Page 52 of Accidentally in Bloom

“Is she okay?” Rose asked.

Giselle spoke in rapid French, and the woman waved and went back inside.

“Morning sickness,” Giselle beamed.

Gray’s face burst into a grin. “That’s amazing! Congratulations!” He enveloped Giselle in a hug and kissed each cheek. “Giselle’s wife, Andi has been going through IVF for a while.”

“Oh. Congratulations! That’s so exciting.” Relief flooded Rose’s system for some reason. Am I jealous of Gray’s ex? Impossible. She unclenched her jaw and breathed out a sigh.

“Giselle and I had been long-time friends when I was a photographer, and we had a short fling before I got sober. She got pregnant, our amazing Alex was born,” he swooped Alex around, causing another round of giggles, “and we’ve been a long-distance family ever since.”

Alex reached down to Duke, who’d trotted up, and Gray let him down to play.

Giselle smiled as Alex ran around. “We live in Montreal and come down for visits since Alex is young. Someday he’ll get to spend all summer at the farm,” she said sweetly to Alex, who beamed up at her. “I’m sorry we didn’t call, Gray. I know we’re a few days early. Andi was feeling so sick. She wanted a quiet place to rest before we did more driving.”

“It’s no problem. I was about to show Rose the pigs.”

Alex piped up, “Piggies!” He tugged on his dad’s hand, attempting to drag him to the barn.

Get the heck out of here before you learn seven more adorable things about Gray. Rose wrapped her arms around herself. “Let’s reschedule, Gray. We can do this whenever.”

Gray swooped down and tickled Alex’s belly, then threw him over his shoulder so Alex was upside down, causing even more laughter. “You don’t want to visit les cochons with Alex and me?” A hopeful smile beamed on his face.

Better not get more emotionally tangled than she already was. She was only a business partner who would leave soon.

“Business can wait. Family comes first,” Rose said with a half-hearted smile.

Gray’s face fell a fraction but turned around so Alex was facing Rose. “What do we say to Rose if she’s leaving, ma puce?” Gray asked.

Alex was giggling but managed to get out a delicate, accented “Later al-e-gator!” as Gray threw a hand up and waved as he walked toward the barn, Alex bouncing over his shoulder.

Rose was completely thrown. This was one hell of an upside-down time loop. How many layers could one person have?

“So Gray tells me you are partners. In business,” Giselle added with a quiet smile.

Rose turned to her. “Yes, he owns a part of my business. We’re a flower and gift shop in town.”

Giselle turned to lean against the patio wall, all French elegance. “How lovely. Gray is a good man.” She smiled as Gray chased Alex to the barn. “He’s a good papa, despite the distance.”

“It was so nice to meet you, but I should go. Enjoy your visit.” Rose walked back to the patio door.

Giselle sent her a quiet wave.

Rose grabbed her keys in the kitchen with lightning speed. Keep it professional and simple. He has a full life and doesn’t need anyone else in it, especially not you. She hustled out to the car, sparing one more head pat for Duke before she hopped in and drove back home.

Chapter

Fourteen

ROSE

Today’s To-Don’t List

#1: Don’t forget to plug the opening on the podcast; must hype up business so we see online sales.

#2: Don’t be weird that Gray didn’t mention he has a son, or that he speaks French, or that he was a photographer. Don’t be weird, Rose. Don’t be weird.

#3: Definitely do not, do not, DO. NOT. kiss Gray Roberts ever again.

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