He glanced toward his dad’s bulky boot. “You promise not to do anything silly out there? Nothing that could hurt your foot and get me in trouble with Mom?”
“I’ll be on my best behavior.” Zeke lifted a hand in pledge. “Now let’s get out there and carve up some mountain!”
CHAPTER29
“Isold it!” Trinity met Rachel at the entrance of the flower shop, a massive smile spread on her lips. She did a little hop of excitement. “Right before I closed down for the storm, a couple came in and purchased your arrangement. I’m telling you, Rachel, you’re a natural. They didn’t even bother looking at the others.”
Rachel couldn’t make sense of the satisfaction that expanded within her chest. It was just a simple floral arrangement, and yet she’d never experienced that same pride regarding her creations with December Décor. Sure, her prototypes held a special place in her heart, but the assembly line productions that weren’t much more than carbon copies—those didn’t make her feel like this. She couldn’t understand it.
“Do you remember who purchased it?”
“A pair of honeymooners.” Trinity beamed. “They were the sweetest couple. Said it reminded them of her bouquet from the wedding.”
Rachel grinned and inhaled fully. The shop smelled every bit as delightful as Rachel had remembered it from the other day. That unique combination of pine and roses, holiday splendor mixed with a hint of romance. Rachel almost wished she could bottle it up.
“So, what are we working on today?” She removed an apron from a hook on the wall and joined Trinity at the long counter. As she took in the array of wires and greenery, she had a strong hunch she already knew the answer.
“My Mom’s home with the little ones and she usually works on the wreaths, so I thought we could step in and help with those. It’s crunch time. They’re literally flying off the walls.” Trinity giggled to herself. “Andflying off doors from that gusty storm.”
“I do have a little wreath making experience.”
“Isn’t that the truth? I almost worried you might be tired of making them. Do you know I own one of your cow shaped ones from your farmhouse line? I keep it up year round in our kitchen and switch out the bow around its neck to match the seasons.”
“Well, that’s a great idea.” Rachel wondered why she’d never thought to do that. But after all, the company was calledDecemberDécor. They didn’t give much thought to the remaining eleven calendar months.
“You sure you’re not wreathed out?” Trinity suggested.
“Tired of making wreaths? No way. But to be fair, I don’t think I could say the same if today’s project involved mistletoe.”
Rachel took a pair of shears when Trinity passed them off. The florist pulled a set of gloves from a drawer and fit them onto her hands before giving Rachel a pair to do the same. “How’s that going?”
“It’s not. I keep reminding myself that I have time until the presentation, but the ideas just aren’t coming. I’m really stuck.” She bit back the ironic laugh that wanted to accompany that very literal statement. Her sore fingers still felt the aftermath of that predicament.
“If it’s meant to be, it will come to you. And if not, then something else will.”
Rachel couldn’t interpret the full meaning of that phrase. If she didn’t come up with a mistletoe prototype, she’d be up a creek without a paddle. Or more accurately, out the door without a job. That wasn’t an option.
The two women worked side by side for hours, weaving branches of leafy evergreen onto wire frames and embellishing them with berries, pinecones, and ribbons. Rachel’s hands were stained green and the woodsy aroma permeated her gloves, her clothes, the entire store. It was a lush forest of holiday sights and smells.
She was just about to begin working on a new wreath—her fifth of the day—when her phone vibrated within the front pocket of her apron. She tugged it out.
Cathryn Marlin, her boss.
A shudder climbed its way up her spine. She connected her gaze with Trinity and mouthed, ‘One moment,’ as she threaded her way through the shop and stepped out onto the sidewalk. The mountain air was cold, but the winter sun kissed her skin with an unexpected warmth. She felt a similar dichotomy within her, the sense of anticipation and dread filling her gut equally.
“Cathryn,” she began as soon as she clicked to answer. “How are you doing?”
“I’m well, Rachel.” Her boss’s voice was the same practiced monotone Rachel had remembered, giving absolutely nothing away. “I take it you’re still in Snowdrift?”
“I am. Through Christmas.”
“That’s actually what I wanted to discuss with you.” Still no indicating inflection. “We’ve moved your meeting up to December twentieth. Roger is heading to Colorado through the new year, so we had to slide things around a bit. I hope that’s not a problem.”
A lump wedged squarely in Rachel’s throat. She could barely force the words around it. “December twentieth?”
“Yes. We figured that would still give everyone time to make their travel plans and head home for the holidays. We’re looking forward to meeting with you on the twentieth. We will see you then.”
The click of the line at the end of the conversation was the only punctuated part of Cathryn’s discussion. Everything else fell flat. Just like Rachel’s spirit.
