Page 55 of Falling Again For My Best Friend's Brother

The shop transformed into a buzzing hive of activity, the air thick with laughter and excitement. I had organized many events as a florist, but hosting alongside Trevor felt like juggling while riding a unicycle – terrifying, exhilarating, and strangely addictive. Maybe that saying

"So, I heard your Amelia’s secret garden gnome." Frank's eyebrows waggled as he elbowed Trevor. "Who knew a firefighter could have such a green thumb?"

Trevor's eyes found mine across the room, a mischievous glint dancing in them. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."

A commotion near the punch bowl drew my attention. Grace stood surrounded by a group of bewildered firefighters, her arms gesticulating wildly.

"Listen here, young man," she waggled a finger at poor Lance, whose eyes were as wide as saucers.

"When I say 'raging inferno,' I mean business. Why, back in '62, my cousin Ernie..."

Oh boy. I made my way over, ready to perform some verbal jujitsu. But before I could intervene, Trevor appeared at my side.

"Mrs. Harper," he said smoothly, "I'd love to hear more about your cousin's firefighting adventures.

Maybe over by the petunias? I hear they have excellent acoustics for storytelling."

As Trevor masterfully steered Grace away, I caught his wink. My heart did a little flip-flop. How did he always know exactly what to do?

Watching our mismatched group of guests mingle—firefighters discussing bouquet arrangements with my regulars, my parents deep in conversation with Trevor's colleagues—filled me with a warmth that had nothing to do with the stuffy room.

Mayor Tom's booming laugh cut through the chatter. "Trevor, my boy! You must tell me your secret. How'd you manage to tame our Amelia here? She's as prickly as a cactus in a balloon factory!"

I opened my mouth to protest, but Trevor beat me to it. "Tame? Mayor, I think you've got it backward. I'm just trying to keep up!"

Our eyes met across the room—a silent conversation passing between us. It was time for our announcement.

My heart fluttered with excitement as we made our way to the front. All eyes turned to us, a sea of expectant faces. I took a deep breath, feeling Trevor's reassuring presence beside me.

"Trevor and I have some amazing news. We're not just expanding the shop—we're creating a beautiful greenhouse on the back of the property. We’ll have exotic blooms and floral arranging classes where you can unleash your inner artist. Oh!—maybe even some Venus flytraps.”

I was on a roll now, gesturing wildly. "We could offer midnight moonflower viewings, carnivorous plant feedings, maybe even an annual butterfly release!"

Trevor's hand on my back sent a warm tingle up my spine. His eyes twinkled as he added his practical spin to my enthusiastic rambling.

"What my beautiful, slightly plant-obsessed fiancée is trying to say is, we're expanding to serve Rivermint Cove better. It'll be educational, fun, and hopefully won't result in any Venus flytrap-related injuries."

The crowd chuckled, and I playfully swatted Trevor's arm. "Hey, I only got my finger stuck that one time!"

Mayor Fletcher's booming voice cut through the laughter. "Well, I'd say this idea's really taken root!" He beamed at his own pun while I fought the urge to roll my eyes. The man never met a plant-based joke he didn't like.

I took a deep breath, my heart swelling with joy. "We have one more tiny announcement." I wiggled my left hand so my engagement ring caught the light. "We've set a date! Mark your calendars for April 23rd because there's going to be a wedding!"

The shop erupted in cheers and applause. Trevor's arm tightened around me, and I swear his smile was brighter than the sun.

"My best man, Donovan, couldn't be here tonight," Trevor added, his voice thick with emotion. "But he's been my rock through everything. Couldn't imagine doing this without him."

I spotted Linda in the crowd, dabbing at her eyes with a floral handkerchief. Before I could comfort my future mother-in-law, a familiar bark echoed through the shop.

Hero came bounding over, his Petals & Blooms bandana flapping wildly. Trevor scooped him up, immediately getting a face full of enthusiastic doggy kisses.

"And here's our official shop mascot and ring bearer!" Trevor announced, trying to speak around Hero's licks. "We might need to work on his kissing technique before the ceremony."

I caught Susan and Emily's eyes across the room, an idea blossoming. Excusing myself, I made my way over to my best friends.

I tried to keep my voice casual. "I was wondering if you two might be interested in a little wedding-related job. Co-maids of honor, perhaps?"

Susan's eyes widened while Emily let out a squeal that probably startled every bird within a five-mile radius. Before I knew it, I was engulfed in a group hug tight enough to rival one of Mayor Fletcher's handshakes.

---