Page 5 of The No Falling Rule
We’ve been living in Azalea Creek for a couple of years, and although I love the town and its people, dating options are slim. My sister started as a farm vet but quickly became the town’s vet—too busy saving animals to date—though I know she’s beensecretly pining for a certain grumpy guy for months. She’ll never admit it, but if anyone can melt that rugged man’s frozen heart, it's Carly—a woman who isn’t afraid of new challenges, who never backs down. She’s my biggest cheerleader and best friend.
“Mia, are you still alive?” said sister calls through the door.
“Yes,Mom,” I shout back, knowing exactly how much she hates that. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
I hear her groan on the other side of the door, and I chuckle. It never fails.
When I turn off the water, I hear voices. Weird. We’re alone, and Carly never watches TV.
“Carly? Is everything okay?” I ask, tiptoeing into my room.
“Oh my gosh, Mia, you won’t believe this!” Carly practically yells.
I dart into the living room, not caring that my lady bits are practically on display—this tiny towel is doing the best it can. Carly stands there holding the biggest, most extravagant bouquet of flowers I’ve ever seen in my life.
“Holy shit, who died?” I blurt out.
Carly’s face twists in horror.
I let out a loud laugh. My whole body folds in half until my knees hit the floor.
“Mia, what the heck is wrong with you?” she exclaims, struggling to hold the massive bouquet in her arms. I swear, the thing is borderline obscene. But I’m laughing so hard, I can’t even take a good look.
“I’m sorry,” I manage between gasps, “but that’s when I’ve seen the most flowers—at a funeral.”
Carly’s trying to keep it together, but one look at me on the floor, and she cracks too. She drops beside me, unceremoniously plopping down as the flowers land safely between us.
The scent hits a moment later—a sweet mix of roses and sunflowers, and I immediately feel calmer. Then curiosity takes over.
Are these really for me? Or did the delivery guy deliver to the wrong bungalow? Or… are they fromhim?
“Does it have a card?” I ask, sitting up and taking a deep breath to steady myself.
Carly just grins and says nothing.
I lean closer, tracing my fingers along the blooms. They’re beautiful—white roses tucked between bright sunflowers.
“It’s breathtaking,” I murmur.
I’ve always loved flowers. Secretly, I wanted to study horticulture—plants make sense to me. But when it was time for college, our parents passed. Carly offered to quit vet school to find a job so I could go to school, but I told her no. I stayed on the farm where our parents used to work and took over as the farrier, and she finished her degree. She wasn’t thrilled, but we both knew she’d worked too hard to quit two years before graduating.
Finally, I spot a small off-white card tucked into the vase. My pulse kicks up—heart thudding with anticipation.
Mia,
I would like to formally apologize for the way your vacation started. I don’t know how long your flight was, but if it was as turbulent as mine, I’m sure being thrown into the pool upon arrival wasn’t the welcome you expected.
Please allow me the honor of your company tonight at dinner.
I have arranged an appointment for you at the resort’s spa in case you’d like a bit of pampering before we meet.
I’ll be at your door at seven-thirty.
With hope and anticipation,
Diego.
P.S. I’m including my business card in case you need to reach me before dinner tonight.
