Page 162 of Marry Me, Maybe?
As I stepped in with Ivy on my hip, a familiar jingle announced our arrival. Who in Bristlecone Springs thought it was a good idea for every store to have the same bell above the door sure had a weird sense of humor. It’d been that way all my life.
The air, green and cool, was a relief from outside. Buckets of roses and tulips lined the windows, colors spilling together in the fading light.
At the counter stood Cameron, his apron streaked with pollen, a rag in his hand. Across from him stood Spencer, the new pastor. We hadn’t formally met yet, but I’d heard enough about him through the grapevine. A pastor who bought the whole town beer. Interesting.
Both men looked a little too stiff, like I’d walked in on an argument. Cameron’s complexion was rather red, given that he was naturally pale. He was so easygoing and quiet that I couldn’t help wondering what could have gotten him so upset.
“Matty.” Cameron’s smile slipped on, polished but warm enough. “And Miss Ivy. What can I do for you both?”
I nodded at the pastor as Ivy leaned out of my arms, pointing her good hand toward the flowers. “That one, Daddy!”
Cameron chuckled, crouching so he was eye level with her. “She’s got good taste. The roses or daisies, sweetheart?”
“Woses,” Ivy said immediately, then ducked her head against my shoulder like she’d just confessed something scandalous.
Cameron looked at me for confirmation, and I nodded. “How many?”
“Make it a dozen.”
“Whole dozen it is.” Cameron straightened. “You want me to wrap them up proper?”
“Please.”
While Cameron worked, Spencer cleared his throat, stepping a little closer. “Matty, is it?” he said politely. “I don’t think we’ve officially met. I’m Spencer, the new pastor. Word around town is you’re engaged. I take it to this little one’s father? Congratulations.”
Heat prickled at my neck. In this town, news traveled faster than fire on dry grass. Spencer was new to town and seemed to already know about my history with Hudson.
“Yeah, thank you. Appreciate it.”
He smiled faintly. “Finding someone who loves us back is one of life’s richest blessings. If you’re still looking for someone to officiate, I’d be honored. Would be my first wedding in Bristlecone Springs.”
“Kind of you,” I said carefully. “We’ll…we’ll see. Some things I still need to discuss with my fiancé.”
Fiancé. Damn, it was good to say that.
He nodded once, then slipped past me, the bell chiming as the door shut behind him.
Cameron’s shoulders eased as if a weight had left the room. His smile was still there, but softer now. But something in his eyes went beyond him being tired. Maybe even a little wounded. What kind of history did he have with the pastor?
“Everything all right there?” I asked, keeping my tone casual. “He’s not…harassing you, is he?”
Cameron widened his eyes and shook his head too fast, the motion betraying him, even though his voice stayed steady. “Oh no. Nothing like that. Pastor Spencer and I…we knew each other before. Just didn’t expect him to settle in Bristlecone Springs. That’s all.”
There was a hollowness in the way he said it, like the words carried more weight than he’d allow me to see.
“I see.” I didn’t press.
He wrapped the bundle of deep red roses in brown paper with practiced hands, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Classic choice.” He tied the twine with a quick tug. “Hudson’s a lucky guy. A man who buys you flowers is a keeper. Imagine owning a flower shop but never being given a rose in your lifetime.”
For a moment, I caught the faintest crack in his voice, the way his eyes dimmed before he blinked it away. “Ah, well, perks of owning the place. I don’t need anyone to bring me flowers when I’ve got all of these at my fingertips.” He gestured broadly to the riot of color spilling from every bucket and vase, the sound of his laugh hollow beneath the sweetness.
Cameron handed me the roses. “On the house today.”
I wanted to say something—anything—that might ease the shadow in his face, but he was already moving toward the back. “Thanks, Cam. I hope you find someone to bring you flowers.”
I had no idea if he’d heard me because he had already disappeared into the back. With a sigh, I hitched Ivy up higher on my hip and walked out of the flower shop.
Knot Your Average Wedding gleamed half a block down, fairy lights twinkling in the windows. Hudson was already inside, arms folded, head bent.
