It’s with great reverence that I arrange the freshly cut peonies in a fluted glass bouquet vase. My palms heat with green-gold energy as I work, subtly layering spells for healing and comfort with each stem placed. I feel the energy moving through me to the flowers, and it soothes my spirit in the same way I intend for this bouquet to soothe Mrs. Chadwick.
When I’m done, I speak life into the water with a whisper of Will, closing the ritual with a blessing in the Old Language. Sealing the work with Love.
“May you bring joy, delight, and healing,” I tell the flowers. “For the highest good of any and all who encounter you. And so it is.”
Maybe I’m just biased, but when I step from the workspace, I can’t help thinking how beautiful those peonies look. How radiant. There’s the faintest shimmer to their petals now, and as I set the vase on the sales counter, I’m beaming too.
“So gorgeous,” I praise the flowers. “I hope Mrs. Chadwick loves you.”
And hopefully, they'll help her feel better.
I can’t control the outcome, only the intention.
My efforts are rewarded with brilliant smiles and copious praise when the Chadwicks return to pick up the flowers. It’s the way Mrs. Chadwick’s shoulders relax and her face softens as she touches one of the blooms that fills my heart tobursting though.
Seeing others enjoy something you’ve put part of your heart and soul into is its own kind of reward. One I never tire of experiencing.
Once the Chadwicks leave, I lock the door and flip the sign again. As much as I’d love to have more customers, from what I’ve already experienced today, it’s clear I need to stock more cut flowers inside the shop. I can’t keep leaving things unmanned to run out to the greenhouse every time someone needs something.
Also, I’m starving.
It takes energy to direct Power, and after all the magic I’ve worked today, I definitely need to eat.
Besides, with how early some places around here close, I doubt people will mind that I’m cutting out now. It’s not like I have my hours posted or anything. Which reminds me, I still need to do that, too.
Man, my to-do list seems to be growing, but I’m grateful for the unplanned soft-opening I had today. It’s shown me areas I can improve, and also reminded me that what I do matters. My gifts matter. I’m truly looking forward to helping more people, too.
My belly takes that moment to rumble loudly, and I laugh.
“I hear you, body,” I say aloud, taking off my apron.
Thoughts of the delicious quiche I had earlier from next door enter my mind, and I consider getting another one. Given how hungry I am, though, I don’t think pastries and coffee are the best option right now.
Besides, Jake still isn’t back from his training.
I like the baristas working today, but I don’t fancy hanging out with them. Which is why I make my trip next door to deliver the arrangements I made today as short as I can. I help Brian and Truvy place the new arrangements on some of the shelves and bistro tables, loving their responses to each one and how thoughtful they are about placing them.
I’m still smiling when I head out.
“What an awesome day,” I say aloud in the car.
Foot traffic to my shop despite not having officially opened yet, actual sales, and a custom order. All within a few short hours.
I glance at my phone, which is already in its harness for the car, and realize I have a message. I don’t recognize the number, but I hit play as I leave the four-way stop.
Jake’s voice fills my car, telling me he’d like to see me, and I smile even wider. I love the way he talks, all resonant and masculine, and the cadence of his speech. Slow and steady. Thoughtful.
Before I overthink things, I hit the phone icon and return his call. He answers on the first ring.
“Holly.” Goddess, I love hearing him say my name. “I’ve been thinking about you.”
He’d left that on the message, but hearing him say it live makes me melt allover again.
“Me too,” I admit. “Thinking of you, I mean,” I add awkwardly. Come on, Holly, I coax myself mentally. Words. Use your words. “How’s your training thing?”
“Over.” He laughs. “It was intense, but useful. Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”
His question takes me off guard, and I answer before I can think better of it.
