahlias?”

“I have no idea,” she laughed easily. “I’ve never even really looked at them except to notice the bright colors. I’ve never been a flower person before, but Alec brought over that bouquet and kind of started this whole thing…”

“Simple to tend to, yet prolific,” Mary smiled, patting her hand. “You come with me.”

An hour later, the back of both vehicles was full of different plants and bulbs. There were bright red flowers, vibrant oranges, glowing yellows, along with some bulbs that were supposed to have large bluish-purple flowers. Mary seemed to know her way around, pointing at different pieces or handing her a tray of freshly misted flowers still wet.

Starting her car, she saw Alec’s missed text messages on her phone – and laughed.

If you left town without a word and left me digging – I’m gonna hold a grudge, just fyi.

It’s hot out, and I’m a whiny twerp.

Dialing his phone, she heard him pick up on the second ring.

“Tell me you are showing up with a cold Coke?” he blurted out instead of saying ‘Hello’ – causing her to laugh again.

“This was your idea, remember?”

“I didn’t say it was a bright idea.”

“How about a cold Coke – and a burger.”

“Now you are talkin’…” he chuckled. “Did you get some pretty flowers?”

“You really didn’t have to…”

“Mannn,” he drawled, interrupting her. “Do not even finish that sentence, okay, Willow? I’m out here in the heat, the flower bed is all dug up, and I’ve been a pretty awful boyfriend in the past – so yeah. I really did need to do this.”

“Alec?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t beat yourself up,” she said gently. “You made up for the flowers in other ways…”

“I am pretty hot, aren’t I?” he teased, making her laugh again. He could be so charming, and she adored the way he could draw anyone out of their shell by just being himself.

“You mentioned it was warm outside – yes.”

“Are you ready to get down and dirty with me?”

“Excuse me?”

“We’re planting everything this evening, remember? What did you think I meant? If we don’t get them in the ground today, then they might end up dying because I’ve gotta help one of the guys at work move, and then I go back to work the following day.”

“I knew you meant the flowers.”

“Uh-huh,” he said skeptically. “Sure, ya did…”

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