How to Steal Your Best Friend's Fiancé - London Casey Page 0,47

the light that creates the marriage.”

“In other words, no pressure?” Emily asked.

Hank pointed to Emily. “You’re a good one. What’s your name? I refuse to call someone as pretty as you the soon-to-be Mrs. Liam.”

“I’m Emily,” she said.

Hank looked at me. “Boy, did you strike gold, huh? Even the name is pretty.”

“I’m a lucky guy,” I said. “Now, I made a list of-”

“You did?” Hank asked. “Perfect. Here’s what I want you to do. Walk around and grab some flowers. On your own. No peeking. No cheating. Meet me at the counter and we’ll see what we have, okay?”

“I could write something down,” Emily said.

“And not look, touch, and smell?” Hank asked. “We were given senses for a reason, Emily. Use them.”

Emily looked at me.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Fine,” Emily said.

She casually walked away.

I watched as she walked the first aisle of flowers, her fingertips delicately touching the petals of some of the flowers.

I swallowed hard and reached into my pocket to get my list out.

Hank grabbed my arm. “That’s one special woman there, Liam. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go from this shop. I’ve done weddings, funerals, births… hell, even divorces. And of course the I’m sorry I fucked up flowers from men like yourself.”

I looked down at Hank. “Are you judging me?”

“No,” he said. “But the way you’re looking at that woman right now, I hope you continue to do so for the rest of your life.”

The phone started to ring and Hank winked and hurried back around the counter.

I waited for a few minutes for Emily to finish walking around the aisles.

The floral shop was the biggest I’d ever seen.

The place came recommended from someone at the office.

Just like the catering.

Just like… everything else…

Everything I was doing on my own.

I looked at my list.

Was I the only one who wanted to get married?

Even then… did I…

“I’m finished,” Emily announced.

I looked up and smiled.

“Where are your flowers?” I asked.

“You heard Hank. No peeking and cheating.”

She stuck her tongue out at me.

I let out a ha ha sound.

I didn’t know what to say.

It wasn’t the first time Emily left me speechless either.

Hank had tissue paper over both of our flower choices.

“Now I want to ask you something, Liam,” Hank said. “Have you ever picked out flowers before?”

“Like this?” I asked. “No.”

“I knew it. You’re doing this just for the wedding. Damn shame. Too big and buff for your own good I bet.”

“He’s like a meathead,” Emily said. “I can’t wait to see a pile of roses.”

“Roses?” I asked.

“That’s the only flower guys know,” she said as she looked at me.

“I know more than roses,” I said.

“Meaning you searched online for flowers.”

“Is that so wrong?” I asked.

Hank clapped his hands. “Okay, you two. You can argue and have makeup sex later. Right now, let’s see what I’m working with. I’m going to pull the tissue paper off both at the same time. Ready?”

I smiled. “I’m ready.”

“I bet this isn’t the most manly moment of your life, Liam,” Hank said.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” I said.

“Want to do some pushups first?” Hank offered. “Get that chest pump going?”

Emily giggled.

“You’re a prick, Hank, you know that?” I asked.

Emily gasped.

“Don’t worry, Emily,” Hank said. “He’s not the first guy to call me names. I’m short but I can probably take you on, Liam.”

“I’m not fighting a florist.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hank asked.

“Nothing,” I said. “You’re something else, Hank.”

“Never forget it,” he said. “Now… here we go…”

He grabbed the tissue paper and ripped it away.

My plan was kind of simple.

Whatever Emily chose was the choice.

I knew nothing about flowers or designing…

“They’re the same thing,” Emily said.

“Well, son of a bitch,” Hank said.

“Wait a second,” I said.

“Let’s see what we have here,” Hank said. “Some rich, purple calla lilies. Oh, some lily of the valley. Then orchids. Very nice. Very expensive too.” Hank looked at me. “You’ve got money?”

“Lots of it,” I said.

“And you’re willing to spoil Emily?” he asked.

“Of course,” I said.

“This is simple yet elegant,” Hank said. “Now, Emily has some sweet peas in hers. A little bit of different color purple than the calla lilies. But it works. This is… you two are just meant to be.”

I laughed again.

I look at Emily.

Her cheeks were a little bit red.

“We just know each other really well,” she said.

I swallowed hard. “Yeah, we do.”

“Okay, so here’s what I’m going to do,” Hank said. “I’ll take this and make something up and give you a call. Then we can figure full arrangements