“You think I’ve been in love with Rachel since high school? I’m pretty sure I would have known if that were the case. Plus, don’t you think I would have recognized her if I supposedly had all these feelings for her?”
“Blinded by love—that’s another term for it.”
“Sounds like you’re just reciting a lot of mumbo jumbo you’ve heard on a Dr. Phil show.”
“It was a Dear Abby article, but whatever.”
“I’m not—and never have been—in love with Rachel Joy. All I’ve ever wanted was to put her in her place.”
“And that place is right in your arms,” Lance crooned.
Holden balled up a scarf and chucked it at him. “I’m putting an end to all of this.”
“All of what?”
“This family feud. It’s one thing for Rachel and I to have our differences, but both of our families are in on it now. And I think the only way to finally resolve things is for there to be a clear winner. That’ll happen when my family’s noble fir is selected for the town tree.”
“You think that’ll really put an end to it?”
“It’ll have to,” Holden offered. He ripped into the packaging on another box. “Rachel will go back to the city again and it’ll be over for good.”
“I remember the first time she left Snowdrift. It was like someone told you there was no Santa Claus. I’ve never seen you so aimless. A ship without a rudder. A horse without a carrot to lead it.”
“You’re on a roll with the analogies today, bro.”
“I’ve been doing a little light reading lately. I think it’s opened up my mind and expanded my vocabulary. Thank you for noticing.”
Holden snorted under a breath. “You’re really sure their tree was the same height as ours?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. And I don’t know how you can get yours to grow any taller in…how long do you have until the selection?”
“A few days.”
Lance thumbed his chin. “Maybe we could do a tree dance? Like a rain dance, but for plants. Or cast some sort of miracle-growth spell.”
“I’m honestly willing to do anything at this point,” Holden said. “Losing is not an option.”
When it came to Rachel, it never had been and never would be.
CHAPTER21
Trinity’s floral shop was enchanting. Long-stemmed red roses in cut crystal vases filled the big bay windows, combining the colors of the season with a touch of romance in the most beautiful way. Rachel inhaled deeply the moment she set foot in the shop. It had everything her San Francisco office lacked. That sharp aroma of freshly cut greenery. The soft, calming fragrance of dried lavender. The vibrant scent of roses that transported you straight to an English garden.
The area was painted a bright white, with distressed tables and shelving that allowed the colorful floral arrangements to remain the focal point, no matter where your gaze landed within the room.
“Rachel!” Trinity settled a pair of shears onto the counter and brushed her hands against her apron. She scurried across the store and took Rachel in her arms. “I’m so glad you were able to stop in. I was hoping you would.”
“This place is so lovely, Trinity.” The compliment barely scratched the surface. “What a gorgeous storefront and even more gorgeous interior.”
“That means so much, especially coming from you.” Trinity released her. “Our flowers are perishable, so they aren’t perfect like the ones you create. But I do love arranging them, and our customers always seem to be happy with the finished product.”
“I can easily see why.” Rachel took in another long breath. “It smells amazing in here.”
“That’s the pine. My mother’s been working on wreaths in the back all day. She actually just took a break to take the kiddos to the snow park up the hill to run off some energy. Which means I’ve got the shop to myself.”
“I should leave you to it, then.”
“No, no. I would love your company.” She turned toward the counter and the project she’d been working on before Rachel stopped in. “Would you like to do an arrangement with me?”
