Page 17 of Love on the Run

“Hey. How are you doing?” Fiona asked, lacing her soft words with pity.

“I’m okay. Thank you for asking.”

“You know I’m always here for you if you need anything, and I’ll be praying for you during this hard time.”

Anna turned toward the passenger window. Another kindness to be added to the day.

As much as she wanted to say Dean had crushed her, it wasn’t true. In fact, his infidelity had opened her eyes to the goodness of her community. Mixed in with the snide comments of people on the internet were prayers and kindness from so many people she’d grown up with in Blackwater.

“I appreciate that so much.”

“Well, I also wanted to reach out and let you know that Hank and I have decided to void your bill.”

Anna sat up straighter. “No! I’m paying you. Those flowers were gorgeous, and what happened wasn’t your fault.”

“I know, but I wouldn’t sleep well at night knowing I’d added to your distress. Honey, you deserve a wonderful man who will love you and only you for the rest of his life.”

“Fiona, I had no idea you were such a romantic.”

The older woman giggled, and the sound chased away some of the darkness that had settled over Anna throughout the day. “You don’t become a florist without believing in love.”

“I still want to pay you for the flowers,” Anna said.

“Don’t take this blessing away from me. I’m a grown woman, and I say your money isn’t any good here,” Fiona said, stern and proud.

Anna gulped down the emotion threatening to clog her throat. She’d find a way to help Hank and Fiona someday. “Thank you. That’s so kind of you.”

“Keep your chin up. God has this all figured out.”

“I know He does.” Knowing was one thing. Being patient enough to trust Him was a different ball game. Easier said than done.

Anna ended the call and immediately made another call. Everly answered on the second ring.

“Hello.”

“Hey, girl. I had to call and say thank you for everything you did today.”

“No problem at all. I know exactly what it feels like to have the rug ripped out from under you like that, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

Anna hadn’t known Everly before she married Blake, but knowing others found love after betrayal kindled a spark of hope. “I’m so sorry, friend.”

“Don’t be. It was for the best. The Lord had a plan for me, and it included Blake.”

Anna glanced at her bare finger. Maybe some good would come out of this mess. At least she found out about Dean’s affair before she married him.

“I’m so happy for you,” Anna whispered. It was easy to mean it. Everly’s happiness didn’t have anything to do with Anna’s low moment.

“You have a group of people praying for you, girl.”

The tension in Anna’s chest released. Maybe that was what she needed. Faith, hope, and trust. “Thanks again. You have no idea how much you helped today.”

“Get some rest, and call me if you need anything else.”

Anna pressed the microphone on her phone and spoke a note to her to-do list. “Send Everly a gift basket. Ask Haley Harding to design an ad for Fiona’s Flower Shop. Call the Blackwater Messenger and ask about ad space.”

When she raised her head, Beau was looking at her.

“What?” she asked.

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