Chapter 26
It’s finally happening.
I’d like to thank every birthday candle and shooting star that has led me to this moment.
Kissing Connor on the cheek was risky. The last thing I want to do is scare him away, but I’d say the blush climbing his neck means I’m safe.
“In case that wasn’t clear, I feel the same way.” I always have. I keep that little tidbit of information to myself for now because it would likely send him running for the hills.
Connor brushes my hair back from my face. His touch is gentle, but the reaction my body has is anything but. A trail of flames lingers where he touched my cheekbone. My heart rate skyrockets.
“Do you have any plans after this?” When he shakes his head, I smile. “You do now, but you’ll have to drive because I drove the girls, so they’ll need my car to get home.”
Connor shoots me the barest of smiles, but it’s there. I’ll never get over this moment. Knowing he’s interested in me. Being the sole recipient of his smiles. I don’t know how I got so lucky. “I’m in.”
I glance out the back door and spot the mostly empty plates on the picnic table. “We should get out there and finish our food. We don’t want to look too suspicious.”
He lets out a dry laugh. “I think it’s a little late for that.”
I bite my bottom lip, hating the idea of being the talking point at the table. “I’ll go first, and you can come back out in a few minutes?”
He nods. “Whatever makes you most comfortable.”
“Thanks.” I reach over and squeeze his arm. “I’ll see you out there.” I walk back outside, carrying a bottle of water, trying to make it seem like I was only grabbing a drink. Nothing to see here. When I approach the table, a few people clear their throats.
Oh, begonia. Unfortunately, it appears Connor was right about us being the topic of conversation.
“And that’s why you should never eat without washing your hands first.” Tyler wasn’t the one talking when I first walked up, so I’ve got to give him props for the quick cover story.
“Hey, Shay.” Kelsey shoots me a look that says You go, girl.
I unscrew the water bottle cap and take a sip as Evie looks me right in the eyes. With the most serious expression, she asks, “How was the canoodling with Connor?”
My sip goes down the wrong pipe and I cough, trying to pull myself together and digest what she just said.
“Evie,” Tess chides.
“What?” Evie shovels another bite of corn into her mouth. “It’s what you were talking about.” She tilts her head in a sassy manner. “I thought you wanted to know.”
Tess sighs and lets her face fall into her hands.
My cheeks flame as crimson as a rose. “I was just grabbing water and responding to a message from the lawyer Austin connected me with.” The lawyer did message me earlier today to let me know everything was officially processed, so it doesn’t feel like a total lie.
If I tell them Connor and I were just talking for the last fifteen minutes, I’m not sure any of them would believe me.
“Then where is Connor?” Mallory asks.
I shrug, hoping I look casual when I feel anything but. “I don’t know.”
“Looks like we can ask him now.” Mrs. Porter smiles at her son as he walks out of the house and back to the table. “Where have you been?”
Connor sits down and moves the food around on his plate with a plastic fork. “Just needed a minute of quiet.” He digs back into his food, and conversation resumes around the table, but my appetite is long gone.
I push my plate back and turn to Mallory, desperately needing a change in conversation. “When do you get to see Griffin next?”
“He might be able to fly out in a few weeks as long as he can continue his training at home.” She lowers her voice. “And I’m thinking about staying out there with him for my summer break.”
“You should go.” After enduring all the years of Connor living on the other side of the country, I know how sacred time is with the person you have feelings for.
“Like I said this morning, we all obviously want you to stay, but I also really want you to get married to a handsome actor and have lots of gorgeous babies for me to hold.”
She sighs, gazing off into the distance with a dreamy look. “He is handsome, isn’t he?”
I lower my voice. “Not as handsome as your brother.”
Mallory grimaces. “Okay, yeah. Still not used to that.” She shakes her head. “Do you have any summer plans now that everything is coming together with your truck?”
“I want to take Daffodil to as many places as I can.” I close my eyes, reveling in the dream. “Farmers’ markets. Local festivals. Bridal showers. Baby showers.”
“I can’t wait to see you thrive. Louisville doesn’t know what’s about to hit them.”
“Some good ol’ flower power.” I grin.
Mal squeezes my arm. “More like the lovely, joyful force of a woman that is Shayna Elise Monroe.”
Happy tears brim in my eyes. “Thanks, friend.”
“Mallory, are you making our guests cry?” Mama Porter asks.
I laugh and swipe away the tears that have fallen onto my cheeks. “Only happy tears.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” She stands from the picnic table. “I couldn’t have you crying before we all enjoy my strawberry-shortcake trifle.”
By the time everyone is piling into their cars with full bellies and even fuller hearts, I’m ready for some alone time with Connor. While I loved spending the better part of the day with so many people I care about, I can’t wait to pick up our conversation where we left off.
“Are you ready, Shay?” Mallory calls out, standing by my red SUV, Daisy Mae.
I jog over to her and hand her my car keys. “Would you mind driving home for me?”
“Too tired to drive?”
I glance back over my shoulder at Connor, waiting for me by his truck. “I was thinking about getting another ride home.” I turn back to her and watch Mallory look at her brother.
She steps closer and gives me a hug. “Have fun, but not too much fun.”
I laugh as I squeeze her tight. “I won’t do anything you wouldn’t do.”
Mallory pulls back and shoots me a look before yelling at her brother, “Don’t keep her out too late.”
I wave to my friends before I walk over to Connor. He opens the passenger door for me. I know I could open it myself, but the knowledge that I never have to around him makes me feel cared for in a way no man ever has before.
“So, where are we going?” He joins me in the truck and looks at me expectantly.
“Is all your fishing stuff still back there?” I gesture to the bed of the truck. My whole plan is contingent on my assumption that he hasn’t put his fishing gear away since the bachelor auction.
“Should be.”
“Perfect, then take me to your favorite fishing spot.”
In the fading light, Connor’s smile is bright enough to light the sky as he turns onto the road. “Seriously?”
“You took me to the botanical gardens. It’s only fair that I take you fishing, but you’ll need to teach me how.” I crinkle my nose. “And hook the worms for me.”
His laughter fills the car. I wish I had the sound on video to listen to whenever I need a serotonin boost, because the results would be instantaneous.
“I use lures, but if I used worms, I would handle them for you.” Connor reaches over and places his hand on my thigh.
I bite back a gasp, trying to play it cool when I would rather be squealing. This is what I dreamed of for so long that it’s hard for my brain to process that this is reality.
I place my hand on his. Connor gently turns it over and intertwines our fingers. We’re quiet for the rest of the drive to his favorite fishing spot, but no words are needed. The way he gently rubs his thumb across my palm says it all.
Connor pulls into an empty dirt lot and puts the car in park. “This is it.”
“I was expecting some—oh, I don’t know—water,” I tease.
“Sometimes you have to take a small journey before you can enjoy the view.”
I look over at Connor as he exits the vehicle and takes a deep breath. A soft smile forms on his lips, like he can’t help but be happy when he’s here. The journey we’ve been on that’s led us to this moment has been anything but small, but I sure am enjoying the view now.
I join him at the bed of the truck to help grab the fishing gear. Connor pulls his phone out of his pocket. He barely glances at it before looking back at me. “Pat texted.” I perk up, hoping this means my truck is ready. “He said we can pick up the truck Friday.”
I throw my arms around Connor’s neck. He wraps his arms around my waist, lifts me off the ground, and spins me. My laughter floats in the air, and I can’t help but think about how absolutely happy I sound. How happy I feel.
My mobile flower truck is ready, which means everything will be ready in time for the booth I reserved at the Dogwood Festival. And I’m in Connor Porter’s arms after I just held his hand in the car. Life doesn’t get much better than this.
“I should have the shelves ready for your final approval in the next few days.” He sets me back on my feet. “Is there anything else I can help with?”
I shake my head. “I meant to tell you, I had my meeting with the lawyer last week, and everything is now filed.” I beam at him. “You’re officially looking at the owner of Sunshine Blooms.”
He rubs my lower back. “I’m so proud of you, flower.”
“Thank you.” My eyes brim with tears. Joy. Utter, complete joy that this is my life. That my deepest wish might just come true: to start my dream job with the man I’m falling for at my side. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
It could be a reflection of the setting sun amidst the clouds casting a pink hue on his cheeks, but I swear he blushes. “You’re the most ambitious, persistent woman I know. You had the strength to accomplish it yourself all along. I’m the lucky one who got to come along for the ride.”
I stare at Connor in awe. This day has felt like a dream, and I never want it to end.
He takes my hand. “Come on. I want to show you part of my world.”