Page 138 of She Wolf

“Yes.” I nod. Eying the one that doesn’t look much bigger than my hand. It would be too small to write in, surely.

“Okay then we have it in these twelve designs,” and she points along the shelving so Jack can choose.

“Hey, do you have planners for faculty members?” I wonder aloud.

“Yes, it’s very similar but instead of assignment sections, it has to-do list sections throughout.”

“Perfect.” Coralie would love one. Not only would it be helpful for work, I’m also sure she’d use it for all the times she volunteers at Jack’s school too.

“This also comes in different designs,” she shows them to us.

Between Jack and I, we pick the two we think they’ll like the most and I grab a handful of pens without even looking at the price, type, or color, which the girl giggles at. And then Jack doubles back and picks up one more pen, his face reddening.

“Can I please get this for my friend?” he says, unable to make eye contact.

“Is this friend called Summer by any chance?” I ask eyeing the pink polka dot handwriting pen.

He smiles coyly.

“You sure can little dude.” I rub his head and then we get everything we’ve bought, wrapped up pretty and head to the florist a few doors away.

“Hello, we haven’t seen you in here for a while,” Navy, the florist says, with a big smile as we enter, the strong floral and earthy scents hitting me like a wave.

When I first stepped foot in the store just before our first away streak of the play offs, I told her I was a total newbie at the romance and gift giving stuff and all I knew was that I wanted every shade of coral available.

When she’d taken me around pointing out particular blooms, and explained a meaning here and there, I hadn’t imagined so much thought went into an arrangement.

We’d settled on what I thought was a statement maker and as I’d written out the card she’d gasped at Coralie’s name, realizing why I’d asked for the color coral specifically.

After Navy had sent me a photo and delivered the flowers to Coralie at her school, I’d vowed to never use another florist again.

“I know, we’ve had a busy summer and been preoccupied with this one’s birthday,” I say motioning to Jack. “But we’re here now to make up for it.”

“What are you looking for,” Navy asks smiling down at Jack.

“I want some for my sister-friend and he wants some for his lady,” Jack says tipping his head toward me.

I can’t help the laughter that bursts from me, and neither can Navy.

“Right you are. Peonies again?” she asks.

I take in what she has displayed and nod. “Yes, please and I think we need to get Kate some that will travel well,” I say to both of them.

By the time we’re finished Jack’s little arms are full.

“This makes me feel so much better about Kate going away. I’m going to write a message in the front, will you help me?”Jesus, this kid.

“Of course, Jack. You are full of really thoughtful and kind ideas today.”

“You and Casey are really kind too and these girls deserve it.”

I can’t wait to meet the person he falls head over heels in love with.

***

Back home, once my car is loaded up with Kate’s boxes and bags, Casey and Anna make their way over to my house.

“Take care, Kate and see you soon,” Casey says giving her a one-armed hug.

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