Page 100 of Accidentally in Bloom

Rose called out arrangements for St. Patrick’s Day, anniversaries, and even Mother’s Day, which was now almost a year away. They crept toward fifty thousand dollars, but hope started sinking in Rose’s stomach.

It would be fine if Gray didn’t make that stupid agreement with the oily slimeball. The only thing she’d lose is her business, not his.

“Did I miss the chance to order the ‘I’m in Love with You’ bouquet?” a voice called from the back. A small gasp sounded through the crowd.

It was turning dark, and though the gazebo lights barely illuminated the square, her heart jumped into her throat. She’d know the voice anywhere.

“Did you hear that doll? He said he loves you!” Margie croaked out from the crowd. A chuckle ran through it, and Rose felt her cheeks blush.

“Thanks, Margie,” she said, trying to muster a crumb of patience.

He loves me. Even through everything. Even though he knows all the worst sides of me.

“How many of those bouquets do you want to order?” She put a hand on her hip and let hope blossom in her heart.

Gray came into focus. He’d worn a crisp white button-up with the sleeves rolled up, showing his tattooed forearms, rippling as his muscles clenched. The sight sent trembles of need through her.

Why was it always the fucking forearms?

“Put me down for one every week until I die.” A serious gasp sounded through the crowd as he slowly walked toward her.

She kind of loved that he was so cocky.

“How long do you plan on living?” Nash called out, doing the math in his head as he colored the tracker.

“Let’s say...twenty-three years.”

Rose could feel her heart in her throat as her eyes locked with his. She wanted all those years with him. She loved him so much it hurt to look at him. How could she have thought even a day ago she could leave all of this behind? He wandered through the chairs up to the bench.

“All right, whiz kid,” Lily said, cocking her head over to Nash. “What’s the math on that?”

“It’s twenty-three thousand and nine hundred dollars at twenty bucks a pop.”

“Round it up to twenty-four for inflation.” Gray walked up, not breaking his stride. He caught Rose around the waist, hauled her against him, and Rose kissed him with every fiber of her being.

“And we have seventy thousand dollars!” Nash yelled.

The crowd cheered, but it all fell away in the cocoon of Gray’s kiss. His mouth pressed firmly against hers, and his arms around her felt like safety. His hand held her jaw as his arm ensnared her waist, pulling him toward her. He gently set her down, his mouth still on hers.

Rose desperately wanted to stay in the cocoon of his arms, but she had a crowd to handle. She pulled away slowly. “No one’s going to take me seriously in this town if you keep coming in and sweeping me off my feet.” She smiled at him, her thumb brushing against his lips.

“I just want everyone to know you’re mine,” he said, his eyes searching hers, and his thumbs stroked her back.

“Gray, you didn’t have to do this.” God, it felt so good to be in his arms, the weight of the day behind them. The crowd stood and walked towards the tables with a makeshift money box.

“Of course, I had to do it. You mean a lot to me, Rose. I don’t know if you heard earlier, but—”

“Where’s my money?”

Rose turned around to see Lenny scratching his stomach behind her. “You’ll have it by the end of the day.” Rose broke away from Gray, all business again. “Give me those keys.”

“Your boyfriend has them.”

Rose looked over at Gray quickly. He dangled them in the air.

“He gets to keep his farm as long as I see the money transferred today.”

A line formed in front of Violet and Nash as they collected the funds. Rose pointed to them. “Go see Violet.”

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