Page 73 of Smoldering Nights
Izzy stepped outside for a break and was met with the sight of a small hand-painted sign leaning against the lamppost.
Petal Pushers – Reopening Celebration Tomorrow!
Beneath it, someone had added in smaller letters:
Free pastries, flowers, and hope.
Her throat tightened.
Mitch came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.“I think the town’s been waiting for this as much as you have.”
“I didn’t expect any of this,” she whispered.
“That’s the thing about good people,” he said.“They show up when it matters most.”
Izzy turned in his arms, heart full.“Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow,” he confirmed.“New blooms.New beginning.”
And for the first time in forever, she didn’t just feel like a florist rebuilding a damaged shop.
She felt like a woman reclaiming her life.
Chapter37
The morning of the grand reopening dawned clear and warm, the kind of summer day that hinted at growth and fresh starts.Mitch stood outside Petal Pushers just after sunrise, coffee in one hand, his phone in the other, watching the town come to life.He also had a new perspective on his newish hometown.He'd been here now about a year, but he hadn't spent much time getting to know the people outside of his friends and clients.He was changing that now.As people drove by, they waved, and it felt a bit like Mayberry, except for the sinister things they'd gone through recently.Every town had that seedy side, so ugly and dark it was kept hidden.But they'd overcome them, and he'd found Izzy.Life was funny like that.
The new window gleamed in the rising light.Colorful petals spilled over the planters out front, freshly replanted yesterday by Carly and Marcus, and the hand-painted“Open” sign fluttered slightly with the breeze.For the first time in weeks, nothing felt out of place.Nothing felt threatening.
He sipped the coffee and exhaled slowly.
Izzy had insisted on handling most of the final prep this morning, saying it grounded her.Truth was, she was reclaiming her space, her rhythm.He understood that.But he stayed close anyway.Just in case.She'd been staying at his place, and he was beginning to get itchy thinking about finding a place for them together.After today, they'd be able to focus on that.He chuckled to himself.He'd have bet anyone his life's earnings that he never would have been so eager to build a life with a woman so soon after meeting her.But there was just something about Izzy that made everything feel right.
Movement across the street caught his eye.Quinn and Hanna pulled to a stop across the street and began unloading their car trunk, which was packed with pastries and drink dispensers.He pushed himself off the post of the covered porch he'd been supporting and strode across Main Street to help them unload.
"Good morning.Let me help you with some of this."
Quinn chuckled."You got it.I had a hard time getting Hanna to stop putting things in the car."
Hanna shook her head."Organization is my job in our relationship, and I don't believe I've forgotten anything.That's what all of this is."
Quinn chuckled as he handed Mitch a box of the best-smelling cinnamon rolls he'd ever had the privilege of consuming.Hanna's cinnamon rolls were popular not only in Blossom Springs but other towns as well.
"Damn, these smell like I imagine heaven smells."
Hanna laughed."Thanks, Mitch.Did you hear Quinn's adding on to the bakery for me?We're expanding to selling online now."
"Wow.No kidding.Congratulations."
Quinn shrugged."She's doing a fantastic business, but it's time to grow."
Mitch began carrying the large white box of cinnamon rolls across the street, Quinn following behind him.
Quinn lowered his voice and asked, "Is everything okay with Izzy?"
Mitch nodded."Yes, she's still scared of things here and there.It's hard to get it out of your head that you aren't being watched anymore after knowing that for so long."
"Yeah.Hanna went through that too.I know she's told Izzy anytime she needs to talk, to let her know."
