“I appreciate that.”
“She also mentioned that there is a small practice in the county over that will have someone retiring in the spring. She could put in a good word.”
I hold my hand up. “As much as I would love for Brielle to work in law and be permanently in Lake Spark, it needs to come from her. I’m not going to push it. I’ve done enough lately to play with fate.”
He smiles to himself. “You’ll look back at all of this one day and it will make sense, I promise.”
I tap my finger in the air to show I hear him and quite frankly believe him too.
* * *
Sitting across from Margo,I admire how she always has fresh tea and cakes at the ready in her conservatory. Granted, my sister has already been here for an hour, so my last-minute visit is a coincidence for Margo’s social etiquette. I only phoned her this morning.
Violet pours me some tea that I will never drink, but I can’t say no in front of Margo. “After graduation, and as soon as I have enough money, I think I need to set my roots somewhere.”
“Of course you do, dear. You’re beautiful, and a man will want to snap you up. They are more inclined if you show stability.” Margo places her teacup back on the saucer.
I have to chortle because I know Margo is only partly joking.
“Flowers. I’m good with flowers.” Violet seems to ignore Margo’s statement and speak to herself.
Margo turns her attention to me. “I’ve been waiting for you to come back to me.”
I fold my arms over my chest and lean back. “Why is that?” I ask dryly.
“I’m not a fool, I know your engagement story with Brielle had a few holes. But I appreciated the effort and the fun I had phoning the flower shop. Your parents were shocked for sure when they found out at the hospital. I’m not sure why, though, it’s a perfect love story that you both finally get your reunion.” Margo seems to be reflecting.
Violet raises her brows at me.
Blowing out a long breath, I adjust my posture in the seat, leaning forward with my elbows on my thighs. “I might have embellished a few facts, but it was also the catalyst to, well… a lot.”
“I gathered. I heard a few whispers from your sister when I asked where to send flowers to Brielle after the hospital.” She looks up when I hear someone enter the room behind me. “There you are,” she smiles proudly.
My eyes land on my father.
Violet leans to my side to whisper, “Truthfully, you’ve been kind of set up.”
I roll my eyes.
“Ford.” My father’s greeting is short.
“Hello.” I can’t bring myself to look at him.
“How is Brielle?” He attempts to sound concerned.
Now it grabs my attention. “You care?”
“Of course, she is Connor’s mother.”
Violet taps her fingers on the table. “Look at you two talking,” she says in an attempt to make peace.
“I think you two need to talk like men. Neither Violet nor I are in the mood for children at our table,” Margo informs us without losing a moment of dropping a sandwich on her plate.
“You planned this?” I ask Margo.
“You know me, breezing in like a southern wind when you need it.” A proud smirk is hinted on her lips.
My eyes turn to my father who is staring at me, before my sister pulls on his arm so he sits down next to her.
