Rising (Anderson Special Ops #2) - Melody Anne Page 0,21
and exited the shop.
“They were wonderful women. They come down here each spring and summer selling these unique vases. I find the process fascin—” Katherine cut herself off as Joseph pulled out the flowers and held them in front of him.
“Lovely flowers for my even lovelier bride,” he said.
“Oh, Joseph, they’re beautiful. Thank you,” she said, a tear shining in her eye. It amazed him that after all of these years she could still feel joy over something as simple as flowers. He’d buy her anything, but what she often told him she wanted the most was to know how much she was loved. She leaned in and kissed him before smelling the bouquet, her smile brightening even more.
“You’re welcome. It’s been too long since I last bought you flowers.”
She laughed. “We have fresh flowers in our house all of the time.”
He took her hand and squeezed. “Yes we do, but it’s been too long since I went and picked out flowers. It brings me joy to personally find something for you.”
“Joseph, this has been the most perfect day I could imagine. I’m so glad we came out, and I’m more grateful than ever to have you for my husband.”
The two of them rose and began their way through the market again. They paused to watch the fish become high flying acts, and to listen to children laugh. Katherine took Joseph’s wallet, removed a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill, slipped his wallet back into his pocket, then walked up and put the bill into a jar on the rail. There was enough movement happening for no one to take note of the amount of money left in the jar, which was exactly the way Katherine wanted it.
Joseph saw the day was beginning to wear on Katherine. She was happy, but she was tired. There was no way he was going to bring that up though. She’d tell him when the day was too much for her. Until then, he’d dutifully stay at her side.
“I need to freshen up before we go anywhere else,” Katherine told him as they came to the top of the steps, which led down to the public restrooms.
While his wife slipped into the restroom, Joseph waited outside, the flowers in one hand, and a dainty bag in the other. He got a few looks from other husbands holding similar girlie bags while they waited by his side. He loved people-watching, and glanced around, noticing a family pass by, four young girls looking as charming and happy as could be. The youngest, a brown-haired child with big, dark eyes, a twinkle in them, was staring at the flowers in his hand. She came close and looked up with a smile.
“Those are pretty flowers, sir,” she said in a sweet voice.
Joseph met the father’s eyes, who smiled, giving his silent approval for Joseph to communicate with his daughter. Then Joseph knelt, unable to ignore a sweet child, especially one as cute as this little one.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Eden. What’s yours?” she politely replied, holding out her hand for a shake.
“My name’s Joseph.” He shook her hand, shocked at how proper she was at such a young age. “How old are you, Eden?”
“I’m nine but will be ten in a couple of weeks. We came up from Oregon for an early birthday celebration. Tomorrow we’re going to the Space Needle and then—”
“Eden.” The one word from her father stopped her immediately. She closed her mouth and waited for Joseph to speak.
“That sounds like a wonderful birthday,” Joseph said. “Happy birthday from my wife and me,” he added as he pulled out a sunflower from the bouquet and handed it over.
“Really? Wow. Thank you so much,” Eden exclaimed as she nearly crushed the flower while she gave it a hug. Then she looked at her father who nodded.
“If it’s okay with him, then yes,” her father said.
Eden held her arms wide and inviting, and Joseph’s heart swelled. He opened his own arms and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around his neck, giving him a hug. There was nothing like the innocence and love of a child who hadn’t been hardened by the world. He was also impressed with her parents who’d obviously taught her not only respect, but awareness and love. She let go and stepped back.
“Thank you again, Mr. Joseph. It was very nice to meet you,” Eden said with a big smile.
“You are most welcome, Eden. The pleasure has truly been mine,” Joseph replied.