“I meant to ask how your appointment with Penny went.”
“It was a good meeting. She knows what kind of flowers she wants, so that made everything a lot easier. But that’s not what I was thinking about.” Taking a deep breath, she focused on the idea that had kept her awake. “I have a business proposition for you. If you think I’m crazy, tell me.”
Kylie smiled. “Okay, but crazy is the last word I’d use to describe you.”
Crossing her fingers, Paris hoped she felt the same way after she’d heard her idea. “While I was walking through the cottage, I thought about the number of clients we’ll have to turn away when you’re working fewer hours. What if there was another florist who specialized in providing flowers for large events and gifts for the Christmas shop? Blooming Lovely could focus on smaller events like birthday parties and wedding anniversaries, and provide flowers for people who haven’t preordered anything.”
“That could work, but there isn’t another flower shop in Sapphire Bay.”
“There might be. What if I opened my own store? We could work together to make sure we aren’t taking customers away from each other. Hiring more staff won’t be too difficult, either. A couple of people in the adult flower arranging class I’m tutoring would be perfect apprentices.”
Kylie looked thoughtfully at the half-finished bouquet in front of her. “Before you worked with me, I only made flowers for smaller events. There was more than enough work to keep me busy and make a healthy profit. And, to be honest, I enjoy that side of my business more than decorating large events.”
Paris breathed a sigh of relief. At least Kylie had listened to what she’d said. “You wouldn’t need to worry about replacing me. Jackie is a wonderful florist and she wants full-time, permanent hours. She could teach an apprentice the basics.”
“It sounds like a great idea, but do you really want to start your own business? It’s a huge commitment.”
“I know I can do it. I enjoy working with flowers and making people happy. You’ve taught me a lot about owning a business.”
Kylie reached for another flower. “When you and Jackie started working here, I hoped you’d take what you learned and create something special for yourselves. I just didn’t expect my pregnancy and this opportunity to happen at the same time.”
Paris’ heart sank. “I’ll understand if you don’t think it will work.”
“I’m not saying that. Specializing in certain types of clients makes sense. Especially when the large events we decorate can take weeks to organize. Let me think about it.”
“While you’re doing that, I’ll talk to Penny about leasing the first cottage.”
“When do you want to open the new flower shop?”
“The cottage won’t be ready until the middle of March, so it would be sometime after that.”
Kylie nodded. “From my perspective, it’s perfect timing. Have you spoken to Jackie about your idea?”
Paris shook her head. “I thought I’d speak to you first.”
“That sounds sensible. Now, tell me about the flowers Penny wants for the opening of the cottage.”
Paris told Kylie about the baskets of flowers Penny wanted for the veranda and the arrangement that would add color to the food table. In the back of her mind, she imagined what the store could look like as a flower shop. If Kylie was happy for her to proceed, it could be a dream come true.
Chapter 3
Eighteen months ago, walking along the shore of Flathead Lake with his son was impossible for Richard. Now, with the help of a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg, he could do everything he’d done before he was injured.
Jack leaped across the rocks, searching for more stones to skip across the water. In the distance, fishing boats bobbed up and down. Trout, bass, and whitefish lurked at the bottom of the lake, enticing locals and visitors onto the water. If that wasn’t a good enough reason to come here, the stunning scenery and laidback lifestyle would do it.
“I’ve found some stones.” Jack joined him on the boardwalk, opening his palm to show him his treasures.
“They look great. How many times will they skip?”
Jack picked up one of the stones and rubbed his thumb along its flat surface. “Five.”
“Impressive.” Taking one of the stones he’d found earlier out of his pocket, Richard tossed it in the air. “I’m thinking this one will make four.”
With a laugh, Jack made his way to the edge of the water. “Whoever does the most skips gets to choose the ice cream flavor we buy.”
“It’s a deal.” Richard didn’t care who won their competition. All he wanted was to spend time with his son. The last few years had changed both of them, and not in a good way. When depression and isolation had broken his spirit, Jack had helped him perform the most basic human rituals to get through each day. Between school and the chores he’d had to do, Jack’s life hadn’t been easy. And Richard regretted every moment he’d robbed his son of his childhood.
Jack flicked his right arm forward. The stone shot toward the water, hitting its icy coolness at a speed that sent it careening across the surface.
