Page 110 of Just One Moment

I’mstill learning, but thank you for teaching me that.

Hopefulto have you in his arms again soon,

Graham

Whatare the odds?

IknowJowouldn’t have told him about my upcoming appointment, so knowing he’s taking this step on his own is big.Eventhough we haven’t been together in weeks, it feels like he’s been with me every step of the way.

I’mdesperate to have my hand in his for the rest of this journey.

Andhopefully, our paths join soon.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

quinn

Ihaven’t even arrivedat the bakery, yetI’malready itching to receive today’s envelope.

Eachentry has been a roller coaster of emotions.ButIcan see it.Theway he slowly started to see himself differently.HowI’vealways seen him.Asmuch as his words have comforted me during our time apart,Ineedhim.

Fornow,Icherish his handwritten words until he’s ready.

“Pleasetell me you’re going to save me one of those spiced apple muffins?”Joasks beside me as we walk downRobinRoadtogether, both wrapped head to toe to fight off the blistering cold.It’ssix a.m., and the sun hasn’t risen yet.

We’rehalfway throughDecember, and the bakery looks like the festive season threw up on it.Holly, bells, wreaths, and ribbons decorate the walls and tables.

“Imake no promises.Thepeople love them.”

Shehuffs, but whenIturn toward her, she’s staring down the street with wide eyes.

“You’retelling me.”Shepoints in front of her. “Lookslike peoplereallylove your muffins.”

There’san innuendo somewhere there, but it gets lost whenIfind a line of people already halfway down the block outside the bakery.

“Whatin the world.”Myjaw hangs open and weincrease our pace, until we stop next toMrs.Stewart, the grumbly council woman, who is at the front of the line. “Mrs.Stewart.Hi.Um, we don’t open for another couple of hours.”

Shegives me a stern look. “Asmuch asIlove your pastries,I’mnot stupid enough to wait out in the cold.We’reall wondering what’s going on in there?”

“Inwhere?”

“Yourbakery.Areyou a florist now?Ithink it’s unhygienic to have all that pollen and dirt near food.”Shepurses her lips as she waits for me to respond.

“I’msorry, but what are you talking about?”Myeyes bounce down the line of people, who are peering through the bakery window, and blocking my view.Damnmy short legs.

“Letme through.”Jopushes her way to the front and gasps. “Quinn,Ithink you should go in.Everyoneelse…go away!”Sheflaps her hands, dispersing the crowd.

Panicsets in.

“Ohmy god, is it flooded?”Ishout asIfumble with my keys.Fire?Burglary?Everyterrible outcome passes through my mind asIbarge inside.

Only, it’s not terrible.

It’syellow.

Lilies, sunflowers, tulips, dahlias, daisies, roses.Alldifferent shades of yellows.FlowersIdon’t even think are in season decorate the room.Everywhereyou look, there’s yellow.

Excludingone spot.

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