Page 30 of Banner

“Should we tell him?”Banner asks.

“I don’t think we have a choice.”I smile teasingly.

Banner grins and with his eyes locked on mine, says, “We’re trying.”

* * *

Three Days Later

“Do you know what he needs my help with?”Hunter shakes his head.

“He didn’t say.”

Hunter pulls up in front of Banner's warehouse and the first thing I notice is the pink and white striped awning and the sign declaring the corner spot as Sophia's Blooms.

“What in the...”I trail off as Banner steps through the pink door and walks toward us.He opens my door and reaches out his hand.There's mischief working in his eyes and a little bit of worry too.

I take his hand and whisper, “What have you done?"

“Given you back what was stolen from you, Mouse.”I look over his shoulder as he helps me out of the SUV.

Sophia's Blooms is etched in the glass of the large picture window.There are bushels and bushels of fresh flowers overflowing in pots along the sidewalk.This place.It's more than I ever could have envisioned.I cover my mouth and shake my head in disbelief as tears stream down my cheeks.I don't deserve this beautiful perfect man.

Banner's eyes widen.“Why are you crying?"

I shake my head and sob.

“Fuck, babe.Don't cry.”Banner wraps his arms around me.

It takes a beat, but I finally pull myself together enough to tell him how I feel about this wonderful surprise.“I love you and I'm happy.Nobody's ever done anything so thoughtful.”

“I love you too, babe.I want you to be happy here, but more importantly, I want you close so you're safe.”He's trying to play it off like his motives are selfish and it might be slightly true, but I know my husband.He did this because he cares about me.

Tipping my head back, I pull him in for a kiss and whisper against his lips, “Thank you, honey.”

“Anything to make you happy, babe.Come on, let's go in so you can look around.Nova's already inside, organizing shit the way you like it.”

I brush the tears from my cheeks and smile.I'm excited to see what he's done.

Hand in hand we step inside the shop and the scent of fresh flowers envelopes us.My eyes close.Nothing will ever change the way this smell makes me feel.This is my happy place.

Banner gives my hand a squeeze and I open my eyes.“Check it out and come find me when you're done, baby.”

“Okay.”I press my lips to his and watch as he disappears out the door.

“Your husband is a rockstar.”I turn to Nova and smile.

“He is.”

I spend the next two hours checking out every inch of the new shop and come to a conclusion about my husband.

He’s the best man I’ve ever known.

* * *

“Do you think this is a good idea?”I look from Payton’s sleeping form in the stroller over to Nova and frown.

“What do you mean?”I ask.

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