Chapter 37
The morning of the grand reopening dawned clear and warm, the kind of summer day that hinted at growth and fresh starts.
Mitch stood outside Petal Pushers just after sunrise, coffee in one hand, his phone in the other, watching the town come to life.
He also had a new perspective on his newish hometown.
He'd been here now about a year, but he hadn't spent much time getting to know the people outside of his friends and clients.
He was changing that now. As people drove by, they waved, and it felt a bit like Mayberry, except for the sinister things they'd gone through recently.
Every town had that seedy side, so ugly and dark it was kept hidden.
But they'd overcome them, and he'd found Izzy. Life was funny like that.
The new window gleamed in the rising light. Colorful petals spilled over the planters out front, freshly replanted yesterday by Carly and Marcus, and the hand-painted “Open ” sign fluttered slightly with the breeze. For the first time in weeks, nothing felt out of place. Nothing felt threatening.
He sipped the coffee and exhaled slowly.
Izzy had insisted on handling most of the final prep this morning, saying it grounded her.
Truth was, she was reclaiming her space, her rhythm.
He understood that. But he stayed close anyway.
Just in case. She'd been staying at his place, and he was beginning to get itchy thinking about finding a place for them together.
After today, they'd be able to focus on that.
He chuckled to himself. He'd have bet anyone his life's earnings that he never would have been so eager to build a life with a woman so soon after meeting her.
But there was just something about Izzy that made everything feel right.
Movement across the street caught his eye.
Quinn and Hanna pulled to a stop across the street and began unloading their car trunk, which was packed with pastries and drink dispensers.
He pushed himself off the post of the covered porch he'd been supporting and strode across Main Street to help them unload.
"Good morning. Let me help you with some of this."
Quinn chuckled. "You got it. I had a hard time getting Hanna to stop putting things in the car."
Hanna shook her head. "Organization is my job in our relationship, and I don't believe I've forgotten anything. That's what all of this is."
Quinn chuckled as he handed Mitch a box of the best-smelling cinnamon rolls he'd ever had the privilege of consuming. Hanna's cinnamon rolls were popular not only in Blossom Springs but other towns as well.
"Damn, these smell like I imagine heaven smells."
Hanna laughed. "Thanks, Mitch. Did you hear Quinn's adding on to the bakery for me? We're expanding to selling online now."
"Wow. No kidding. Congratulations."
Quinn shrugged. "She's doing a fantastic business, but it's time to grow."
Mitch began carrying the large white box of cinnamon rolls across the street, Quinn following behind him.
Quinn lowered his voice and asked, "Is everything okay with Izzy?"
Mitch nodded. "Yes, she's still scared of things here and there. It's hard to get it out of your head that you aren't being watched anymore after knowing that for so long."
"Yeah. Hanna went through that too. I know she's told Izzy anytime she needs to talk, to let her know."
Mitch pulled open the door with the fingers he managed to angle out from under the box, "I'll encourage her to do that. Why don't we all get together some night for dinner and drinks? Relax, and you both can get to know Izzy a bit better."
Quinn held the door open with his foot as Mitch walked inside. "We'd love that."
As Mitch and Quinn set their boxes on the table, Sadie arrived, arms full of bags.
And right behind her came Grace and Sid, grinning like cats who got the canary.
Grace nudged Sid in the ribs with her elbow, and Sid put his arm around Grace's shoulders and kissed her.
His friends were happy too. That made him happier still.
He looked up to see Izzy moving like sunlight, every step full of purpose, every word gentle but firm.
She directed volunteers, double-checked price tags, and rearranged display tables that were already perfect.
He couldn’t stop watching her. Ms. Jillie was beaming as she arranged flowers as fast as someone could put them on a shelf.
She laughed easily with those who stopped to chat, and she looked happier than he'd ever seen her.
There was new life here at Petal Pushers, and everyone felt it.
The fear that once shadowed Izzy's eyes had faded. It was replaced with fire. And it was sexy on her.
He weaved around his employees, Gabby and Blaine, as they tested the security system Jayson had just finished upgrading. Jayson looked up from the back wall and nodded.
Mitch moved over to him to check on his progress.
“Everything’s in place,” Jayson said. “Motion sensors, panic button, window alerts, if a squirrel farts too close to the shop, she’ll know.”
Mitch chuckled. “Appreciate it. Not sure she'll want to know that much, but it'll be reassuring that even the gassy squirrels won't get past her.”
“Good.” Jayson clapped him on the back. “Also, I might add, it's about time you found someone who makes you smile.”
Mitch waited a beat, then added quietly, “I asked her to look at property just outside of town. A real home. With a garden where we can be together every day.”
Jayson raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Damn. That serious? So soon?”
“It is. I am. When you know, you know. I used to hear that and think it was a bunch of crap. But it's true.” Mitch took a deep breath. “For the first time in years, I want something more. I want peace. I want it with her .”
“Then go help her run this show, man. You’re not just her bodyguard anymore.”
Mitch chuckled and made his way to Izzy. She turned as he approached, that same soft smile she reserved just for him lighting her face.
“How’s it looking out there?” she asked, brushing her hands on her apron.
“Like a town ready to celebrate.” He reached out and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “And like the strongest woman I know is about to take her place right where she belongs.”
Izzy’s eyes shimmered. “I’m nervous.”
“Good. That means you care. But I’ll be right beside you the whole time.” He leaned down and kissed her lips. "When are you going to announce it?"
Her eyes gleamed. "As soon as Sid and Grace tell me my permits are signed."
Mitch nodded toward Quinn and Hanna setting up tables across the room. "They're here."
Izzy turned to see Sid and Grace talking to their friends, and she took a deep breath. Mitch kissed her forehead and whispered. "It's all good, baby."
She hugged him close, then far too quickly pulled back as the door jingled and the first customers trickled in, friends, townspeople, familiar faces who’d weathered the storm with them.
Izzy squared her shoulders, took a breath, and stepped forward with that bright voice she used to greet customers long before all this chaos began.
Mitch stayed close, watching her light up the room. Proud of her for all she'd overcome and thrilled she was in his life.
The past few weeks had taken everything out of them, fear, risk, and even some blood. But standing here now, surrounded by laughter, the scent of fresh blooms, and the woman he loved more than he ever thought possible, Mitch knew one thing for certain.
They had made it.
And whatever came next, they’d face it together.
He watched as Sid and Grace approached Izzy with an envelope in their hands. Izzy smiled at them, then turned to see him watching. Her smile grew, and it was like a magnet; he made his way to her to share in this news with her.
Sid whacked him on the shoulder. "Ready?"
"Yep. Is it done?"
"It's done."
He whacked Sid's shoulder in return, then smiled at Izzy. "Now's a good time."
He saw her throat constrict as she swallowed, then her smile grew. She nodded to him, and he held up a forefinger, "Hang on."
He pulled a step ladder from the back room and brought it out front. He opened it next to the old wooden counter Izzy insisted on keeping as a reminder of her father. "Stand up on the counter so everyone can see you."
He held his hand out to her as she climbed the ladder, then he whistled loudly after she nodded that she was ready.
The crowd turned to Izzy and quieted. She took a deep breath.
"Thank you all for coming today to help me officially kick off Petal Pushers once again.
I appreciate each and every one of you for coming and cheering me on.
" She swallowed and looked at him. He grinned and nodded.
Izzy continued, "I'm here to tell you all first. I've gotten the permits to expand around the corner onto Main Street where the former Delilah's Nails used to be.
I've purchased the building, it'll be demolished, and Petal Pushers will expand in that direction with more parking available. "
The crowd clapped and cheered. Mitch clapped the loudest. He already knew what was happening, but to see Izzy shine while she told the townspeople what she was doing, after all the bullshit Delilah had put her through, that was icing on the cake. He couldn't have been more proud.
He helped her down from the counter and quickly pulled her into his arms for a kiss. Then he whispered in her ear, "I am so proud of you."
She chuckled. "Thank you so much, Mitch. I couldn't have done it without you, though. And I'm so happy to have found you."
"The pleasure has been all mine."
"Knock it off, you can do that later." Grace teased as she moved in and hugged Izzy. He was happy to stand back and watch Izzy gather all the support she could.