Page 112 of Wallflower in Bloom

Twenty-Four

VIOLET

“Thanks so much for coming in.” Violet handed a bag full of chocolates, candles, and a small air plant to a customer.

Business in Bloom had been doing well. They’d finally evened out after the viral fame and found a balance in the chaos.

Rose flipped through their online orders as she leaned over the register, scrolling through a long list. “We’ll need to ship out some snake plants soon.”

Violet signed out of their cash register and started tidying up. “I should have about 15 ready to go in the next couple of weeks.”

“All set for Plant-a-Rama?”

Violet’s stomach jumped at thinking about making another public appearance. She’d eagerly agreed when Rose had caught her in a moment of confidence.

“Ummm,” Violet said, rubbing her hand on her back. She’d put in early hours at the greenhouse that morning to try to catch up from being gone. “I guess. Jack will be there, which will help, but it’s so many people.”

“No more than on the red carpet a few days ago.”

The premiere earlier that week now felt like a dream to her. “Sure, but all attention will be on us for twenty minutes.”

“Thirty, actually.” Rose grimaced. “It’s fantastic local exposure for the store. Plus, it’ll position you as a personality.”

“I don’t want to be a personality,” Violet said, pouting. “Lily’s the outrageous one. Why can’t she be the personality for the store?”

“I am not outrageous,” Lily said, flopping down the stairs from her loft apartment. “Just opinionated.”

“And loud,” Rose called over her shoulder.

“I’m little. I pipe up—”

“—To be heard,” Rose and Violet said together, as if they hadn’t heard that their entire lives.

“You have the bridal bouquet design for the Lopezes?” Rose asked.

Lily had done a fantastic job with the oldest sister’s wedding a few months ago, and it had connected them with the entire family, who now wanted bridal bouquets and centerpieces.

“Yes, taskmaster.” Lily waved papers in the air. “I’m happy Sofia has three sisters.”

“Oh, that’s gorgeous, Lily,” Violet said, taking the sketch in hand.

“She wants it to scream Christmas wonderland.” The snowflake-themed bridal bouquet had spunky dusty miller ferns like frosted icicles, silver brunia like tiny snowballs, eucalyptus accents with silvery leaves, and white roses. “I’ve outdone even myself. Speaking of bridal bouquets, how are the proposal plans for Gray going?” Lily leaned over the counter.

“The what?” Violet turned in shock.

“I’m considering it.” Rose shrugged with a secretive smile.

“Oh my gosh, tell me everything,” Violet said, hunkering down.

“Still thinking about it. I’m not sharing anything yet,” Rose said, flicking them away as she stared at her computer.

“How did you know,” Violet said slowly, hoping for nonchalance, “Gray was the one?”

They slowly turned their heads, eyes narrowed at her.

Damn sisters. It’s like they have a spy camera in my brain.

“Why do you ask?” Rose said with a cunning smile.

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