Page 57 of Make You Mine

Jake and I exchanged glances, then he laughed. “They aren’t getting married, not yet anyway.”

“She likes you, Ren.” Violet placed a soft hand on my shoulder. “I’m not saying anything more than that. But please go with your gut and be patient, okay?”

“I don’t want to give up on her, but she told me straight to my face she doesn’t want to date anymore, and she’s never falling in love again—ever.”

“She’s been hurt. It’s self-protection, okay? Listen, she likes roses, red and pink, just like the ones she grows on the side of her house. And she has a good heart, just like you do.” Her eyes bored into mine. “I have no idea why I would tell you any of this.”

I chuckled. “Gotcha. I’ll give her the most expensive bouquet of roses I can find. Is that a good plan? And I’ll check out that yarn store across from the post office.”

“Perfect, and a box of mocha truffles from See’s couldn’t hurt either, just saying,” Jake added. “The two of them are obsessed with those.”

I nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. “Thanks, Vi. I’m going to take your advice and go for it. Should I pick up some truffles for you too?”

She shrugged lightly. “I mean, if you want to keep your best brother-in-law title.” A satisfied grin lit up her face. “I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. I’m just sorry I wasn’t the one to make this match. Having a new baby threw me off my game. Paige and I will have to grab some coffee and compare matchmaking notes.”

“She wasn’t trying to matchmake us,” I protested.

“The two of you are only perfect for each other, but okay.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you’re right.” Her laughter was not convincing.

I thought it over, trying to recall the night Paige suggested we fake date each other.

Jake laughed softly. “Just be yourself and let things happen naturally.”

I sighed, feeling the weight of uncertainty and the fear that I’d push too hard again. “I just hope she feels the same. It’s hard not to overthink everything.”

“Trust me, Ren. She’s thinking about you, too,” Violet assured me. “Just take this one step at a time.”

“I can do that.”

We said our goodbyes, and then, as I started my car, I decided to stop at the local flower shop on my way home, hoping they’d have some peonies or at least something pretty and pink to give her. I was in luck. I chose a bouquet of red and pink roses mixed with daisies and baby’s breath and headed home. The drive felt longer than usual, my mind wandering with thoughts of Piper.

Pulling into my driveway, I saw her knitting away on her porch, wrapped in a gorgeous baby pink floral caftan that matched the flowers. Her presence brought a sense of calm, as if the sight of her could chase away all my doubts.

“There’s my golden girl,” I called out as I approached.

She looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face when she spotted the flowers I was trying to hide behind my back.

“All I’m missing is the green mask.” Her smile lit up her entire face. It was all I could do not to sprint up the porch steps to get to her. “Whatcha got back there?” She set her knitting to the side and eagerly slid forward on her porch swing.

“Someone may have mentioned that roses were your favorite.” I held the massive bouquet of fluffy pink and red roses out to her, smiling as she reached out to snatch them, holding them to her face to inhale deeply.

“They are. Thank you. You’re too good to me, I love them.”

“You’re welcome.” I sat next to her on the swing and swiped up her knitting. “I don’t know what you’re working on here, but I like it.”

“It’s definitely an original, right?”

As I settled next to her on the swing, our thighs pressed together, sending a spark of warmth through me. Her scent enveloped me—floral and sweet, just like the bouquet I had given her. It was intoxicating. I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She was so beautiful, with the sun casting a golden hue over her features, making her look almost ethereal. The way her eyes sparkled with delight and her smile radiated warmth made my heart ache. I wanted to reach out and touch her, to pull her close and never let go. But for now, I was content to simply be in her presence, enjoying the feeling of being close to her.

“Yes. Original. Exactly,” I answered as I finished the row she was working on. “Is it a scarf?”

“I don’t know.” Her nose crinkled up adorably. “Do you think it looks like a scarf?”

“It could. Eventually,” I teased.

“Then it’s a scarf. Maybe I’ll give it to you for your birthday. Someone may have mentioned that it’s coming up.”

“Oh yeah?”

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