She's quiet for a moment while she thinks. Then her face lights up. “Silk flowers.”
I blink. “What?”
“Silk flowers. We’ll go to a craft store, buy a bunch of silk flowers, and make the bouquets ourselves. It'll take a couple hours, but we can do it.”
“Amy, I don't know how to?—”
“I do. Remember when I worked for that wedding planner briefly, during my ‘don’t know what the fuck to do with my life’ phase?” I nod. “The lady used to make arrangements for weddings all the time, and I helped her.” She's already pulling out her phone, typing rapidly. “There's a huge craft store like twenty minutes from here. They should have everything we need.”
Hope flickers in my chest. “You really think we can pull this off?”
“Hell yes, we can.” She grins. “And you know who else can help… your mom.”
“My mom?”
“Call her. Right now.”
I glance around the table, but no one is really paying attention to our hushed conversation. I grab my purse and walk into the hallway to make the call.
Mom answers on the second ring. “Hope! Good morning, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”
“Better,” I say, glancing back into the dining room. Most of the brothers are deep in their own conversations, but Frost is watching me now, his expression unreadable. “Mom, I need your help.”
“Of course, what's wrong?”
I explain the florist situation as quickly as I can, and by the time I'm done, she's already making plans.
“I'll meet you at the craft store,” she says firmly. “Text me the address. Amy’s right, we'll get this done, Hope. Don't you worry.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“That's what I'm here for. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I hang up and march back over and take my seat next to Amy. I lean in and whisper, “She's in.”
“Perfect.” Amy stands, draining the last of her coffee. “Let's go. The sooner we get started, the sooner we get done and can head over to the party.”
I stand with her and glance over at Frost. He's still watching me, but there's something distant in his gaze. Something I can't quite put my finger on.
“I have to go run an errand with Amy and my mom,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “I'll meet you at the clubhouse tonight for the party, okay?”
He nods slowly. “Okay.”
“You gonna rest or take a nap?” I suggest. “You still seem pretty out of it.”
“Probably.”
I move around the table and lean down to kiss him. His lips are warm, but the kiss feels... off. Like he's going through the motions.
I pull back, searching his face. “You sure you're okay?”
“I'm fine, Hope.” His voice is steady, but his eyes are guarded. “Go on. Do what you need to do. I’ll see you tonight.”
I hesitate, my hand resting on his shoulder. “If you need anything…”
“Plenty of brothers here to help me, I'll be fine.”
