Prologue
DARCY
Istare at the blood welling at the tip of my finger like it’s a terrible omen.
The thorn I’d pricked it on lays sadly on my work bench, the petals of the red rose almost the same colour as my blood.
I’m not usually so…morbid, but the last couple of weeks since finalising my plan and coming to the decision of what I want for the rest of my life has me questioning everything lately.
Like my friendship with the boy who has always owned my heart…And how my dreams might change everything between us.
I blow out a shaky breath when the door to my workroom opens and my mom steps in. Carrying my planner, she has a look of concentration in her eyes that I know too well.
“Hey, honey,” she says without looking up from the pages. “I can’t figure out whether you have availability in February.”
I wipe my bloody finger on my apron and reach for the planner, which she gives up with a sigh. “What are they needing? I have two weddings in February that need arrangements and bouquets.”
Mom waves a hand. “Just a bouquet. They’re having a small ceremony, no need for all the frills.”
I chuckle lightly and flip to the month in question. “Okay, what date?”
Mom rattles off all the details she remembers from the customer, which is a good distraction from what I’m actually concerned about. Not even she knows what my plans are, but I also know my mom, and she’ll support me no matter what.
After she gives me the information, I hand the planner back with a smile. “I can get it done, no problem,” I say, taking a step back. “I’ll take all the bookings I can get.”
Mom cocks her head. “Why, honey?”
I plaster a smile across my lips as I go back to the forgotten rose. “I want to be prepared for anything, and…” I hesitate before picking the offending flower up, holding it in front of my face. “I’ll want to take some time off at some point. I need a nest egg.”
Something in Mom’s eyes tells me she’s not buying the I want time off excuse. “You have been saving since you were ten. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“There is,” I admit quietly. “And I’ll tell you. Soon. I promise. But I just…”
“You need to talk to Reed first.” Mom rolls her eyes dramatically before turning her back on me. “I’ll get the deposit and set the date for this couple. And you—” She glances at me over her shoulder. “Tell me when you’re ready. I love you.”
I couldn’t have asked for a better Mother. She’s supported me through building this business, has given me all the opportunities to make this work, and she’s helped me despite her own work ever since I took over from her aunt, my Great-Aunt Abby.
I’m just not sure how she’ll handle my choice to have a baby alone.
But I know this is exactly what I want.
Except…I want Reed Sterling, too.
Find out what happens to Darcy and her decision to become a single mother despite her love for a Sterling boy in MY ACCIDENT WITH THE COWBOY!