“Yeah. I’m okay.”
Ash is quiet as we finish packing up, his jaw set, his gaze distant.
I know this whole situation is weighing on him, but I don’t have the energy to unpack that right now.
Rowan has been setting up my stall at the farmers’ market as a surprise, and these two were tasked with getting me there.
When we climb into the truck, I let out a breath.
“Thank you. For this. And for hiking the other day. And for—” I stop, shaking my head. “Just, thank you.”
Jake slings an arm around my shoulder briefly before starting the engine. “Of course, Grace.”
Rowan nods, catching my gaze in the rearview mirror. “Always.”
The market is already bustling when we pull up. People mill between stands, chatting and laughing, the scent of fresh bread and coffee wafting through the air.
My chest tightens with something almost like nervousness—excitement, maybe.
Then I see it.
The stall Rowan built for me.
It’s beautiful, solid wood, stained deep brown, with my shop’s name carved into a smooth sign above the counter.
There are shelves on the side for small arrangements, hooks for hanging dried herbs, and even a little display stand in the front for single-stem sales.
I climb out of the truck in awe, rushing to my stall. My fingers brush over the surface of the wood while Rowan watches me expectantly.
“What do you think?” he asks.
Emotion clogs my throat, and before I can stop myself, I throw my arms around him.
He catches me easily, lifting me off my feet as I hug him tight. When he sets me down, his lips find mine in a slow, lingering kiss.
He pulls back, grinning as he glances at Jake and Ash. “The Omega approves.”
They chuckle, and soon we’re unloading everything, arranging flowers, and setting up for the morning crowd.
The work is enough to keep my mind from spiraling. It feels good. It feels normal.
Then I realize I forgot something.
I frown, checking through my inventory again. “Damn. I’m already selling out of roses. I need more. We should have brought more.”
Rowan grabs his keys. “I’ll go get them.”
Ash stretches. “I’m getting coffee. Want anything?”
“You know how I take it.”
Jake leans in, brushing his lips over my forehead. “I’m going to that stall I get my romance novels from.”
I smirk. “Get me at least two.”
He winks before heading off, leaving me alone at my stall as the customers start to roll in. Locals stop by, delighted to see me, their enthusiasm warming something inside me.
For the first time in a week, I feel like I belong here again.