Page 71 of Love in Bloom

Wren didn’t take her eyes off the canvas. She held a paintbrush in one hand and her palette in the other. She was completely helpless when Miller hugged her from behind and nuzzled her neck. “No fair, my hands are full,” she protested.

“You can retaliate tonight,” he promised as he placed soft kisses on her neck. She squirmed against him and pushed him away with her butt. Too late. Miller would have to sneak out the back door for a quick walk along the river before his next appointment. He’d told her it was the closest thing to a cold shower during business hours.

“So, why is Michelle on my calendar?”

“She’s setting up a business and needs to file incorporation paperwork. Evidently, Bob read Diane the riot act over her behavior and said she and Michelle needed to cover the increased rent.” She mixed several colors together. “Diane has taken over Michelle’s job at AAS and Michelle is going to sell her jewelry from the old Wallflowers location. She also wants to feature other local artists and will need contracts for that, as well. She’s trying to be independent, so she didn’t want to use her family’s legal services.”

“Goals are good,” Miller said.

“And she asked me if I’d like a contract, and I said yes.”

“That must have been difficult for her to ask since you won the Miller contest.”

“Get your ego under control, Counselor. Some days you’re not that big of a prize,” she teased and walked over to the sink to clean up. She’d finished painting for the day.

“Oh, and I told her she’d get the friends-and-family discount.”

“We have that?” he asked.

“We do now,” she said over her shoulder as she liberally applied hand cream. Her hands didn’t take the abuse they used to at the floral shop, so Wren found it easier to care for them.

“Tell me about the painting,” Miller said.

“It’s for the bachelor auction.”

“I am so glad I don’t have to do that anymore. Croix, however, seems resigned to represent the firm.”

Wren came over to stand next to Miller. They both studied the painting. “I’m also glad you don’t have to do the auction. I don’t like sharing you,” she admitted. “In fact, I don’t ever want to share you.” She wrapped her arms around him and reached up for a kiss. Miller more than met her halfway.

“Keep that up and I’ll have to make two laps outside.” He laughed and moved her away from him. “I like the painting.”

“So says the color-blind man.” It was a running joke between them. Miller loved an artist whose work he couldn’t fully appreciate and whose appearance he couldn’t accurately see.

“There’s lots of colors other than green and red,” he reminded her. “The blues of the river are great and the texturing you did on the tree trunk is interesting.” He studied it more. “I’m guessing that vertical mess is grass, right?” he asked, stepping closer.

“Yes, that vertical mess is grass,” she answered. From the corner of her eye, she watched to see where his gaze went next.

“What’s with the WL on the bottom?” Miller turned his head and looked at her. She twirled her compass ring, bit her lower lip, and placed a steadying hand over her stomach. If Miller didn’t agree, she’d have to convince him.

“How do you feel about proceeding with a permanent partnership, Counselor?”

“Keep talking.” He sounded more than interested. “What do you propose?”

“I know I can’t tattoo ‘taken’ across your forehead because that would be three gallons of crazy in a two-gallon jug, but I think a ring on your finger would keep most women away.” Miller studied her and narrowed his eyes.

“Are you asking me to marry you, Wren Busch?” he clarified as he pulled her back into his arms.

“Yes, I am, and to answer your other question, ‘WL’ is for Wren Lynch. The last name comes with the man, yes?”

“I’d love to share my last name with you. I want to share everything with you.” He tilted her chin up and looked into her eyes. “Are you sure, Wren?”

“Yes, I’m sure, so don’t argue with me. I’m winning this time.” She lightly slapped his chest and Miller laughed down at her. “But you didn’t answer my question.” She took a deep breath and asked, “Miller Lynch, will you marry me and work with me to build an incredible life full of happiness and goals?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” He picked her up and hugged her, and Wren wrapped her legs around his waist. “Nothing would make me happier. Are you sure you’re not afraid?”

“A bit, but I was more afraid you’d say no. So, I took that as a sign. And if you had said no, I don’t know what I would have done with two non-refundable tickets to Las Vegas for next weekend.”

“Wow, you were awfully sure of yourself.” Happiness was written all over Miller’s face. Wren knew hers looked the same.

“No, Counselor.” She held his face between her hands and looked him in the eyes. “I was awfully sure of us.” She brought his lips closer and sealed their deal with a kiss.

---