Chapter 30
CHAPTER 30
DALLAS
W e settle into the same corner booth where I sat yesterday. And instead of sitting across from me, Rose slides onto the bench next to me.
The waitress grins as she walks up to the table. “What can I get y’all cuties this morning?”
“The full breakfast and a coffee for me,” Rose says.
I slide the menus back into place in the napkin holder. “I’ll have the same. Plus an extra side of bacon.”
“Coming right up.” She takes a step, then looks back over her shoulder at Rose. “He was a mess yesterday.”
“So I’ve heard.” She hugs my arm. “Thanks for giving him good advice.”
“Anytime.”
After the waitress walks away, I sandwich Rose’s hand between both of mine. Toying with her engagement ring, I take a deep breath, trying to decide the wording for my next burst of honesty.
“Not long after we met, you mentioned that you’d love to grow a field of flowers. And that’s why I created that space for you. And we can plow more dirt. There are lots of acres on the ranch that aren’t being used to match couples. You also said you’d love to run your own little shop.”
“It takes money to start a business. And I am painfully short on that at the moment.”
“Money isn’t an issue, Rose. I have more than enough. No one but Aunt Tandy knows. You know those stories about inheriting from a wealthy uncle that you never knew? Well, that happened to Aunt Tandy and my mom. And when my parents died, I inherited their money. That’s why I could quit my job and start over.”
Rose blinks, then laughs.
“Something funny?”
She shakes her head, then nods. “Your ex broke it off because she didn’t want to lose her parents’ money. And weeks later, you inherited all that money. I mean, it’s not funny, but it kind of is. But I’m glad she didn’t know or hear through friends that you came into money.”
“Me too. She was a lot like your mom. Wanted her own way all the time. The breakup opened my eyes. I dodged a bullet as they say. But enough about my ex.” I pat her hand. “Decide what you want to do, and I’ll help you make it happen.”
“I can’t just take money from you, Dallas.”
“Think of me as an investor if that makes it easier. The money sits in an account. What am I going to do with it?”
“You’re serious about this?”
“Yep. There is an empty storefront in the strip mall. Opposite end from the lingerie store. I bet the owner would rent to you.”
“You know the owner, I’m guessing.”
“I do. And so do you. She likes you too.” I stare at her ring. “What do you say we extend our engagement a bit longer? See if you’re willing to put up with me for real.”
“You know I’m not going to change my mind. You’re my person, Dallas. Even if you are old.” She winks. “But I’m fine with extending.”
“Yeah. I guess I kind of forgot about the age gap. Now that I know you, it doesn’t seem like a big deal.”
“You aren’t old. But I can’t believe you thought I would choose the flower store over you.”
“Fear clouded my judgment. I think part of me was afraid to believe what we have was real. Our meeting was random. And I’ll be forever thankful for the guy’s sudden change of heart and your broken flip-flop. Pretending, I gave myself permission to be all-in as your fiancé, and then before I knew it, I was smitten.” I sigh. “And I hate how your parents have treated you.”
“I know. And for years, I blamed my mom and gave my dad a pass.” She wipes her eyes. “But he made it clear that the ultimatum was his idea. And somehow, once I knew that, everything shifted. They were always going to use the business as a tool to control my life. My happiness doesn’t matter to them. That realization hurts. But the first step is admitting that there is a problem.”
I kiss her on the temple. “Maybe they’ll have a change of heart.”
“And maybe it’ll snow in August.”
“It probably snows somewhere in August. Just not here.” I flash a smile. “Back to the business idea. Are you going to open a competing business in Stadtburg?”
“No. This is a chance to make my dream real. I want to grow the flowers. It’ll be a new adventure because I’ve never done that before. But I’d rather grow the blooms and sell them to retailers.”
“That’s a great idea. And if you need someone to help you, talk to Tyler’s wife. Horticulture is her thing. She used to work at a nursery near here.”
“I might call her.” She pinches her lips and then smiles. “This is exciting. But are you really sure? What if nothing grows or if I can’t sell the flowers that do grow?”
“If you don’t plant, it guarantees that nothing will grow.” I let go of her hand and brush a thumb along her cheek. “It won’t hurt to try.”
“You’re right. Let’s do this.”
The waitress brings our food, and we start eating.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the ranch opening?” She points her fork at me.
“You had a lot on your mind, and I didn’t want you worrying about me.” The words sound silly coming out of my mouth.
“I care about you, Dallas. I want to know about the big things in your life and the little things.” She blows me a kiss. “You said Richard was trying to woo me, but that doesn’t explain why he was working at the shop.”
The abrupt change in topic amuses me. It’s so like Rose to flit through a conversation, picking up threads we’ve dropped. Her mind is always working, thinking.
“Yeah, I never did connect those dots for you. Your parents hired him to work the store with you.”
The slice of bacon in her hand falls to the plate. “Are you serious?”
“I guess they didn’t believe you when you said you weren’t interested in Richard.”
“That infuriates me. How could they?”
Seeing the pain of the betrayal hurts.
“I’m sorry, Rose.”
She shrugs. “I can’t fix it. All I can do is move forward. With you.” She cuts her remaining pancake into wedges. “What can I do to help you make the opening a success? I don’t work until Saturday.”
“You want to help us at the ranch?”
“Absolutely. I’m even willing to get my hands dirty.” She holds out a piece of bacon for me to take a bite.
I let her feed me. “After we leave, we’ll go pick up chickens. You can help me move them into their new coop.”
“I’m game.”
It’s only right that I help make Rose’s dream come true. Because she’s my dream come true.