Page 8 of A Heart in Bloom

“That’s perfect,” she said softly. “Thank you.” Her reply sounded breathless even to her own ears, and she quickly stood to hide the way her emotions were twisting inside her.

“Well,” she said, reaching for her coat, “I guess I’d better get home and start packing in earnest. I don’t have any flower orders until next week, so I need to use my time wisely.”

Allen rose as well, extending his hand. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, Cammie. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. If you need help, I can stop by tomorrow evening after work. Just let me know.”

His hand was large and calloused, a testament of hard work. When their hands met for the first time, skin to skin, a tingle skittered up her arm, sending her pulse racing in response. His touch lingered just long enough to make her wonder if he’d felt it, too.

“Your kindness means a lot,” she said softly. “Honestly, I’d lost faith in the male half of the species.” She hesitated, her voice dipping. “I’d stopped expecting men to be kind without wanting something in return. And now I’m standing here, unsure of what to do with someone like you.”

Allen’s chest tightened at her words. “I’m not expecting anything, Cammie,” he said quietly, his sincerity evident. “I just want to help.”

“I think I’m going to enjoy living in Hickory Falls. And working with you, too.” She paused, a gentle smile lifting the corners of her lips. “I’ll see you Wednesday night.”

Allen’s grin widened as he watched her head toward the stairs, her presence lingering. “See you Wednesday night.”

Halfway to the stairs, she turned back and quipped, “I’m the only florist for thirty miles. I shouldn’t be hard to find.”

She disappeared down the stairs, leaving Allen staring after her. He hadn’t dated since his engagement ended so anticlimactically years ago, but he hadn’t let it harden him. Instead, he trusted that God would send him the right woman in time.

Now, after spending just a short time with Cammie, he couldn’t shake the sense that she might be the answer to those prayers. She was unlike anyone he’d met—quick-witted, determined, and captivating in a way that left him wanting more. But the shadows in her eyes told him she’d been hurt before. He didn’t know her burdens, but something in him wanted to help her carry them.

As he gathered his things, one thought lingered: he wouldn’t let her slip away. Cammie had no idea what it was like to be pursued by someone who had waited years for his soulmate.

Chapter Eight

Cammie leaned against the workbench in her Glacier Ridge shop, wiping perspiration from her brow. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the packed boxes and empty shelves. Her heart ached as she took in the sight. She’d poured so much of herself into this space, and now, it was all being dismantled.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen: Sweet Valley Blooms. Curious, she answered. “Hello, Miss Betty. I’ve been meaning to call and congratulate you on your retirement.”

“Cammie, honey! Thank you. I heard you’re moving to Hickory Falls,” Betty said warmly but with a hint of urgency. “I’m heading to Florida next month and need to clear out my shop for the new owners. How’d you like to buy the whole lot for $5,000? Coolers, shelves, inventory—everything. But you’ll need to take it all.”

Cammie’s stomach flipped. It was an incredible offer, but the logistics were daunting. “That’s generous, Betty, but I’d need to see what’s included before I decide. My new space isn’t as big as yours.”

“Of course! Can you swing by tonight? I’m here late taking inventory.”

“Sure,” Cammie said, grabbing her keys. “I’ll be there soon.”

The drive through the Berkshires was breathtaking, the snow-dusted trees glowing in the setting sun. By the time she reached Betty’s shop, the temperature had dropped sharply and snow flurries had started to fall. Inside, Betty greeted her enthusiastically and launched into a whirlwind tour. Three pristine coolers, shelves, vases, ribbons, and a treasure trove of other supplies made Cammie’s head spin.

“I can’t believe this,” Cammie said, inspecting a cooler that looked brand-new. “This is such a blessing. But I have no idea where to put it all—or how to move it.”

Betty chuckled. “Oh, we’ll figure it out. Let me make a few calls.”

As Betty disappeared into the back room, Cammie hesitated, then scrolled through her emails to find Allen’s number. Typing it in, her finger hovered over the call button. She hated asking for help, but this was too good to pass up. Before she could second-guess herself, she tapped the screen.

Allen picked up on the second ring. “Hey, Cammie. Everything okay?”

“Define okay,” she said wryly. “Betty over at Sweet Valley Blooms just offered me the deal of a lifetime—three coolers, shelving units, and more supplies than I know what to do with. But I have to take it all ASAP, and I’m completely out of my depth. Any chance you could use those problem-solving superpowers of yours to help me?”

“Of course,” he said without hesitation. “Hang tight. I’ll tie on my cape, make some phone calls and head your way.”

Before she could respond, the shop door jingled, and a tall man in a police uniform stepped inside. He tipped his hat. “Cammie Rodes? Tim Adler, Sweet Valley’s sheriff.”

Cammie blinked. “Uh, hi?” she replied cautiously, her phone still at her ear.

“Put me on speaker,” Allen said from the other end of the line.

She did as instructed, her curiosity mounting. “You’re on speaker now. Sheriff Adler, Allen Calhoun. Allen, Sheriff Adler.”

---