Page 70 of Finding Her Strength

A kick to my thigh makes me lose my footing, allowing Antony the upper hand. My fists fly in an effort to throw him off, but he still has control of the crowbar. A blow glances off my shoulder, then my rib cage again. Both effectively paralyze me.

The blows keep raining down on me until all I can see is Antony’s face, contorted with a rage I’ve never seen on anyone before. It’s demonic.

“She. Is. Mine!” he screams, striking me with each word. He hits me twice more before everything mercifully goes black.

40

HOPE

“Then you’ll put a little of the greenery in at a time, layering it with the flowers so they flow cohesively.” I look over at Sam’s arrangement, proud of how quickly he’s picked up putting bouquets together.

“Can I add some of the garden roses to this one?”

“That would look beautiful, Sam. Perfect idea.”

He grabs a few stems of the pink garden roses, placing them carefully into his arrangement. He really is a natural at this. I’m so glad he’s stayed on with us. Part-time employees can be a little flaky when they start working, especially teenagers. Sam has been nothing but eager to work the hours, soaking up everything I teach him like a sponge. He’s surprised me at every turn. I can’t wait to see what else he’s able to do.

Our next task will be learning how to make floral arrangements for events, which will take a huge load off my shoulders if he can help me. Claire loves working in the shop, but making the arrangements is not her strong suit. She’s my plant person, taking care of all our potted babies. She makes sure they’re strong and healthy when they go to their new homes.

Sam puts the final touches on his bouquet, wrapping it in paper, then tying it with a ribbon. “What do you think?” he asks, a little hint of worry in his voice as he looks at me expectantly.

“I have thoughts, but I want to know what you think first.”

He takes a moment to look at the flowers and then back at me. “I think it’s a little unbalanced on this side. Next time, I’ll account for the shift in movement when I tie the ribbon.”

I grin at him. “I was going to say the exact same thing. Even with the shift, it’s beautiful, but when you nail the movement next time, it’ll be gorgeous. The fact that you noticed and identified the problem shows how incredible your eye is, Sam. You’ve got a gift.”

A hint of pink shines in Sam’s cheeks as he smiles at me.

My phone beeps on the counter, and I lean over to read what the message says.

Levi:Cleaning up now, should be on my way to you in about twenty.

Me:Perfect. I love you.

I don’t immediately get a response, so I set my phone down, turning back to Sam, who is cleaning up the random leaves on the counter. “Why don’t you take your arrangement home to your momma? It’ll be your bonus for working so hard today.”

“She’ll love it. Thanks, Hope.”

“Get out of here, kid. Levi will be here in a few to pick me up.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you!”

I walk to the front door, turn the deadbolt, and flip the signto sayClosed. It’s about a half hour early, but with Levi picking me up soon, I want to have time to get some paperwork finished. After the door is locked, I head back to my office and spend a few minutes cleaning up until my desk is visible again. Then I get started on ordering inventory, updating my budget spreadsheets, and any other task on my to-do list I have yet to complete. It’s monotonous and a total time suck.

Coming out of the zone I’d fallen into, I realize it’s been an hour since Levi texted me.

Looking through the newly made mess on my desk, I try to find my phone. It’s not here, so it’s probably still out on the counter in the shop. I step out of my office and directly into a wall of chest. Hands wrap around my arms to steady me before I fall over. I look up, expecting to see Levi, when steely blue eyes peer down at me.

My entire body freezes.

Antony’s smile is vile, predatory, as he peers down at me. He has a black eye and a split lip, which only adds to the menacing look. “Hello, Rosemary. Did you miss me? I sure missed you despite your disobedience.”

“I’m not alone. Levi will be here any minute.”

“I hate to break the news to you like this, but Levi is currently indisposed. Forever.”

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