CHAPTER1
Jackie carefully added another rose to the table arrangement for the wedding of Jan Harris and Cliff Simons. After working on the flowers for the last two days, she was thrilled with how wonderful they looked.
With a final tweak, she repositioned a rosebud and smiled. She loved working at The Flower Cottage and creating special memories for their clients. Especially when they were as nice as this couple.
Some days she had to pinch herself. The best thing she’d ever done was move to Sapphire Bay. After spending most of her life living in trailer parks, shelters, and her mom’s car, the small Montana town had given her so much more than a roof over her head. It gave her a sense of belonging she never thought possible.
She’d discovered a tight-knit community where everyone knew each other’s names, a far cry from the anonymous, stressful existence she was used to. And even though she was a stranger, the community had welcomed her with open arms, embracing her as one of their own.
Paris, her boss and friend, stopped beside her. “That’s lovely. Do you need any more flowers?”
“Not for this arrangement. Would you like me to check the bridal bouquet? Jan’s father’s picking it up soon.”
Paris shook her head. “I just had a look and it’s wonderful. The tiny flamingo you added is cute.”
“I thought it’d make Jan smile.” Until she’d met the bride, Jackie didn’t know anyone who collected flamingos. But Jan’s house was full of flamingo cushions, ornaments, and posters. No one was surprised when she’d chosen a flamingo-themed reception. “After I’ve put this arrangement in the truck, I’ll take everything to The Fairy Forest. Is there anything we’ve forgotten?”
“I don’t think so. The balloon arch is finished and the other flowers look amazing.” Paris reached for a spool of ribbon. “I went into The Cozy Quilt Shop yesterday. There weren’t many of your baby clothes left.”
As well as working part-time at The Flower Cottage and at another flower shop in town, Jackie sold her hand-knitted baby clothes at The Cozy Quilt Shop. “A tourist bus stopped in Anchor Lane yesterday. The people on board bought most of the jackets and booties I’d made.”
“That’s fabulous. You must be thrilled with how much you’re selling.”
“I am, but I’m a little worried I won’t be able to keep up with the demand. I’ve had to stop taking orders from my website.”
Paris placed the bouquet she’d made onto two sheets of sparkly paper. “That’s what you get for knitting such amazing clothes. Should I add a gold or silver bow to this bouquet?”
Jackie tilted her head to the side. “Silver. It’ll look lovely with the red roses and gerberas. The last alterations to our bridesmaids’ dresses will be finished this weekend. I can’t wait to see them.”
“Neither can I. It still amazes me that Andrea’s getting married in three weeks. It only seems like yesterday that she got engaged.”
“I hope she’ll be happy. Andrea and her boys have been through so much.”
“They have, but they also have a wonderful future to look forward to.” Paris added the bow to the bouquet and glanced at Jackie. “Andrea isn’t the only person who’s had a difficult life. I’m proud of what you’ve achieved.”
Jackie smiled at her friend. “I wouldn’t have stayed in Sapphire Bay if it weren’t for you and Andrea. You’ve been amazing.”
“And we love you,” Paris said softly.
Jackie swallowed the lump in her throat, her heart heavy with the weight of those precious words. “I love you, too.”
With a mischievous smile, Paris held up the bouquet. “What do you think?”
“It’s perfect.” Just like their friendship. She gave Paris a quick hug, then placed the table arrangement she’d finished into a temporary vase. “I’ll head across to The Fairy Forest now. If I’ve forgotten anything, I’ll call you.”
“Okay. After I’ve closed the store, I’ll come and help.”
“Don’t rush. We’ve got plenty of time.”
“That’s what we always say on the morning of a wedding.”
Jackie smiled. “And by the afternoon, we wonder where the time’s gone. I’ll see you soon.”
After she’d placed the flowers in the truck, Jackie hurried to the driver’s door. For someone who was scared of happy endings, the crisp October morning lifted her spirits and made her think anything was possible.
Including getting a wedding reception ready for a flamingo-crazy bride and the man of her dreams.
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