Chapter Nine
Daisy
I stood among the gathered crowd, my heart hammering so loud I was sure the entire festival could hear it. The stage in front of us was draped in spring blossoms, a vibrant sea of tulips, daisies, and lilies that mirrored the colorful energy of the Flower the top prize had been given. I wasn’t disappointed for myself—my booth had gotten good feedback despite the earlier sabotage, and I felt accomplished simply being there. But then, I noticed Lucille Garry, the elegant silver-haired woman who had stopped by my booth on the first morning, lean in to whisper in Greta’s ear. Greta’s eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.
Stepping back to the microphone, Greta raised one hand to quiet the crowd. “Folks, we have another announcement! Ms. Lucille Garry here represents a very popular national home-and-garden publication, and she’s brought some exciting news.” Greta motioned for Lucille to step forward, but the older woman simply smiled and gave Greta a little gesture to go ahead and speak on her behalf. Greta cleared her throat and beamed at the audience. “We’re delighted to share that Daisy Parker, of Bloom & Grow Floral Design, will receive a special second-place prize: an upcoming feature article and photo spread in the magazine, as well as a monetary award equal to half the Best in Bloom prize.”
A flash of disbelief rippled through me. My hands flew to my mouth, and I struggled not to squeal out loud. The crowd erupted again, offering a warm congratulations. Greta waved me forward, and I made my way onto the stage, cheeks burning with excitement. My eyes instantly found Hayden in the crowd—he was clapping like crazy, a huge grin stretching across his face.
Lucille smiled and inclined her head. “You have a wonderful gift for mixing colors and textures, Daisy,” she said over the din. “We look forward to showcasing your work along with William’s.”
I stammered my thanks, not entirely sure how I made it through the impromptu photo session that followed. My heart felt lighter than it had in ages, buzzing with the realization that all my labor, all those miles on the road and hours perfecting my designs, had led me to this special moment.
The next day, the festival field was quiet. Most of the booths had been dismantled, and the celebratory bunting hung limp in the gentle breeze. In my room at the Evergreen Inn, I finished tucking the last of my things into my suitcase. My mind replayed the night before—Hayden and I had toasted my surprise win at a small Italian restaurant recommended by Rory and Cass, the soft glow of candlelight making our table feel like our own little universe. We had talked for hours, sharing stories, getting personal about our pasts, reveling in how good it felt not to hide anymore.
After dinner, we returned to my room and lost ourselves in each other again, the connection between us somehow growing even deeper. I fell asleep in his arms, not worrying about tomorrow for the first time in a long while.
I zipped my suitcase shut, determined to hold on to the sense of hope that had blossomed inside me. A soft knock sounded at my door, and my pulse quickened. I opened it to see Hayden, looking relaxed in a comfortable shirt and jeans, a far cry from the tense figure I’d first encountered at the start of the festival.
“Hey,” I breathed, stepping aside so he could come in. The instant he closed the door, he drew me into his arms, pressing a warm kiss to my temple. I melted against him, the familiarity of his touch easing all leftover nerves.
“You about ready?” he asked, surveying the packed bags. “Rory told me checkout is at eleven.”
I nodded. “Just finished. Although I can’t say I’m eager to leave Wintervale.”
He brushed my hair back from my face, eyes searching mine. “Remember what we talked about last night? That you’d come visit me in Billings after a little break. I’d love for you to stay as long as you want—see where I live, get to know the city.”
Warmth spread through me, reminiscent of the first morning’s sunshine. He had been so honest about wanting me in his life, promising me space to grow my own business, while also letting me know I wasn’t alone if I wanted more than that. “I do remember,” I told him softly. “I want that too. I’m thinking of using part of my prize money to open a flagship shop—maybe get a real start at making Bloom & Grow into something permanent. If Billings works, if everything falls into place…”
He cupped my chin, a smile brightening his face. “We’ll make it work. I’m falling in love with you, Daisy,” he said, voice low and sincere. “I want you near me the way a flower bends toward the sun.” He laughed softly, a hint of self-consciousness in his eyes. “Sounds cheesy, I know. But it’s how I feel. I’ve been chasing all these things that weren’t right. Now I finally understand what matters.”
Emotion welled up in my chest so powerfully I could barely speak. I rose onto my toes, pressed my hands against his cheeks, and kissed him, pouring every ounce of my gratitude and blossoming affection into that kiss. His arms tightened around me, and for a moment, the rest of the world vanished. I felt safe, cherished, and truly hopeful about whatever lay ahead.
When we finally broke apart, I took a shaky breath, clinging to his shirt. “I’m falling in love with you too,” I admitted, surprised at how natural and right the words felt. “I’m ready to put down roots. With you. We can grow together… see what the future holds.”
He brushed his thumb across my lower lip, eyes alight with joy. “Then let’s do it.”
Smiling, I grabbed my suitcase, and he lifted it out of my hand with a playful flourish, insisting on carrying it himself. We stepped out into the hallway, the soothing scents of lavender sachets and polished wood marking the Inn’s familiar comfort. This time, though, I left feeling stronger, steadier, and excited for the next step. Hand in hand, we descended the old wooden staircase, hearts full of promise, ready to embrace whatever waited for us beyond the magic of Wintervale.