Chapter Seven
“I’m sorry for laughing,” Allen said, his tone solemn. “I don’t know why I did. Maybe because I wish all construction firms offered this kind of service. It’d save a lot of headaches if customers knew exactly what they were getting before they signed a contract—and would avoid many of those dreaded change order fees. Unfortunately, it’s the exception, not the rule.”
He leaned back, his gaze steady on her. “I’m in school to be an architect, so I have access to this program. Zach has me create these types of drawings for all our major projects—it makes things easier for everyone in the long run. Your job is actually pretty straightforward since most of what fills the space will be on your end, not ours.”
Finishing the last of the food, he pushed the plate aside and leaned back slightly. “Does this meet your expectations, or is there anything you’d like to adjust? Take your time to think it over if you need.”
Cammie studied the 3D rendering again, her mind painting a vivid picture of herself walking through the space. The lighting, the layout—it all felt right. She could see herself very happy in the environment he had designed and hoped that the dimensions of her shelves worked with it.
“It’s perfect,” she said, then hesitated. “But if my shelving doesn’t match your estimates, can we make adjustments later?”
Allen nodded. “We can tweak minor details without needing to resubmit permits, but major changes could delay inspections. If you send me the exact dimensions, I can add your shelves to the layout now and avoid surprises later. That said, I’ll submit the permits tonight—I’m confident the current design errs on the generous side. The sooner we get approval, the better.”
“That’s a great idea,” Cammie said. “I’ll send you the measurements tonight or tomorrow.”
“Great. If it’s okay with you, I have a cleaning crew scheduled for tomorrow. The space will be off-limits for a couple of days while they work, but by Thursday, we can start putting up walls and running electrical. If you choose a paint color from the local Ace Hardware, I see no reason we can’t have you operational by Friday.”
Cammie’s eyes widened. “Friday? Really?”
Allen grinned. “Really.”
Her excitement bubbled over, and before she could stop herself, she threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Allen. This is more than I could have hoped for.”
“You made it easy by keeping things simple,” he said, chuckling softly.
A tinge of embarrassment colored her cheeks. She folded her hands to stop from fidgeting. “Now I just have to figure out how to get my coolers and shelving moved in the next three days. I honestly don’t know where to start. Dare I ask if you have any suggestions on that monumental task?”
Allen leaned forward, arms crossed on the table. “Actually, I have an idea,” Allen said, leaning forward. “While the cleaning crew works, I can rent a truck and round up some help. We can load your things Wednesday night and move them in Thursday morning once the air purifiers are cleared out. By Friday, the workspace should be ready, and we can slide the coolers into place. That way, you’ll be operational by the weekend. I’m confident when I say you can be putting your next bouquet together in your new space by Monday. Sunday if you like to work on weekends and know how to hustle.”
Cammie stared at him, her mind racing to catch up. She wasn’t used to people stepping in to help without an ulterior motive. It was unsettling and unexpectedly... comforting. This wasn’t just ambition—it was a thoughtfulness she hadn’t dared to hope for.
“Does this timeline work for you?” Allen asked
“That’s perfect,” she said softly. “Thank you.” Her reply sounded breathless even to her own ears, and she quickly stood to hide the way her emotions were twisting inside her.
“Well,” she said, reaching for her coat, “I guess I’d better get home and start packing in earnest. I don’t have any flower orders until next week, so I need to use my time wisely.”
Allen rose as well, extending his hand. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, Cammie. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. If you need help, I can stop by tomorrow evening after work. Just let me know.”
His hand was large and calloused, a testament of hard work. When their hands met for the first time, skin to skin, a tingle skittered up her arm, sending her pulse racing in response. His touch lingered just long enough to make her wonder if he’d felt it, too.
“Your kindness means a lot,” she said softly. “Honestly, I’d lost faith in the male half of the species.” She hesitated, her voice dipping. “I’d stopped expecting men to be kind without wanting something in return. And now I’m standing here, unsure of what to do with someone like you.”
Allen’s chest tightened at her words. “I’m not expecting anything, Cammie,” he said quietly, his sincerity evident. “I just want to help.”
“I think I’m going to enjoy living in Hickory Falls. And working with you, too.” She paused, a gentle smile lifting the corners of her lips. “I’ll see you Wednesday night.”
Allen’s grin widened as he watched her head toward the stairs, her presence lingering. “See you Wednesday night.”
Halfway to the stairs, she turned back and quipped, “I’m the only florist for thirty miles. I shouldn’t be hard to find.”
She disappeared down the stairs, leaving Allen staring after her. He hadn’t dated since his engagement ended so anticlimactically years ago, but he hadn’t let it harden him. Instead, he trusted that God would send him the right woman in time.
Now, after spending just a short time with Cammie, he couldn’t shake the sense that she might be the answer to those prayers. She was unlike anyone he’d met—quick-witted, determined, and captivating in a way that left him wanting more. But the shadows in her eyes told him she’d been hurt before. He didn’t know her burdens, but something in him wanted to help her carry them.
As he gathered his things, one thought lingered: he wouldn’t let her slip away. Cammie had no idea what it was like to be pursued by someone who had waited years for his soulmate.