Page 46 of Knot in Bloom
“These are exactly what we hoped for,” the photographer says, already setting up equipment. “Authentic artistry that speaks to place and tradition without being quaint or precious. And I love seeing the community collaboration—that’s what makes these small-town stories so compelling.”
He gestures toward the three men cleaning up around me, and I realize how this must look. Local florist supported by her community, everyone pitching in to showcase their hometown. It’s not just about the flowers anymore—it’s about the people who helped create them.
As the photographer works, capturing each arrangement from multiple angles, I catch the three alphas watching me with expressions that make my heart skip. Pride, yes, but something deeper. Something that looks like belonging.
“Couldn’t have done it without all of you,” I tell them when the photographer packs up, pleased with his preliminary shots.
“Yes, you could have,” Levi says quietly. “But you didn’t have to.”
The simple statement hits me harder than elaborate compliments. He’s right. For the first time since opening this business, I didn’t have to handle a crisis alone. I had support—different kinds from each of them, but all focused on helping me succeed.
“Thank you,” I say, meaning it completely. “All of you. For the flowers, the help, the...” I gesture helplessly, trying to encompass everything they gave me this morning.
“The teamwork,” Reid suggests with a slight smile.
“The partnership,” Caleb corrects.
“The family,” Levi says, and his words settle something deep in my chest.
We clean up together, post-crisis exhaustion mixing with giddy satisfaction. The arrangements sit ready for tomorrow’s festival setup, more beautiful than anything I’ve created on my own.
But it’s not just the flowers. It’s the realization that I don’t have to choose between independence and support. That accepting help doesn’t diminish my achievements—it amplifies them.
Three alphas, each offering something different. Levi’s creative insight and emotional grounding. Caleb’s practical competence and protective strength. Reid’s resources and strategic thinking.
Not competing with each other. Collaborating for me.
As we lock up the shop, I notice how their scents have mingled with mine throughout the morning. Cedar and sandalwood and bergamot layering together on my clothes, creating something richer than any single fragrance.
My suppressants are definitely wearing off. My body’s response to all three of them grows stronger by the hour. But for the first time, that doesn’t scare me.
Maybe I’m finally ready to trust that some things—some people—are worth the risk of wanting them.
In two weeks, the festival will tell this community’s story to the world. But today taught me something more important.
I don’t have to face any of it alone.
Chapter 14
Levi
The house feels different when I walk through the door at six PM. Lighter somehow, like the walls themselves are celebrating what happened this morning. River’s in the kitchen making himself a sandwich, completely at home despite this being my and Elijah’s place.
Elijah’s sprawled across the couch with a book, but he looks up when I enter.
“Why did you let this riffraff in here?” I ask, gesturing at River with mock disgust.
“He brought food,” Elijah says simply, not looking up from his page. “I’m easily bribed.”
“Make yourself at home, why don’t you,” I tell River, though there’s no real annoyance in it. He’s been doing this since we were kids.
“You’re glowing,” River says without looking up from the mustard. “Like, actually glowing. Good day at work?”
Heat creeps up my neck. “We helped Sadie with the photo shoot.”
“We?” River turns around, grinning. “As in you, Caleb, and the architect? All together?”
“Her supplier truck broke down. She needed flowers.” I grab a beer from the fridge, trying to play it casual. “We just happened to all show up.”
