Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Kate
“We should start praying for rain.” Natalie locks the door of the boutique. “We had a blockbuster day.”
We did.
Both of our bridal consultants were booked solid today, but we also managed to squeeze in seven walk-in appointments. Natalie took care of three and I handled the rest.
Not every bride-to-be found the dress of her dreams, but we sold several, and our alterations department was busy too.
“Should we order pizza?” Natalie asks as her gaze slides over her phone’s screen. “My hubs is working out with his buddies tonight.”
“Can I get a rain check?”
“Are you seeing last night’s guy again tonight?”
“His name is Preston and no, not tonight.”
“Because he wore you out last night?” She smirks.
Hardly. I was a mess after seeing Gage outside the boutique. Preston didn’t notice because most of his focus was on his phone. A big deal is set to go down in his office today.
We said goodnight with a chaste kiss on the lips after I finished a glass of white wine.
He wanted to take me home, but I insisted on going alone. I told him I was tired. He didn’t argue.
“It wasn’t like that.”
“What was it like?” She glances out the window at the rain beating down on the city.
“Fine,” I answer without much thought.
“Fine?” she parrots back, amusement lacing her tone. “You looked way too good for the evening to turn out fine.”
The added emphasis she puts on the last word lures a soft smile to my mouth.
“He had a work issue.” I shrug a shoulder. “His eyes were glued to his phone.”
“Dump him,” she says with a grin as she walks closer to me. “If a man can’t turn off his phone when he’s with you, he’s not a keeper, Kate.”
I’d agree, but I’ve been known to take phone calls from panicked brides when I’ve been on a date. Preston was as attentive as he could be considering that the client who called him repeatedly last night apparently has him on speed dial.
“Did Gage ever ignore you to talk on his phone?”
My head pops up at the question. She can’t know how ironic it is, so I fill in the blanks for her. “No, but he dumped me just a few days before our wedding. No explanation, no apology. He just ended things.”
Her hand jumps to cover her mouth. “Oh, shit, Kate. I had no idea.”
I tuck a hand in the pocket of my red skirt. “It’s not a story I like sharing.”
“I understand.” Her gaze ducks to the floor. “He’s an idiot.”
Many people have claimed the same thing over the years. First, it was my parents and my brother. When I moved to New York, it was Tilly and Olivia. Even a couple of the men I’ve dated have weighed in on Gage when I’ve shared the story of my biggest heartbreak.
“It was forever ago.” I walk toward a rack of veils. “He’s a part of my past.”
“Who stepped right into the middle of your present.” She points out. “What’s his story now?”
“His story?” I bounce back her words with a tilt of my head.
“Has he explained why he dumped you?” She locks eyes with me. “You want to know, don’t you?”
Ignoring her direct questions, I run my fingers over the veils. “I got over him a long time ago.”
I catch the skeptical look in her eyes when I glance back at her.
“I’ve moved on.” I go on, pushing the wheeled rack a few inches toward the corridor that leads to the stockroom. “I’m sure he has too. We’re not the same people who almost got married five years ago.”
We both jump at the sound of a knock on the door.
It’s not the first time a bride has come back after her appointment to purchase a dress she passed over.
When the realization sets in that a woman has walked away from her dream gown, she’ll try and right that wrong as soon as possible.
“I’ll get it.” Natalie walks back to where she was standing just moments ago.
She peers out into the rain, her hand moving over the lock on the door.
“It’s Athena.”
Athena Millett owns the flower shop next door. She’s a beautiful breath of fresh air.
“Come in.” Natalie tugs her in by her arm. “What are you doing out in the rain?”
Athena holds out a large bouquet of multicolored pastel roses. “I’m making a delivery.”
I contracted Athena to handle the flowers in the boutique. She sends someone over twice a week to freshen the bouquets that dot the interior of the showroom.
Her beautiful flower arrangements help set the romantic mood of Katie Rose Bridal.
“You could have waited until morning.” I look over the cute white pants and checkered white and blue blouse she’s wearing. “Why would you risk getting that outfit wet? Those roses are beautiful, by the way. They’ll look perfect in the showroom.”
She takes a step closer to me, her blue eyes narrowing. “These aren’t for the boutique, Kate. These are for you.”
I gaze down at the flowers.
“Preston has excellent taste.” Natalie grazes her fingertip over the petal of a pale purple rose.
“Preston?” Athena’s gaze volleys between Natalie and me. “Who’s Preston?”
A knot settles in my stomach as I stare down at the breathtaking bouquet. “The man who sent the flowers?”
Athena’s golden brown hair floats over her shoulders as she shakes her head. “You should read the card, Kate. He came in an hour ago and filled it out himself.”
“Who came in?” Natalie’s lip purse. “Gage Burke?”
Athena gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “He insisted I give them to you before you left for the day.”
I pluck the small white envelope from the bouquet she’s holding.
Turning my back to her and Natalie, I break the seal on the envelope with my fingernail and slide out the card.
My gaze glides over the handwriting. It’s just as I remember it; hurried and crowded, but completely legible to me.
Katie,
I’m sorry for scaring you yesterday.
I’m sorry for that day five years ago.
I’m sorry for every day since.
Gage
“What does it say?” Natalie asks over my shoulder. “Gage sent the flowers, didn’t he?”
I nod.
“Are you all right, Kate?” Athena’s hand lands in the middle of my back, giving it a soft pat. “I’m sorry if I upset you.”
“You didn’t,” I say in a voice that is too weak to be my own. “I’m fine.”
“I can take the flowers and put them…”
“No.” I pivot on my heel to face her and Natalie. “I’ll take care of the flowers. I know just where to put them.”