Page 58 of More Than a Blind Date

“Yep. It’s in the back. If you pull around, I’ll help you load the white picket fencing.”

Anderson laughs as he walks into view. “What kind of fencing did you buy?”

“I’m working on a surprise for Rose.” I yank my keys out of my pocket. “Go ahead. Make fun.”

“I’m happy for you, Dallas. Truly.” He pats my shoulder. “Can’t say I’m all that surprised. The attraction was evident the night y’all met.”

“It took me a while to admit it.” I adjust my hat. “After this weekend, we’ll talk about it. And I plan to surprise her then.”

“Let me know how it goes.” He sets a box of screws on the counter. “Don’t make me hunt you down.”

“I’ll keep you posted.” I walk back to my truck, then load up the fencing.

I’m both nervous and excited about the surprise. And I’m glad I don’t have to wait much longer to show it to her.

CHAPTER 25

ROSE

Daphne is stretched out on the bed, acting as moral support while I do my makeup for the wedding. Much to my parents’ chagrin, and Mr. and Mrs. Finch too, Sage and Cara decided to pay for the wedding themselves, which made it easier to tell the parents no.

So Cara didn’t hire makeup artists, which suits me just fine.

“I wish I could sneak you in with me.” I stare into the mirror, then wipe off the eyeshadow. “I should probably use a different color. What do you think?”

“I think if you really want me at the wedding, I can call Richard and suggest he take me as his plus one.”

“I love you too much to ask that of you.” I start over on my eyes with a different shade. “I want to believe there is good in everyone, but so far, I haven’t found it in Richard.”

“He inherited the narcissism from his mom, I guess. He only thinks of himself. They named him appropriately.” She stands and poses like a stage actor. “Richard by any other name would still be a Richard.”

Now, I’m laughing too hard to see my reflection. “That line is going to be on repeat in my head all day. It’s hysterical. Why have I never thought of it?”

“You know what makes it even funnier? Your name is Rose. Because, you know, a Rose by any other name…”

“Yeah, I get it, Daphne. Oh, I need to hurry. Dallas will be here in a half hour.”

Daphne flops back onto the bed. “So I have an idea. It’s inspired by Cinderella. Because after you told me about how he slipped on your shoes, I keep thinking of Cinderella. Obviously. Anyway, in the fairy tale, she left her glass slipper at the ball. That’s how he found her?—”

“Finding me isn’t really an issue. Dallas knows where I live.”

“But if for any reason, he’s doubting how you feel and thinks the wedding marks the end of the agreement, he might need areasonto see you.”

“I want him to want me, Daphne. Not because of a glass slipper or anything else.”

“As I’ve said, he does. The whole world can see it written on his face, but maybe he hasn’t looked in a mirror. He might be the last one to figure it out. My point is you should leave something in his truck after the wedding. And when he finds it, he has a reason to see you. There is no downside. If y’all are dating and he finds it, he’ll take it over on one of his regular visits. If the deal ends, then it gives him a reason.”

“I’m not sure I like the idea, but I’ll think about it.”

I hurriedly finish applying my makeup. “How do I look?”

“Your face is fabulous, but I think the shorts and T-shirt are a bit casual for a bridesmaid.”

“I’m not wearing this to the wedding. The dress would be all wrinkled if I wore it while riding to the venue.”

“Okay. Thankfully, y’all have perfect weather. It was chilly last weekend, but you could actually wear shorts and not be cold today.”

“I’m happy about that. The ceremony is outdoors, and I hate being cold.”

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