Page 30 of Cocky Choices: Zoe Cocker

Zoe’s smile broadens, tension dissipated. “That sounds beautiful! I love Piedmont Park! Oh, I can already imagine the flowers we could use.”

“Exactly!” I say, eager to build momentum, “And then we could have a cozy reception in a garden. We could fill it with lights, the best food, and your incredible arrangements, of course.”

“I love that idea!” she replies, her enthusiasm brightening my mood.

“And what if we had a band playing our favorite songs?” I continue, adding quickly, “When I learn what your favorite songs are, I mean.”

Zoe blushes. “That would be lovely, Caleb.”

“And let’s talk more about the food! We’ll have the best catering…”

“A buffet!”

I blink, and hesitate in agreeing, “…a buffet with a variety of dishes, something for everyone. I can see that. Or, how ‘bout this? We could send people a menu to pick from beforehand and servers will bring everything right to them.” She looks unconvinced so I add, “I want people to enjoy themselves.”

“We have buffets at our Family BBQs and everyone enjoys themselves. They can all get what they want, and go back for seconds if they’re still hungry. Oh, and what if they change their mind after they order from our wedding invites? With a buffet they’re not stuck to one thing.”

“I see.” My gaze drops to the marble as I pick at its permanence. “We could go with a buffet if you have your heart set on that.”

“I think it will make it feel more casual and inviting,” she says with cautiousness shining through.

“And finally,” I say, leaning in a bit closer, “we can have a honeymoon in Paris.”

Zoe lights up with shock. “Paris?!”

“Paris. The restaurants. The little cafes. The Eiffel Tower. Montmartre where the artists sell their paintings. And I have to take you to Musée Marmottan Monet…”

“What is Musée Marmottan Monet?”

“The Monet Museum. His paintings of flowers and lily pads are enormous, taking up entire walls. As a florist, you’ll lovethat!” I glance around the shop again, and an idea strikes me. “And maybe we could spruce up the shop a bit for the wedding. You know, make it look a little more high-end for the occasion?”

The moment the words leave my mouth I see a shift in her demeanor. The light in her eyes dims, and her smile falters. “High-end?” she repeats, voice quiet.

“Yeah, you know, like adding some elegant décor or centerpieces. Give some more thought to the white planters. It could really enhance the vibe,” I explain, trying to salvage the moment.

She lifts a pen and quietly says, “Caleb, that’s not very nice,” all of her attention on how her pen twirls in her fingers.

“Why?” I respond, defensiveness rising. “I just thought it would be nice to elevate the experience since it’s such a big day.”

“That’s the second time you suggested my shop look more ‘high-end’. You’re implying that it isn’t good enough as it is,” she says, tone gentle but firm. “I pour my heart into every cell of this space.”

Words get stuck in my throat. “I didn’t mean to offend you,” I finally say, carefully. “I just thought it might be better if it were more elegant.”

“For who?”

I blink. “Reporters will be interested in who I’m marrying. They’ll come here. So will my parents.”

Zoe takes a deep breath, her expression filling with confusion. “I appreciate that you are used to living a more…regal…lifestyle, but kindness matters more than aesthetics or wealth. By saying you want to improve what I’ve done is telling me you don’t approve of it, as is. I care about the love and effort behind what I have created, not howexpensiveit appears to the outside viewer. In fact, I want it to feel homey. Have you ever read the book The Secret Garden? I want it to feel like that!” Sheraises her gaze to slide around the shop, quietly adding, “And it does.”

My new fiancé’s words hit me, and I suddenly feel small. I’ve spent so much of my life thinking that status and appearances equate to value. Look where that’s gotten me? I’ve been learning, slowly, from A.A. and my sponsor that community and people matter more than money and how things ‘look’. And now she’s joined my list of teachers.

“I’m sorry, Zoe,” I say, the sincerity in my voice surprising even me. “I didn’t think before speaking. And while I haven’t read that book, I can imagine from your shop how colorful the garden must have been described. Please forgive me.”

Her sweet green eyes clear. “I accept your apology. Thank you.”

I stare at her, starting to realize how much I actuallylikethis girl. “You’re amazing, you know that? I admire your ability to stand up for yourself without being, I don’t know, mean. You just put me in my place, changed my mind completely, and you did it all while keeping your voice gentle and your smile at the ready.”

Her cheeks flush brightly, and she drops her head with shyness, causing a lock of hair to stray. I reach over and tuck it behind her ear as she whispers, “Thank you, Caleb. That means so much to me,” making my heart unexpectedly skip a beat.

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