Chapter One
Magnolia
I could see the neon glowing even before I unlocked the door.
The Moments by Magnolia sign that hung prominently on the inside brick wall of my business had been a gift from my new girlfriends, Presley, Rowan, and Chloe, when I opened my event-planning company a couple of months ago.
It was only three words, but that sign symbolized my future, my hope, my redemption. Maybe that sounded overdramatic, but I had so much to prove—to this town, to my terrible father who’d disowned me, but most importantly, to myself.
Two years ago, I’d gone from being a member of one of the wealthiest families in Dragonfly Lake to having nothing literally overnight. The rich-girl version of me had never quite managed to form any true, deep friendships. The new version of me, well…let’s just say work in progress.
Maybe opening a business in a town where everyone knew my history was a mistake, but a few weeks in, I had a few customers and more than a few stubborn glimmers of hope. A boatload of doubts too, and we’re not talking a little canoe. More like a big, filthy river barge.
On this Monday morning in early October, I’d walked from my studio apartment above The Lily Pad, across the town square, to my month-old storefront. I used my key to enter, then closed my eyes for an extra second to breathe it all in. The undertaking. The potential. The soothing aroma of peppermint, wild orange, and lime essential oils recommended by the girls at Earthly Charm.
The back wall of the main room where I hosted clients and potential clients was brick, with a wet bar for tea, sparkling water, or champagne when they signed a contract. Above the bar was my cherished logo sign—the word Moments was on the top line in a simple font, and by Magnolia was in a smaller, graceful script below.
I stepped into my personal office and felt the remnants of my nighttime doubts and fears dissipate. This was my refuge. My happy place, with peaceful plum, gray, and white decor and a tall, elegant vase of faux magnolias between two plush, comfortable chairs by the large windows that filled the room with natural light.
Daylight was so much easier to navigate than darkness.
I sat behind my pretty but sturdy white desk and pulled out my laptop to plan my day. It was ten till eight, morning rush time next door at Presley’s coffee shop, The Bean Counter, so I’d wait to fuel up with my one daily splurge.
My business hours didn’t officially begin until nine, but I’d much rather be here, trying to prove myself, than alone in my dinky apartment.
As I opened my planner, I heard the outer door close. I leaned so I could see who it was.
“Good morning,” Presley sang out with an obnoxious amount of cheer.
“Hey, Presley,” I said, happy to see her and the two coffees she carried. “Are you starting a new service? Free delivery to souls in need?”
She smiled warmly as she waltzed into my office and set one of the cups in front of me. “One-time deal. I might have an agenda. How was your weekend?” she asked as she sat in the chair across from me.
“Really good. The party Saturday night was a hit, and I gave out several business cards.”
“Congrats! Did you do anything besides work?”
“I binged a show and finished a book yesterday while recovering from the late-night job. What about you?”
“Oh…” She shrugged nonchalantly. “I got engaged yesterday.”
“What?” I slapped my hand down on my desk, coming alive with excitement. “West proposed?”
She held out her hand to show off the beautiful diamond on her left hand, her face lit with joy and excitement.
With a gasp, I hurried around the desk, took her hand, and checked out the bling close up. “Presley, it’s gorgeous. Congratulations.”
The princess-cut diamond wasn’t obnoxiously huge, but I’d learned the hard way money and bling meant nothing compared to love and affection. I leaned over and hugged her, ignoring the selfish pang in my chest.
“Thank you. He stunned the heck out of me.”
“I’m not surprised in the least. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”
Her grin stretched even wider. “I have. I love that look he gets. But we said we were taking it slowly.”
“Because of the girls,” I said.
She nodded. “I think it was more for him to be sure. The girls are beside themselves. You should’ve heard them when we told them last night.”
