Chapter 19 #2
I shrugged. “If the flowers don’t exist, they can’t create them. There are greenhouses that stock most retail stores, but sometimes plants don’t work out the way we hope. It’s why I’ve been working to expand my greenhouse. The more I can grow here, the less I need to order in.”
“And you have enough business for that?” Omar asked.
I chuckled. “I’m getting there. My two employees are exceptional, and they’ve drummed up some new business for me with local places that want to have potted plants in their offices.
Between the walk-ins, the regulars, and the businesses, I’m going to sell out everything in the greenhouse this year. We’d go bigger if I had more space.”
“Wow. Good for you. That’s amazing. And if you need anything from me, please let me know.”
I chuckled. “Your wedding is enough. I’m getting more business from others getting married in the area who thought they had to go farther away for their wedding flowers. It’s good to have the mayor, and the local paper, spotlighting my business.”
“You deserve to be highlighted,” Casey said.
“Thank you.”
“When did you two get together?” Natalie asked.
“And that’s our cue to go. See you both tomorrow. Casey, see you later tonight. Thanks again to both of you,” Omar said, dragging Natalie to the door.
Casey and I followed them out, laughing at Natalie arguing and Omar not letting her go before they were outside. He stopped and kissed her in the rain until she stopped fighting him, then they disappeared from view.
Casey laughed. “They loved what you came up with.”
“It sounds like they loved what you came up with.”
She shrugged. “We make a good team.”
“Yes, we do. Thank you for your help. I was panicking today, and when you showed up, I knew it would all work out.”
“Now, we need to put everything together so it’s ready for tomorrow.”
“Thank you. So much.”
“You’re welcome. But now you have one more thing you need to teach me.”
My body flashed hot, and my dick hardened. “You’re a tease.”
She chuckled and looked back at me over her shoulder. “Who said I’m teasing?”
I groaned and followed her, wishing I was laying her out on the table instead of the flowers.
With Casey’s help, I finished all of the centerpieces on Friday before she left to get ready for the rehearsal. I hated that I wouldn’t see her again until the wedding, but I loved that I was going to have her all to myself for the night.
Saturday morning, I loaded up the truck with everything for the wedding and headed to Mountain View Retreat.
Natalie’s summer camp was open for weddings and other town events throughout the year.
The location was what brought Natalie and Omar together when it was donated and she took it over to use for the camp.
Natalie used Blossom & Grow plants outside the camp and around the office, and seeing the place lit up and decorated for the reception was a full circle moment.
There were people working in the gathering hall, getting things put together for later. I found who appeared to be in charge and asked if I could set out centerpieces. She volunteered to help, and we had the truck unloaded and everything done in record time.
My next stop was Daisy’s house, where all the women were getting ready.
“Did you go to the Retreat?” Natalie asked.
I nodded. “I did. And everything looks amazing. The flowers are all set up, and it looks like they’re ready for the day.”
“Good. Thank you. I can’t believe this is all happening,” Natalie whispered, almost to herself. “I never thought I’d get married, and now I’m marrying the freaking mayor.”
“You’re not marrying the mayor,” Casey said, moving in front of Natalie and taking her hands. “You’re marrying the man who loves you. The man you can’t wait to spend the rest of your life with. The man who likes you and all your crazy.”
Natalie laughed. “I can’t believe you remember that. I was so drunk.”
“You were, but you were also happy. You asked me what makes a good marriage. What to avoid. Why mine didn’t last. Do you remember what I said?”
“Avoid bad dicks,” Natalie said.
I snorted a laugh.
Casey slid me a look. “Yes. And make each other laugh. Find out what the other needs and be the one who gives it to them. Open yourselves up to each other. A marriage isn’t about today, or about who you each are in this moment.
It’s about the rest of your lives. It’s about finding someone who is always there for you, who knows what you need before you do.
A marriage is more than one day. It’s a lifetime of shared secrets and stolen moments and finding joy when life is crazy and you’re not sure where the joy is coming from. Find joy in each other.”
Natalie nodded, rolling her lips in. “Thank you, Casey.” Natalie hugged Casey hard.
Daisy sniffed, dabbing under her eyes. “Your ex is an idiot.”
Casey laughed. “No, he’s not. We weren’t right for each other. We got married for the wrong reasons for us.”
“Maybe next time you’ll get married for the right reasons,” Natalie said.
“Maybe I will,” Casey said, her gaze straying to me.
My lips turned up without conscious thought. She wasn’t saying no. She wasn’t rejecting the idea. And she was looking at me.
The woman I loved was thinking about marriage, talking about forever, and looking at me.
Maybe teaching her how to flirt was the second best thing I ever could have done.
Right after falling in love with her.