“Not bad for chaos, huh?” Oliver said, brushing hair from his forehead and glancing at her with a soft smile.
Clara laughed, her heart fluttering.“Not bad at all,” she admitted.
As they sat side by side, sharing a small bottle of lemonade, Clara realized something. She had spent the entire race laughing, stumbling, and working together with Oliver, and she hadn’t thought about anything else — not her shop, not her routine, not the rest of the world.
“I… really like this,” she said softly, her hand brushing his.“All of it. The fun, the chaos… and you.”
Oliver’s grin softened, his thumb brushing gently over her knuckles.“I like it too,” he said quietly.“Especially the part with me.”
Clara’s cheeks warmed, and she leaned slightly toward him, their shoulders brushing. This summer on Willow Street was no longer just about flowers, fairs, and festivals. It was aboutmoments like these — messy, unpredictable, perfect moments with him.
And for the first time, she felt completely sure that she didn’t want the summer — or him — to end.
Chapter 16:
Misread Signals
The next morning, Clara Bennett was tending to her flower shop, humming softly as she watered the sunflowers. The previous day’s fair had left her exhausted but happy. Everything had felt perfect — until she caught a glimpse of Oliver from her window.
He was laughing with a new woman, this one holding a camera and snapping photos of him holding flowers. Clara’s chest tightened, an uneasy feeling she couldn’t quite shake.
Why do I feel this way? she wondered, trying to focus on her work.
By afternoon, Oliver arrived at her shop, cheerful as ever.“Hey, Clara! You won’t believe the photos I just took for the shop blog — everyone looks amazing!”
Clara tried to smile, but her voice came out a little sharper than intended.“Oh, right. The photos.”
He frowned, noticing her tone.“Clara… did I do something wrong?”
She hesitated, trying to steady her voice.“I… I don’t know. It’s silly. I guess I just… got a little jealous seeing you with someone else this morning.”
Oliver’s expression softened immediately.“Clara, hey — look at me.” He reached across the counter, gently taking her hand in his.“There’s no one else, not like that. You’re the one I care about. I promise.”
Clara felt the warmth of his words wash over her, easing the tension.“I know… I just… I wasn’t expecting to feel that way,” she admitted.“I guess I’m realizing just how much you mean to me.”
Oliver’s thumb brushed lightly across her hand.“Good,” he said softly.“Because I’ve been feeling the same way. And I don’t want anything to make you doubt it.”
Clara smiled, feeling a mix of relief and happiness.“I don’t want to doubt it either,” she whispered.
They spent the next hour straightening up the shop together, working side by side in comfortable silence. Every glance, every small touch reminded Clara why she cared so deeply for him — not just for his humor, chaos, or surprises, but for his constant sincerity and gentle presence.
By the time Oliver left, Clara realized something important: feelings, no matter how confusing or unexpected, were worth acknowledging. And she was ready to embrace them, fully, with him.
Chapter 17:
Rain and Revelations
The soft patter of rain against the shop windows filled the quiet flower shop. Clara Bennett sat behind the counter, sketching new floral arrangements in her notebook while listening to the gentle rhythm of the storm.
A sudden knock at the door made her look up. Through the glass, she saw Oliver standing, a soaked umbrella dripping onto the welcome mat.“Mind if I come in?” he called, smiling sheepishly.
Clara laughed softly.“Of course not. Come in before you melt.”
He stepped inside, shaking off the rain and glancing around at the warm, flower-scented interior.“This place is… cozy,” he said, eyes lingering on her as she handed him a towel.
“You think?” Clara teased.“It’s just a flower shop.”
“Just a flower shop?” he repeated, grinning.“Clara, it’s perfect. And so are you.”
