Page 48 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

Chapter One

God, she loved Christmas.

Devon Pratt looked around at her beloved flower shop and nodded with approval. She’d taken the entire day to pull out her boxes of décor and lovingly string lights and tinsel around the signs, counters and display cases. Now, the midafternoon gloom seemed more cheerful, like shining beams of light in all the dark corners and whisking away the demons. The holiday season gave her a sense of hope and peace, inspiring her to give back and treasure all the people she loved. Who didn’t feel better gazing upon a shining Christmas tree with colored glass balls and a glowing star? Who didn’t get excited over wrapped boxes with ribbon stacked together and peeking from prickly branches? It was all meant to lift someone’s spirits and bestow a touch of magic.

That, and flowers of course.

She took stock of the new inventory of poinsettias in their bright red glory, along with pinecones, berries, and holly. Like the seasons, flowers followed the death and rebirth of Mother nature, and Devon found herself honored to be a witness. With every drooping petal there was a chance for a new awakening. Pruning was her favorite thing to do. Chopping away the excess to the bare core of a plant was similar to the grief and Phoenix rising of a human. Nothing stayed the same. Some looked at it as a curse.

Devon learned early to treat change as a blessing.

A silly grin curved her lips and she began humming as she hunted for Christmas carols. She was lucky enough not to have any big weddings to prep for, which was odd, but the past year had seen many brides and grooms wanting to wait for the newyear. At least Alyssa—her part-time assistant—was able to go home and take some time off since Devon didn’t need the extra help.

She’d miss out on the money—holiday weddings were fat with profit—but Devon was looking forward to a break and focusing on the charity Fur Gala with Animal Welfare. She wanted to break all records since so many people struggled and gave up their pets. Under Devon’s watch, every animal would get a safe home, and families would be able to afford them. The more focus she gave her favorite charity, the better everyone would be.

“Jingle Bell Rock” streamed from the speakers and she gave a jaunty little twist, singing off-key while she finished setting out the holiday village around the display of fir trees. She lit a candle and twisted red ribbon around the branches to create a pretty centerpiece. Walk-in clients were plentiful so she needed a surplus of arrangements in various budgets available.

The scents of balsam and peppermint drifted in the air. She worked till closing, enjoying the silence. She was used to it and had no fear. Sure, she dreamed of finding the perfect man who fit her, who GOT her quirks and issues and loved her anyway, but she wasn’t about to waste her time bitching. Life was too short.

She had great friends, family, and a business she loved and had carefully built herself. She cultivated peace, happiness, and positivity. Negative energy was something she avoided at all costs. There wasn’t enough sage in the world to cleanse some of the poison people liked to put out just so they wouldn’t be alone in their misery.

But her floral shop catered to the hopeful.

Just the way she liked it.

Darkness settled over the small beach town of Cape May, but the white twinkling lights and carols and yummy scents beat it back.

She finished her centerpieces and began to pack up for the evening when the door flung open.

“Devon! Did you hear?”

She looked up at her friend, Jordan, who stared at her with wide dark eyes and flushed cheeks. “Let me guess. Vera is finally retiring and giving you the bridal shop.”

Jordan gave an annoyed grunt. “Very funny. That would be when hell freezes over, and though it’s cold out there, this place isn’t hell. At least, not yet.”

Devon grinned. Vera was a retired prima ballerina who ran the only bridal shop in town with an iron fist and a talent to please the pickiest of brides or grooms. Jordan had been working for her the past few years, and hoped to finally get her shot to buy it from Vera. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. What’s up?”

“Mac got called out of town. He won’t be back for the Fur Gala.”

Devon groaned. “No! The invites went out already, and we have no backup place to hold the event!” Her sudden selfishness hit her, making her pause. “Wait—is Mac okay? His family?”

“He’s fine. His sister is pregnant and her husband is overseas. She asked Mac to come help her out for a while in Paris. He couldn’t say no.”

Devon relaxed. Good, she didn’t have to feel guilty. “Well, I can’t blame him—who could say no to Paris? Plus, he’s the best brother ever so I can’t be mad. But what are we going to do on such short notice?”

“No, that’s what I’m here to tell you. Mac sent his cousin to run Vintage for the next two months. He’ll do the fundraiser and everything.”

“Oh, that’s great.” One look at her friend’s mischievous gaze had Devon frowning. “What’s the catch?”

“Babe, he’s hot.”

She blinked. “Who?”

“Mac’s cousin! His name is Jameson—isn’t that so sexy?” Jordan gave a delicious shiver. “And even better? He’s single.”

Devon fought the dread already forming in the pit of her stomach. There was simply nothing worse than a new single male coming into town, especially around the holidays. The busybodies came out in droves, proudly chirping about their fears over Devon’s single status and how they didn’t want to see her die alone and childless near the beach. Now, she’d have to deal with embarrassing gestures to try and set them up, which never worked. The last few men who’d come into town temporarily had not been even close to her match.

How could she be so happy with her life, but feel guilty for not doing what the town so badly wanted?

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