Page 9 of A Heart in Bloom

Tim smiled at Cammie. “Allen and I go way back to our Special Ops days.”

Cammie didn’t say anything but mouthed, “Oh,” as the pieces began to fall into place.

“Tim, you’re a lifesaver. Think you can pull together the Adler clan tonight?” Allen’s voice carried an easy confidence, as though he already knew the answer.

“Already on it,” Tim replied. “We’ll take care of this. Just text me the drop-off location.”

“Thanks, man. I’ll make some calls and let you know. Grab a chair, Cammie. You’re about to be amazed.” She looked at her phone as the line went dead. He hadn’t even said goodbye.

What followed felt nothing short of miraculous. Before Cammie could even pocket her phone, trucks rumbled up one after another, engines humming in the frosty night air. Lauren Adler—Tim’s sister—directed the packing in the front, while Maggie Adler, a take-charge older woman, led her sewing circlein organizing the back. Cammie stood in awe, watching the shop empty in record time.

Cammie tried to help, but it quickly became clear that stepping in would only disrupt their productivity. “Told you this community knows how to rally,” Betty said, grinning as she supervised.

Just over an hour later, a caravan of trucks snaked its way toward Hickory Falls. Allen stood waiting outside the GatheringGrounds, directing vehicles to the empty back half of the old feed store. Hickory Falls townspeople had gathered to help unload and organize the supplies. Gwen took charge like a seasoned general, her clear voice cutting through the winter night as she directed the delivery with precision.

Watching the organized chaos around her, Cammie felt a lump rise in her throat. This wasn’t just Allen calling in favors. These people wanted to be here, wanted to help—it was more than an act of kindness. It was a declaration of acceptance. For the first time in years, she felt like she belonged. The idea of being part of something like this—a community that truly cared—was foreign to her, but she found herself wanting to lean into it. She could get used to this. She looked forward to earning her place among their ranks.

Amid the bustle, a towering man with a thick beard and bulging muscles approached. His imposing size making Cammie hesitate for an instant. Allen waved him over with an easy grin.

“Cammie, meet Eric Stoll, my old Army Ranger staff sergeant,” Allen said, his tone carrying a note of respect. “He’s a big reason Hickory Falls runs as smoothly as it does.”

Eric extended a massive hand, his voice gruff but kind. “Nice to meet you, Cammie. Zach told me about the new florist in town. Let me know when you’re up and running so my Sarah can receive the first order.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Cammie replied, her smile softening as she realized his intimidating demeanor hid a genuine warmth.

Allen turned to her with a playful wink. “Told you I’d solve your problems. Inventory stored and your first client. Boom,” he said, making an explosion gesture with his hands.

Cammie nudged his arm. “You’re such a child,” she teased, but her smile showed her gratitude.

Soon, Cammie learned that many of the men helping—Allen, Eric, Zach Harrington, and others— shared a military background and were now part of the region’s search-and-rescue team. Gwen’s roommates, Harper and Becky, along with Max’s wife, Ellen, pitched in as well, their laughter and friendship adding to the lively and loving atmosphere of the evening.

By the time the last box was unloaded and everyone began to disperse, Cammie felt as though she’d met half the population of Massachusetts. The warmth and camaraderie left her overwhelmed, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. She blinked rapidly, trying to compose herself, but Allen noticed.

He stepped close, his arm slipping around her shoulders comfortingly. “You okay?”

She leaned into his side, letting the strength of his presence steady her. “I just… I don’t even know how to thank you. Or anyone else. This is more genuine kindness than I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

Allen’s voice was low and steady. “You don’t need to thank us, Cammie. This is what friends do. You have friends here—in Hickory Falls and the extended mountain community. You’re not alone. Not anymore.”

His words hit her square in the chest, and before she could stop herself, she wrapped her arms around him in a fierce hug. Allen froze for a split second, then sank into the embrace, his arms circling her as though it was the most natural thing in theworld. Her head tucked perfectly beneath his chin, and for a brief moment, the chaos of the evening melted away.

When they parted, Allen’s determination solidified. He would do whatever it took to win her heart.

As Cammie climbed into her car, she glanced back at him, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Goodnight, Super Allen.”

He chuckled, watching her drive away. “Goodnight, Cammie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Chapter Nine

Wednesday evening came faster than Cammie expected. Long days of organizing and packing had left her exhausted, but she’d managed to have most of it ready by the time Allen arrived with Zach, Harper, Gwen, Anika, Becky, and Harper’s twin brother Finn. Allen had reassured her they’d take care of anything she hadn’t gotten to, but she still worked tirelessly to lighten the load. She hated feeling like a burden.

When they entered her shop, Cammie saw firsthand how seriously they took the motto, “Many hands make light work.” In no time, the men had coolers and display shelves loadedand strapped down, while the women passed up boxes of fragile vessels. Finn and Zach worked the dollies, pushing her supply tubs up the ramp with such ease it seemed like a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Before she knew it, Cammie was locking the door to her Glacier Ridge shop for the last time. She turned, taking one final look at the space that had once been vibrant with color and possibility but now felt cold and empty. A dull ache settled in her chest—a mix of gratitude and melancholy. This shop had been her dream, a place she had built with so much hope. It had nearly broken her but also led her to Hickory Falls—a town that had welcomed her more warmly in a week than Glacier Ridge ever had in six years.

When they returned to Hickory Falls, Allen parked the moving truck in front of her shop. The last glow of the sun backlit the mountains, and stars began to peek through the clouds, hinting at more snow to come.

Cammie turned to the group, her heart brimming with appreciation. “Thank you all so much. I couldn’t have done this without you. Dinner’s on me—wherever you want to go.”

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