Page 28 of Accidentally in Bloom

Rose shoved her, and Lily burst out laughing.

“He still needs to get back to me about the greenhouse purchase. Maybe I can casually drop that we know exactly what to do with the business, and he just has to sign off.” Rose flitted her hands in the air. “But what do you think about reopening the shop?” Rose looked at her mercurial little sister. Lily’s design career kept her busy, and she hated being tied down.

Lily blinked back unexpected tears. “I feel horrible saying this, but I’ve been happier here the last few weeks than when I was in New York. Dad died and I’m happier? I think I’m a monster.”

“Lily.” Rose ran a hand over Lily’s hair. “Living paycheck to paycheck would make anyone miserable. I need to get back to LA soon, anyway. What if we all commit to being here for just a few months? Would that be okay?” Rose asked Violet.

“Okay?” Violet’s lip trembled. “You’d really stay with me? And help?”

“We’d never leave you stranded, Vi.” Lily rubbed her arm.

“It’s been nice to have you here,” Violet’s voice came out in a whisper.

“Then it’s settled. We’re relaunching Bloom.” Excitement built in Rose’s chest.

Violet laughed and enveloped Rose. She invited a bouncing Lily into their hug.

“I’ve done more hugging in the past four days than in the past four years.” Rose tried for an annoyed tone but still laughed as her sisters snaked their arms around her.

Something happy and whole settled into her heart, and she took a nanosecond to appreciate having them beside her in a place so steeped in their history.

This was going to be the craziest ride with them ever. She squeezed her eyes shut and opened them, ready to dive in.

Okay. Gratitude nanosecond over.

“Vi, can you start researching the plants and cut flowers that we need? Lil, can you start drafting branding and floral designs? I’ll handle the financial projections, the store interior, the business plan, the timeline, and start researching potential buyers.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited.” Lily clapped her hands together. “The first time we’re all working together.” Lily squeezed them both. “To Parker sisters.”

“To Parker sisters,” Violet added.

“To kickass Parker sisters.” Rose took in her two favorite faces in the world. Together, hell or high water.

Chapter

Eight

GRAY

“Hey, Mom!” Gray called out as he wrenched open his parents’ front door.

“Hi, sweetie!” Lula Roberts swirled through her kitchen, stirring a handful of pots on the stove.

“Is that a farmer tromping through my kitchen?” His dad bellowed.

Gray sighed. It had already begun. “Not everyone can be the mayor, Dad.”

“Come in, come in. Do you want a drink?” His father offered a highball in his hand.

“George,” his mother scolded.

“Oh, right. Sorry.” His father stroked his chin. “Water? Some tea?”

“I’ll get it.” Gray ground his teeth. Reason number 184 of why he dreaded going back to his parent’s house.

“How’s business, son?” His father hooked a thumb underneath a suspender. His father would have been more at home in a southern gothic novel rather than Western Pennsylvania. He’d been the mayor of Cooperstown, PA, for twenty years, loving the power and the politics of it all. Gray didn’t understand the appeal of greasing palms only to produce nothing of substance.

If Gray didn’t see his own eyes staring back from his father’s face, he’d swear they weren’t even related.

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