want to focus on the daintiness of everything together. Small reminds me of a baby."
Jenna held up an Ice Plant. "Will this work?"
"Perfect. That's a succulent, and will give her a good variety and fill in the pot." She carried two plants. "Bring it to the table, and I'll plant them all for you."
Filling the container with fertilized potting soil, she quickly set the arrangement and stood back, cocking her head. There was something missing. It was too perfect as if she tried too hard.
"It looks great," said Jenna.
"Hang on." She hurried over to the outer row of plants and grabbed a newly bloomed yellow daisy. The plant was only two inches tall. It would be at least two weeks until the plant grew, and she could sell it, but it would work perfect as filler and add to the baby colors in the pot.
Once she finished, she rotated the arrangement. "What do you think?"
"Gah," shouted Jenna. "It makes me want to have a baby."
"Well, you have to go see your hairdresser and host a shower first. Then, you can look for the father of your child." She picked up the pot. "I'll carry this out to your car. You look so nice today. I don't want to take a chance at getting your dress dirty."
"I really appreciate you doing this for me." Jenna hurried forward to open the door for her. "How much do I owe you?"
"It's on me." She shook her head when Jenna opened her mouth to argue with her. "Honestly, I have plants to spare. I went crazy with the seeds this year in my plans for the sale on Mother's Day."
Jenna half hugged her at the car. "I owe you a night out."
"I'll take you up on that, but not until we get a job." She put the flower pot in the backseat, making sure it wouldn't tip on the corners, and shut the door.
"Thanks again." Jenna slid into the driver's seat. "See you in the morning for our job-hunting extravaganza."
"I'm feeling positive." She held up two crossed fingers and backed out of the way of the car.
Jenna, Stephanie, Angela, and her were going job hunting tomorrow in Missoula. She hoped to come home with employment lined up for all of them, considering they all quit working at the lounge at the same time. She could never repay them for the support they showed her by walking out.
She strolled across the front yard, heading around the house to go to the greenhouse in the backyard and noticed a white envelope taped to the front door. She jumped over the flowerbed onto the porch.
The envelope had her name on the front. Taking it with her to the greenhouse, she opened the letter as she walked.
Please, come back. I'll give you a dollar an hour raise, and we can talk. —Cal
She groaned, stepping into the greenhouse. The guy wouldn't stop.
Not once had she ever given Cal the idea that she was interested in him. In fact, she loved working for his ex-wife and really had nothing to do with Cal for years because he remained behind the scenes up until Celia left him. She wished Celia had kept the business, and given Cal the house, then she would still have a job.
Tossing the letter in the trashcan, she went back to the rows of plants and started deadheading the hanging baskets. Each time she plucked a dried, shriveled bloom off the plants, she pretended they were her former boss's head.
Chapter 4
Curley
Rocky jetted away from Tracy. Curley snagged the two-year-old boy and picked him up, amongst squeals and kicks.
Flipping the kid upside down, Curley held Rocky by the ankles in the air and blew raspberries on his round tummy.
Giggles erupted. He chuckled, righting the kid and holding him in the crook of his arm.
"You're going to get your butt beat if your mom or dad catches you running off." He walked toward the group in front of the door at the same time Tracy's head swiveled, and stark fear flittered over her face before she caught sight of him holding her son.
Tracy lugged the baby, Elizabeth, on her hip and reached with one hand for Rocky. He handed her son to her.
"Thanks, Curley." Tracy shook her head. "I think that's our sign to go home. This guy needs a nap."
"Hand him off to someone. We're not taking off for another hour." Curley took a pack of smokes out of his vest pocket. "Where's your old man?"
"Inside with Paco."