Page 25 of Where Love Lies

Heston looks to me, and I clear my throat.

“I’m just looking—”

“She needs pink flowers for her front yard,” Heston interrupts. His smile irks me, and I realize I’m scowling. He’s hellbent on me getting pink flowers, and I don’t want them. I mean, they’re nice, and he’s right about the color softening the image behind what’s living beyond our black door, but it’s not what Paige and I talked about. Our new house is the beginning of new memories and that night we picked the color was the first of many. I hope.

“Hmm…does your yard get a lot of sun or is it mostly shaded?” the old lady asks, staring out at the flowers as if one will speak to her.

“It’s mostly sun.”I think.I’ve only been there a couple days, so I don’t really know.

“I have one you might like.” She walks past us, her speed surprising me. The ol’ gal still has some pep in her step. As I follow her, I can’t help but notice some deep purple flowers that almost look black. Stopping, I look over at the cup-shaped blossom. Placing a dark silky petal between my thumb and index finger, I feel it, staring at its luscious green foliage. A tag hangs from the pot and I have to tilt my head sideways to read it. Queen of the Night tulip.

This one feels right. There’s a bond between us, and it dawns on me, this must be what

Anthophiles experience. It’s like a life breathing through your touch and rooting itself in your chest. It’s a motherly instinct.

“Rain!” My eyes snap up at Heston’s voice, finding him on the other side of a flower booth.

“This is the one,” the old lady says as I approach them, holding beautiful bright pink flowers climbing a stake.

“Wow,” I mutter, rubbing the petals between my fingers.

“It’s a Bougainvillea. A vine-like shrub. It longs for the sun and will grow bounties of beautiful flowers.”

“Do I put it in another pot or plant it in the ground?” I ask, mesmerized by how pretty it is. It almost looks fake.

“These can be big babies when they’re transplanted. They like to plant roots and stay for the long haul. They don’t take change well, so I’d cut the sides of the pot for it to grow and plant the whole thing.”

“Sounds easy enough,” Heston adds.

Shaking my head, I snap out of my daze.

“I’ll take them.”

13

Ominous clouds loom over the horizon. Droplets splash against the windshield as I round the bend, nearing my house. A shadow is in my driveway. A black van.

Who the hell is that?

As we pull into the driveway, the license plate cover comes into view, and I breathe out, remembering the insurance company was dropping off a rental. I pull my cell out of my bag and check it.

Right with Us Insurance: Vehicle is parked in driveway. Key is under the mat.

“Someone’s in your driveway, Rain.” Concern laces Heston’s voice, his face hard and serious. A dark, protective energy radiates from his pores, almost scorching me. He’s always on edge, ready to go to war. Something made him this way, and I want to know what.

Reaching across the console, I take his hand in mine and give it a squeeze. He flicks a hard glare my way.

“That—is my ride until my claim is processed.”

“That?” He points. “That’s your van?”

I nod, and a grin takes over his features.

He belts out a chuckle that turns into a laugh, and I playfully slap his arm.

“It’s cute,” I defend.In a soccer mom kind of way.

“You wanted the ’burb life—looks like you’re getting the whole experience.” He puts his truck in reverse and pulls in next to the van. I unbuckle and get out, rounding the bed of the truck. Heston meets me on the other side, grabbing the two shrubs.

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