When she tries to talk about budgetary limits, I immediately shut that shit down. “Budget?!” I scoff. “We’re going all out for Princess Callie’s birthday party. Hell, somebody get me Cinderella’s phone number. We’re flying that chick over from Disneyland first-class.”
We all laugh.
We’re discussing a few final details when the greenhouse door swings open. Ma takes a step inside and seems taken aback to see the lot of us huddled around in here.
“Oh, hello,” she says suspiciously, her eyes moving over us.
“Hey, Ma.” Cannon slings an arm around her and plants a kiss in her hair. He makes warning eyes at the rest of us over her head.
She looks at me. “Jude, I thought I saw your car parked out by the fence.” She takes a glance at Iris all tied up in my arms. She purses her lips against her pleased smile.
Iris tries to wriggle out of my hold but I keep her there, just to make her squirm. We’ve got a thing going on. And everybody else is just gonna have to deal. We’re all adults here.
“What are you all doing, hiding out in here?” Mom asks. She looks at Walker, the worst liar out of us all. When we were kids and we’d get in trouble, all she’d have to do is look at my oldest brother, and from there, she could usually figure it out.
“You here for tomatoes, Ma?” Walker hastily spins around and starts picking a few tomatoes.
“Yes.”
“Chilli for dinner?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“Have a great day, Ma.” My brother hands over the tomatoes.
Ma rolls her eyes. “Fine. Be like that. Go back to whatever it is you’re doing.”
She gives Iris and me one more look. She smiles to herself. Then she turns around and leaves.
“Let’s talk location.” Lexi addresses the room in a lowered voice. “If we’re trying to keep our plans a secret from Diana and Lucas, it might be a little hard to do that if we’re throwing the party here on their property.”
“There’s space in our backyard, for sure,” Cannon says, “But there’s also the river and the ponds. I can have it gated off for the day, not a problem. But we’ll need lots of extra chaperones just to be safe.”
I hear Iris speak timidly beside me. “Or we can do it at my house…” She glances at me for confirmation. “I mean, I have a huge gated yard and a tree swing and lots of space for the kids to run around.” She throws a shy look at Cannon. “It’s just a suggestion. Callie’s your niece and if you want to have the party at your place—”
“Your place would be great, Iris,” Lexi says and everybody else seems to agree.
We discuss a few more details and soon, everyone is filtering out of the greenhouse. Iris lingers with the orchids. “I still can’t get over how beautiful these are,” she murmurs to herself. “I’ll proudly admit that I have a green thumb and my flower garden is heaven. But I really struggle with the orchids.”
“It’s all about the soil,” Walker reiterates. “We do our own composting here on the farm. I can get you a small bag, if you’d like.”
Iris’s face lights up like someone just offered her a bowl of diamonds and a shopping spree in Milan. “Oh, my gosh. That would be lovely.”
I swear I’ve never seen a woman more excited over a pile of cow shit. That’s what I adore about this woman. She’s so down-to-earth. The simplest things fill her cup, make her smile.
“All right, I’ll give you the royal tour of the compost heap.” Walker bows regally. He slides on his cowboy hat then marches toward the door.
“Come on, Jude.” Iris happily tugs my wrist.
Um, I don’t share her excitement. “I think I’ll just stay here for a second. Give my knee a rest.”
“Are you okay?” Concern quickly overshadows her excitement.
I kiss her forehead, my heart warm from her concern. “Yeah, babe. I’m fine. I’ll be here. Waiting for you.”
Iris glances around for spectators but the coast is clear. She reaches up and puts her arms around my neck. Her mouth meets mine for a slow, soft kiss. “I’ll see you soon.”
She throws me the happiest grin over her shoulder then she skips off to where Walker is trudging across the field.
And I feel damn lucky to know her. Women like Iris Merlini are practically impossible to find.
28
Jude
This is what snorting cocaine feels like. I’m sure of it. This is what it feels