Chapter 1
Paris placed a bouquet of pale pink roses into the refrigerator at Blooming Lovely, the only flower shop in Sapphire Bay. Three years after she’d started working with Kylie and Jackie, she still had to pinch herself to remember this wasn’t a dream.
Before she’d arrived in Montana, her life was a complete mess. Now, with a little help from her friends, she finally felt as though she belonged in this small, amazing town.
“I’ve closed the store and put the cash into the safe. Is there anything else we need to do?” Jackie asked.
Paris opened the spreadsheet showing tomorrow’s orders. “Other than printing off a list of the flowers I need from the market, we’re finished for the day. Did Mrs. Smith tell you when she wants to collect her daughter’s bouquet?”
“She’ll be here as soon as we open.”
“That’s good. Have you heard from Kylie?”
“Not yet, but she should be here soon. I’ll make us a hot drink while we wait.”
Their boss, Kylie, was halfway through her first pregnancy and everyone was excited. This afternoon, she’d had an appointment at the medical clinic for a routine scan.
Paris checked her watch. Tomorrow morning, she was driving to Polson to re-stock their flowers. It was her favorite thing to do, even if she had to leave before sunrise to secure the best blooms.
“Sorry I’m late,” Kylie said as she hurried through the back door. “Ben wanted to show Charlotte the scan of her baby sister.”
“You’re having a girl!” Paris left the list on the work table and hugged Kylie. “That’s so exciting.”
“Just think of all the cute outfits you can dress her in,” Jackie said as she gave her boss another hug. “Was everything all right?”
“We’re growing a healthy little girl. The only thing I need to watch is my blood pressure. The doctor wants me to work fewer hours for the rest of my pregnancy.”
That didn’t surprise Paris. Kylie worked long hours and hardly ever took a day off. “Jackie and I can spend more time here.”
Kylie sat at their workroom table. “I’m not sure that will help.” Gratefully, she took the cup Jackie handed to her.
“It’s the special blend of berry tea you like.”
“Thanks. It smells delicious.” Taking a small sip, she sighed. “This is exactly what I need. While we were waiting for Charlotte, I looked at our bookings for the next six months. I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to provide the flowers for so many events.”
Paris sat beside her. “You have a successful business. Everyone wants Blooming Lovely to make floral arrangements for their special occasions.”
“And our prices are much better than any of the florists in Polson.” Jackie left a cup of coffee on the table for Paris before pulling out a stool for herself. “I looked at some websites the other day. I was shocked at what other florists are charging.”
Kylie wrapped her hands around her cup. “They might have higher costs they need to cover. If I didn’t own this store, I’d have to charge more, too.”
“Well, I’m glad we can keep the prices of our flowers affordable. Without the extra business it’s created, you might not have asked Paris and me to help you.”
Paris frowned. “Are you thinking of canceling some of the events we’ve booked?”
“It’s one option,” Kylie said slowly. “Between Blooming Lovely and what you do for the Christmas Shop, neither of you have much free time. We’ll be okay for the next few months. But, after that, I might have to give up work completely. Unless I can find another florist, we’ll have to cancel some bookings or ask another company to provide the flowers.”
Paris understood why her boss felt that way, but asking another company to work with their clients seemed like a giant step backward. “What if our customers don’t come back? They could ask the new company to provide the flowers for other events they’re hosting.”
“That’s a risk I’ll have to take. I’m really sorry I can’t work as many hours as we need.”
“Don’t be silly,” Jackie said. “Your health is more important than anything else.”
Paris thought about the people whose events would be affected if Kylie wasn’t here to help. Even choosing which events to cancel would be difficult—especially in a small town where everyone knew each other.
Kylie left her cup on the table. “Would you like to see the ultrasound photos of our baby?”
With an excited nod, Jackie moved closer. “Can you tell who she looks like?”
