Page 54 of More Than a Blind Date

“Because your parents don’t pay you what you’re worth. But continue.”

“Dallas is paying the difference each month. And after the wedding, if he isn’t interested in continuing, I can’t keep takinghis money. And I might be walking away from my job. So I’ll have to do something. I hate the idea of not working at the flower shop. There has to be something I can do to work this out.”

“You can move in with me.” It’s clear that Daphne wants me to get out of the family business.

“Your apartment doesn’t allow pets. What would I do with Floofy?”

“Dang it. There has to be someone you can get help from if everything goes south.”

I nod, a face coming into focus in my head. “There is. His aunt. If my parents try to use the shop as a bargaining chip to make me date Richard, I’ll talk to Tandy. And I’m pretty sure it won’t matter if Dallas and I are still a thing. She’ll help me. I just know she will.”

“Awesome. Now, let’s stop thinking about what bad thingsmighthappen and enjoy our pedicures. When do you leave for your party weekend?”

“In three hours. We’re driving up in Dallas’s truck. It’s different having a combined bachelor and bachelorette weekend. I think Sage and Cara just want to spend as much time together as possible.”

“That’s so sappy. And it makes me totally jelly. Y’all will have so much fun. A resort ranch? How cool is that?”

“I’m excited.”

“Think Richard will be weird again?” Daphne laughs. She’s never been a fan of Richard, and she’s only met him twice. Both times, he asked her out.

“Who knows? It was funny at the gala because I could tell that when Richard shook Dallas’s hand that he was squeezing really hard. But the man works at a desk typing or holding a pen all day. Dallas uses his hands for hard work. It took a lot of willpower not to laugh when I saw Richard rubbing his handlater in the evening at the gala. And at Christmas, he went out of his way to avoid shaking hands with Dallas. It was hysterical.”

“I really like Dallas for you. And I’m hoping with everything in me that this works out. Because I can’t remember when I’ve seen you this happy.”

“I’m both excited and terrified. And this silent understanding that the topic is off-limits until after the wedding has been good and helpful. But now that we’re almost there, I’m critiquing every look and every word.”

“He likes you. It’s obvious.” Daphne grins as the tech paints on the red color.

I want her to be right. And I think she is. But the little voice of doubt is whispering louder and louder these days.

Dallas opensthe door to the quaint hotel, and I step inside.

Cara runs up and hugs me. “Isn’t this the cutest? The best part is no parents. They were not happy about that. But it would be weird to have them here, and I need a break before the wedding because at this point, I almost wish we’d just eloped.”

“Almost nothing. And it’s not too late to see if we can just get married here with our close friends around us.” Sage hugs me, then shakes Dallas’s hand. “I invited all our good friends to ensure that every last room was booked. Our moms would totally crash the weekend if they could. But the nearest hotel is thirty minutes away. So I think we’re safe.”

I’m stunned and more than a little impressed. “Wow. I wonder what they’ll do with themselves all weekend?”

Sage shrugs and hands a key to Dallas, then one to me. “These are to your room. I hope it’s okay that we have y’allsharing. Since you shared at the engagement party, I figured that’s what you’d prefer.”

Dallas nods. “That’s fine.”

“Great. The room is right up the stairs and to the right. Room twenty-five.” My brother focuses on me. “I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner what you have to put up with from Mom and Dad. Cara opened my eyes. I swear it wasn’t willful ignorance. It was just pure old-fashioned ignorance. And this weekend, enjoy yourself because no one is looking over your shoulder or judging you.”

Cara drapes an arm around my shoulder. “Sage is one of the good ones, and he really does care. I’m not sure I can say the same for my brother.”

“Sorry about that.” I flash what I hope looks like an apologetic smile. “Has he arrived yet?”

“Not yet. But he’s on his way. Even so, we’re going to have tons of fun.”

Another couple walks through the door, and Sage and Cara hurry away.

Dallas carries our suitcases toward the staircase.

“I’m sure there’s an elevator.” I scan the lobby.

“It’s way over there. It’ll be faster to go up the stairs.”

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