Page 74 of Smoldering Nights
Mitch pulled open the door with the fingers he managed to angle out from under the box, "I'll encourage her to do that.Why don't we all get together some night for dinner and drinks?Relax, and you both can get to know Izzy a bit better."
Quinn held the door open with his foot as Mitch walked inside."We'd love that."
As Mitch and Quinn set their boxes on the table, Sadie arrived, arms full of bags.And right behind her came Grace and Sid, grinning like cats who got the canary.Grace nudged Sid in the ribs with her elbow, and Sid put his arm around Grace's shoulders and kissed her.His friends were happy too.That made him happier still.
He looked up to see Izzy moving like sunlight, every step full of purpose, every word gentle but firm.She directed volunteers, double-checked price tags, and rearranged display tables that were already perfect.He couldn’t stop watching her.Ms.Jillie was beaming as she arranged flowers as fast as someone could put them on a shelf.She laughed easily with those who stopped to chat, and she looked happier than he'd ever seen her.There was new life here at Petal Pushers, and everyone felt it.
The fear that once shadowed Izzy's eyes had faded.It was replaced with fire.And it was sexy on her.
He weaved around his employees, Gabby and Blaine, as they tested the security system Jayson had just finished upgrading.Jayson looked up from the back wall and nodded.
Mitch moved over to him to check on his progress.
“Everything’s in place,” Jayson said.“Motion sensors, panic button, window alerts, if a squirrel farts too close to the shop, she’ll know.”
Mitch chuckled.“Appreciate it.Not sure she'll want to know that much, but it'll be reassuring that even the gassy squirrels won't get past her.”
“Good.”Jayson clapped him on the back.“Also, I might add, it's about time you found someone who makes you smile.”
Mitch waited a beat, then added quietly, “I asked her to look at property just outside of town.A real home.With a garden where we can be together every day.”
Jayson raised an eyebrow, impressed.“Damn.That serious?So soon?”
“It is.I am.When you know, you know.I used to hear that and think it was a bunch of crap.But it's true.”Mitch took a deep breath.“For the first time in years, I want something more.I want peace.I want it withher.”
“Then go help her run this show, man.You’re not just her bodyguard anymore.”
Mitch chuckled and made his way to Izzy.She turned as he approached, that same soft smile she reserved just for him lighting her face.
“How’s it looking out there?”she asked, brushing her hands on her apron.
“Like a town ready to celebrate.”He reached out and tucked a loose curl behind her ear.“And like the strongest woman I know is about to take her place right where she belongs.”
Izzy’s eyes shimmered.“I’m nervous.”
“Good.That means you care.But I’ll be right beside you the whole time.”He leaned down and kissed her lips."When are you going to announce it?"
Her eyes gleamed."As soon as Sid and Grace tell me my permits are signed."
Mitch nodded toward Quinn and Hanna setting up tables across the room."They're here."
Izzy turned to see Sid and Grace talking to their friends, and she took a deep breath.Mitch kissed her forehead and whispered."It's all good, baby."
She hugged him close, then far too quickly pulled back as the door jingled and the first customers trickled in, friends, townspeople, familiar faces who’d weathered the storm with them.Izzy squared her shoulders, took a breath, and stepped forward with that bright voice she used to greet customers long before all this chaos began.
Mitch stayed close, watching her light up the room.Proud of her for all she'd overcome and thrilled she was in his life.
The past few weeks had taken everything out of them, fear, risk, and even some blood.But standing here now, surrounded by laughter, the scent of fresh blooms, and the woman he loved more than he ever thought possible, Mitch knew one thing for certain.
They had made it.
And whatever came next, they’d face it together.
He watched as Sid and Grace approached Izzy with an envelope in their hands.Izzy smiled at them, then turned to see him watching.Her smile grew, and it was like a magnet; he made his way to her to share in this news with her.
Sid whacked him on the shoulder."Ready?"
"Yep.Is it done?"
