Page 2 of Two Hearts Reunited

But she’d heard that his brother, Brian, had returned to settle down in Crystal Rock with Ashley Mitchum, of all people, so she supposed she shouldn’t have been surprised.

He looked…great, she decided, her eyes roving over him. Beneath his unzipped parka, he appeared to be powerfully built, with big broad shoulders and muscular arms. His face was…tanned, which was unusual at this time of year in northwest Wisconsin.

“It looks like you’ve been living somewhere warm,” she muttered. She couldn’t help being curious, and since no one was waiting in line behind him, she might as well be polite.

“Afghanistan,” he answered gruffly.

Her eyes went wide.

“I’ve been stationed overseas,” Eric admitted.

“You’re in the military?”

“Air Force. I mostly work in search and rescue missions,” he replied.

She smiled wryly. “So, you did end up becoming a pilot?”

He nodded. “I did, and I was able to get an education while I was training.”

“I guess you did it the hard way, but I’m glad.” And then Anya frowned. “You never saidgoodbye.”

“I’m sorry, Anya,” he answered softly. “We had to leave in a hurry.”

She quickly nodded her understanding and glanced at the entrance as one of their regular customers came through the door.

She cleared her throat. “What can I do for you today?”

“I was going to order something on my phone earlier, but supposedly you guys didn’t have many fresh flowers available.”

“Yes, I was here at the register when Jaynie must have been talking with you. She made up a few things for you to take a look at once the extra flowers and greens were delivered. She figured if you liked one of the arrangements, you might want to take it with you.”

He motioned toward the window, where a large vase filled with red roses, stargazer lilies and a variety of Christmas greens and white cushion mums was on display. “By any chance, is that huge arrangement with the roses and lilies over there near the window available?”

“It is,” she replied, giving him a smile. “As a matter of fact, that’s one of the arrangements she just made up.”

“It’s beautiful,” he answered. “I wanted to have something to give Brian and Ashley. I’ll be staying with them at their house through Christmas.” Eric grimaced. “It’s the first holiday I’ve been able to spend with the whole family since we left Crystal Rock.”

“Okay. I’ll get it ready for you. Are you going right to the house?” she asked.

“I am.”

“Good. The temperature is above freezing right now, but you wouldn’t want to leave the flowers in your vehicle if you have other errands to run.”

“Nah, this is it,” he replied, grinning wryly.

“It’s been good to see you again,” she admitted, glancing at the woman standing behind him.

“Maybe we can get together sometime and catch up while I’m visiting?” he suggested.

Anya was a little leery. The last thing she needed to do was fall for Eric again after the incredible hurt she’d felt when he’d left town ten years ago without saying goodbye.

“Don’t worry. I’ll let you know when it’s time for me to leave Crystal Rock,” he said gently.

She blinked, because it was like he’d read her mind.

Kind of like the old days.

“Sure,” Anya finally agreed with a sigh. “Just give me a call here at the shop. I’ll be working from two to nine through New Year’s except for the holidays, of course.”

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