Page 111 of Finders Keepers

“What about these dahlias?” Mary Beth gestures to a bucket of vibrant blooms. “They’d make a lovely centerpiece.”

I try to focus on their conversation, but my hands won’t stop shaking. The coffee cup trembles slightly, and I set it down before I can spill it.

“Bailey?” Molly’s voice breaks through my haze. “You’re usually full of ideas. What do you think would work best?”

“I…” The words stick in my throat. How do I explain that I can barely string together a coherent thought, let alone design a centerpiece?

Mary Beth steps in smoothly. “Bailey’s been helping me with some special orders today. Why don’t I show you what we have in season?”

As they move toward the front of the shop, Sophie tugs on my apron. “Mama, can I have my juice?”

“Of course, sweetie.” I welcome the distraction, retrieving her cup from my bag. The simple task of unscrewing the cap helps steady my hands.

“Is Tommy coming too?” Sophie asks hopefully, taking her cup.

“Not today, honey. But maybe we can arrange a playdate soon?” Molly calls back.

I watch Sophie return to her coloring, her small face scrunched in concentration. She seems content, like the other night didn’t phase her, but I know. I know it did and she’s trying to put on a brave face. The contrast between her calm and my internal chaos makes my chest ache.

“These are perfect!” Molly’s exclamation draws my attention. She’s admiring a bunch of coral dahlias Mary Beth has pulled together.

The shears on the workbench catch my eye, their sharp edges glinting. For a moment, I’m back in our old kitchen, Matt advancing toward me with that glinting look in his eyes that meant pain was coming.

“Bailey?” Molly’s voice sounds far away. “You’ve gone white as a sheet.”

Mary Beth appears at my side. “Why don’t you take a break, dear?”

I shake my head. “I’m fine, I just…”

“Mama?” Sophie’s worried voice cuts through everything else. She’s standing now, her drawing forgotten.

“It’s okay, baby.” I force myself to breathe deeply. “Mama just needs a minute.”

“I can watch her if you want to step out,” Molly offers, concern etched across her face.

The thought of leaving Sophie, even for a moment, sends fresh panic coursing through me. “No, I… I’ll take her outside with me.”

Mary Beth gives me a small smile.

Sophie runs to take my hand, her small fingers wrapping around mine like an anchor. I let her lead me through the back door and into the early summer air, the afternoon sun warms my skin.

“Look, Mama!” Sophie points to a butterfly landing on a purple bloom in the grass behind the building. “It’s dancing!”

I sink onto a wooden bench, pulling her into my lap. The familiar weight of her grounds me as I breathe in the fresh air.

“Are you scared again?” Sophie’s question catches me off guard.

“A little bit,” I admit, pressing a kiss to her hair. “But you make me brave.”

She turns in my lap to face me, her ice-blue eyes serious. “Ms. Lucy says being scared is okay sometimes.”

A laugh bubbles up unexpectedly. “Well, she’s right about that.”

“And she says hugs help too.” She throws her arms around my neck, squeezing tight.

Over her shoulder, I see Molly step through the back door, hesitation clear in her stance. She doesn’t know about Matt, about why we’re really here. All she knows is her friend is struggling.

“Mind if I join you ladies?” she asks softly.

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