Page 47 of Eight Years Gone

“Oh.”

He opened a package of the burgundies next. “You know, we talk a lot about me, but what about you? Aunt Mags said you freelance for Travel.”

She nodded, cutting a group of stems, then set the flowers among the other blooms in the new bucket. “When I have time. I’m making my way to all fifty states. I visit both urban and rural settings while I’m there. The readership seems to enjoy my adventures, so that makes it fun.”

They were actually having a normal-ish conversation. She was letting him in, even if it was just a little bit. “Aunt Mags also mentioned that you changed your major to business.”

She shrugged. “It seemed to make sense since I run the business side of the shop.”

The back door opened, and Maggie walked in, depending heavily on her cane as she took off her rain jacket to hang it on the peg. “All of this rain. I sure hope the weather clears up before tomorrow.”

Jagger slid a glance Grace’s way, noting the furrow of worry creasing her brow as Maggie’s gait looked as bad as he’d ever seen it—incredibly stiff and uncoordinated with each heavy step. “I thought I heard that things are supposed to clear up—get warmer and sunny,” he said.

Maggie awkwardly took her seat. “It better. This is the wedding of the year. Centerpieces for thirty tables, ten bouquets and boutonnieres, and the damn floral chandelier.”

Grace exhaled a quiet sigh before she sent Aunt Maggie a smile. “I thought we decided you weren’t going to worry.”

“Every bride and groom deserves the best on their special day.”

“Yes, they do. That’s why you’re taking care of the bouquets and boutonnieres, and I’ve got the rest. Jagger’s already agreed to help me tomorrow.”

His gaze whipped to Grace’s as Maggie blinked her surprise.

“Is that right?”

Jagger nodded, still staring at Grace. “We were talking about it before you walked in. Everything’s all set. I’ll head over here after my last taekwondo class at one.”

Grace sent him a silent thank you before returning her attention back to the roses. “See? The worry’s officially been taken off your plate. Jagger and I are handling deliveries and site setup, so you and Asa can stay here.”

“We’re even having dinner after,” Jagger tossed in.

Grace’s gaze flew up to meet his this time. “Uh, and we’re having dinner after,” she conceded.

Maggie beamed. “That’s excellent.”

“Mm,” Grace said as she forced a smile.

“And you’ll be able to pick up the lattice from Blake? He’s setting that big piece aside for us at the hardware store. We’ll need that for the flower wall for the kids’ high school dance next week. Homecoming’s a big deal.”

Grace nodded. “It’s already on our agenda.”

“We thought we’d grab it before dinner,” Jagger improvised. Because Grace wasn’t going to have any excuses to cut their meal short. He was officially taking Christy’s advice, using every new opportunity he had to get in Grace’s way.

“That’s a good idea,” Maggie said as she settled her supplies around her. “You’ll be able to enjoy your dinner.”

“That’s the plan,” he said, watching Grace pause with the slide of the dethorner down the next stem. But she said nothing as she continued with her work.

Maggie grabbed one of the burgundy roses to start on the first boutonniere. “Where are you eating?”

“Out at Rafferty’s,” he decided, wanting to keep the mood simple and fun—and that’s what Rafferty’s was, with its gorgeous lake views and family-friendly atmosphere.

Maggie smiled again. “You kids always loved that place.”

“Yes, we did.” Jagger reached for the next box of roses, answering Maggie’s occasional question as Grace headed over to start on the large chandelier she would create.

* * *

Grace worked quickly as she placed greenery around the large hoop she’d fitted with florist foam that hung from the thin rope attached to the ceiling.

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