Page 83 of Stolen Kisses

I spoke to Dad the next morning—he gave me the best advice. He told me he would rather have had the short time he had with Mom than to have never had that time with her at all. That every day of pain and suffering since losing her was worth it for the days of happiness and sunshine he experienced at her side. I decided I wanted days of happiness and sunshine with Emma at my side, no matter the outcome. Live for the now and put off worrying about the future for another day.

Shit! Flowers, I need to get some flowers and more of the Red Vines that she loves. Grabbing my essentials, I head for the door.

I’ve got a pep in my step as I walk intoBlooms and Balloonsfor some welcome home flowers for my girl. I’m greeted by an elderly lady instead of the younger woman who’s usually here.

“Hello, young man, how may I help you today?”

“Hi. My girlfriend’s coming home from the hospital today, so I want to surprise her with some flowers throughout the house. I’d like to get …” I stop to think, maybe some in the kitchen/dining area, living room, and her bedroom. “Three floral arrangements for different rooms in her house, please.”

Her hand comes up to her chest. “Oh my, how sweet of you. Any idea what type of flowers you would like for your arrangements?”

“Something bright and happy. She’s going to be my everything.”

“Okay. I’ve got just the thing.” She holds up a finger and wanders out the back.

As she works, we talk about the store. How it used to be hers before she passed it onto her granddaughter to run. She goes on to tell me that she recently came out of retirement to fill in for a while because her granddaughter and her employee were attacked in the store just over a month ago. Shocked that such a thing could happen in such aserenespace, I look around the store as if I can see evidence of the attack.

Something about Iris has me spilling everything that I rarely share or even acknowledge. I tell her all about Emma, the breast cancer, my history with it, and how badly I messed up with my girl. She sympathizes and wishes me luck in my quest to gain forgiveness and secure my future with the one woman who’s perfect for me.

Forty-five minutes later, I walk out of the store with three stunning arrangements which I hope Emma will love. Now to get home before she does. She wouldn’t let me pick her up from the hospital, refusing to let me help her. I’m determined to help her out over the next several weeks as she heals. I don’t want her worrying about getting stuff done around the house or looking after her boys. I’ve spoken to Sarah and Max and asked them to allow me to step in to help out. Max was hesitant at first until I explained my long-term aim was to be with his sister. Then, after he threatened my balls—what is it with this family and myballs?—he reluctantly agreed to take a step back so I could step up. She’s not allowed to drive for a while, so I’ve appointed myself as her taxi service whether she likes it or not. I’ll be taking the kids to and from school and I’ll drive her to all of her upcoming appointments.

Dad insisted on cooking up a storm for dinner tonight to welcome Emma home from the hospital. I told Sarah, so she’s organized for the family to stay for an early dinner, then I’ll have my girl all to myself—I hope!

Pulling into my driveway, my stomach drops as disappointment fills me when I see Sally and John’s sedan in Emma’s driveway. Jumping out of my truck, I head straight next door. Emma’s sitting on her porch in one of the rocking chairs I made for her with a blanket covering her legs and her Kindle on the table beside her. She’s got her hands wrapped around a mug of something hot. Her eyes closed in appreciation.

“You look stunning sitting there,” I say quietly as I approach her, three bunches of flowers in my arms. Her eyes snap open, and she almost spills her drink. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”

“That’s okay. I was enjoying the fresh air after being cooped up inside fordays.”

I hold out the flowers. “These are for you. I wanted you to have flowers throughout your house, so I got a few bunches. You want me to take them inside and get them sorted?”

Em begins to stand, but I gesture for her to stay seated. I don’t want her moving aroundany morethan necessary. “Thank you. They’re gorgeous, but you really didn’t need to go to so much trouble.”

“It was no trouble. Where are your vases? I’ll get them sorted for you.” I head for her front door.

She leans back into the chair, getting comfortable again. “Mom’s inside, she’ll happily sort them out.”

“I’ll be back in a minute.” I step inside, finding Sally near the front door, probably trying to listen to our conversation. She’s made it pretty clear that she would be happy if Emma and I worked things out.

“Theo! I’m so happy to see you. Are those flowers for Emma?” She presses up on her toes to land a kiss on my cheek.

“Hi, Mrs. Stanfield.”

She playfully hits my arm. “None of that Mrs. stuff. Call me Sally.”

“Okay, Sally. These are for Emma. I wanted to put some in the kitchen/dining, the living room, and her bedroom. Do you know where she keeps her vases?”

“I’ll sort these out. Do you want a coffee? I just made one for Emma.” Sally busies herself in the kitchen before I can respond. Her husband comes throughthe back door from the deck.

“Theo. Good to see you, Son. You’ve done a great job with the yard work. There’s nothing left for me to do.”

“Mr. Stanfield.” I tilt my head. “I didn’t want Emma to feel she needed to do anything other than healing and spending time with her boys.”

He steps closer, holding out his handandI take it without reservation. “Thank you for looking out for our girl. Please call me John. Okay?”

I nod. “Here, take your coffee and keep Emma company on the front porch.”

“Thanks, Mrs.—uh, Sally.”

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