I added a couple of gorgeous ranunculus to finish my bouquet, spinning it carefully in my hand to make sure I liked all the angles. “Blossom, let’s go check out the greenhouse.”
She zoomed ahead of me and my lips curved into a real smile. Even in the midst of heartache, the world was still out here, ready to greet me.
A wall of humid air hit me as I entered the greenhouse. Blossom was already seated on Bibi’s lap, enjoying copious head scratches.
“What do you think?” I asked, holding out my bouquet. “It’s not as good as what you or Leo would make, but your flowers are so pretty it’s impossible for them to look bad.”
She smiled. “Very beautiful.” She stood from her chair, tucking Blossom to her chest, and gestured me over to a side table with vases. “This one.” She pointed at a beautiful black metal vase with curved handles.
I arranged the flowers, frequently glancing at Bibi for approval as I adjusted them. When she gave me a nod, my insides filled with warmth.
“What’s your favorite flower?” I asked.
She looked around the greenhouse. She held up two fingers and pointed at a beautiful pink rose. “Gol-e roz.”
I repeated the phrase. “Does that mean rose?”
She nodded and moved to sit on a bench, patting the spot beside her. Her fingers were gnarled from age and hard work, but they were strong as she took my hand.
“What’s your other favorite?”
She raised our joined hands and pointed at a delicate row of red poppies growing in a waist-high raised bed.
“They’re lovely.”
“Blossom cannot eat.”
My eyes widened and I scooped Blossom up from where she was sniffing a potted plant. “Oh, of course. I’ll keep her away. I don’t want her ruining your garden.”
Bibi shook her head. “No, it…” She paused, trying to find the right word, and I grew even more determined to learn Farsi. “Poison.”
“Oohhh, oh my goodness, thank you for letting me know. They’re so beautiful, though. Poppies, right?”
“Yes. From Iran. Leo find seeds for me.”
“He talks about you all the time. You matter so much to him.”
“Leo is good boy.” She patted my hand, and I smiled.
“He is a good boy. I’m glad you’re all so close.”
“We part once only. When my family move here.”
I squeezed her hand. “Leo told me when they first moved, you had to stay in Iran because of your husband.” I hoped I wasn’t bringing up bad memories or speaking out of turn, but a gentle smile stayed on her lips.
“He was bad man. But strong women do not let man ruin them.” She cocked an eyebrow and my breath hitched at her intense, knowing gaze.
“Did you hear what happened with Wilder?” I asked.
She nodded, but her warm brown eyes weren’t pitying, and I drew strength from that. I let out a shuddering breath.
“I don’t know what to do. Maybe I just need to let him go.” I turned my head to hide my glassy eyes, but she caught my chin.
“Destiny demands action.”
Her words were like electricity through my body, making my skin tingle and my spine straighten. My mind spun as I tried to make sense of their meaning, but she didn’t offer further explanation. I cherished them all the same.
“I’m glad you were able to move here after your husband died.”
