I’m failing. Miserably.
Violet keeps seeping into my thoughts every time I look at Ford. Or it’s the fact that I’m in Lake Spark and it has crossed my mind a million times that Violet lives here.
My brain flashes the image of her lying underneath me, and the way her breath hitched in surprise when I rolled us over in bed, or the fact that we barely left my sofa the first two rounds.
I scratch my cheek, realizing that I need to take matters into my own hands, especially if I’ll be in Lake Spark more often.
“My mother would be disappointed if I show up to your BBQ empty-handed. I’m sure I’ll find something in town.”
“I mean, Violet’s shop, The Flower Jar, has gifts as well as flowers. I’m sure she has something, plus it helps her business. I do my best to ensure she doesn’t go bankrupt.”
“Is that a concern?”
He scoffs a laugh. “No way. She’s always busy, a lot of online orders. The Dizzy Duck Inn contacts her for flowers when people stay for a night and need that romantic touch. I’m just her big brother and want her to succeed, and all business helps.”
Violet strikes me as an independent woman with strong shoulders. What her brother mentions sounds right on point.
“I’m going to assume, like all great places in Lake Spark, that I can find her store on Main Street?”
“Main Street, First Street, Pine Street, or Duck Lane, the only streets in Lake Spark, but they all run into Main or the lake.”
“Quaint.” I try to suppress a smile.
Ford grins. “Nah, just easy. Welcome to Lake Spark.”
My lips quirk out at Ford’s sentiment.
Easy.
Not exactly, but at least I won’t get lost.
Because my next stop is finding Violet at her flower shop.
5
VIOLET
Istare at my sixteen-year-old nephew, Connor, who’s tapping his fingers on the counter of my store, The Flower Jar, his chin resting against his propped elbow while he seems to be in deep contemplation.
It’s summer, which means he should be having the time of his life. He’s a popular kid, with good looks that keep his parents worried. It’s no secret that every girl at his school harbors a crush on him. Add in the fact that he plays varsity hockey and I’m confident he thinks he’s the messiah to some.
“You okay there? You seem kind of… lost.” A bewildered smile stretches on my mouth as I count the individual sunflowers for my brother’s order, thankful my apron catches the drops of water from the stems.
“Carnations look like roses, I don’t get it.”
Ah, yes, he’s been debating which flowers to buy for the last five minutes.
I playfully hit his head with a sunflower. “They are not the same, and I’ve told you that many times. You need to go for roses if you want to impress a girl,” I remind him.
The joys of your brother accidentally having a baby at young age means my nephew and I can hang out without it feeling like I’m just another parental figure. I was eleven when he was born. We have a special bond, closer to friendship, because I’m the cool aunt. He tells me things that he wouldn’t tell his parents, although he’s pretty damn close with them too.
“You’re right. A single rose, red, classic, and it’s more of a statement.” He stands tall, confident with his choice.
My brow raises. “Who’s the lucky lady?”
He shrugs a shoulder. “Just someone.”
“Nothing to do with your pool party later?” I ask as I walk to the bucket on the floor filled with roses. I hold one up for his approval, and he nods.
