Rose Gardner's Florist (The Providence Street Shops #2) - Bonnie Dee Page 0,63
aspects of our past.”
Rose looked up at the woman, whose voice trembled and eyes glistened. “Yes, your ladyship. I will remain mindful of the Carmody heritage and preserve it to the best of my ability,” she pledged.
“Good. Now, let us plant that poor uprooted bush. If you choose a spot, I will help you.”
*
A while later, with his parents gone and the quiet of the conservatory broken only by the wind pelting raindrops against the panes, Rose and Will settled together on a chair he’d dragged in from the library. It was sufficient to accommodate two, so long as they sat very close together.
Rose rested her head against Will’s chest, listening to the rain and to her beloved’s even breathing. “What did your father have to say?” she asked presently.
“Very little. It was obvious Mother told him to have a talk with me, so he did it begrudgingly. He told me marrying a strong-willed woman was both a great blessing and a splinter embedded in one’s heart for life. He suggested I save putting my foot down for only the most important occasions. That was the sum total of his advice.”
She laughed. “Would you put your foot down some day? What if I don’t care to obey your commands?”
“Then I imagine we will find a solution midway between our opposing points of view. Civilization demands it. What about Mother? Did she give you too much trouble?”
“Actually, no. I think you were right and she doesn’t despise me. I would even venture to say she believes I am a good match for you. The last thing she said before we rejoined you and your father was ‘Continue to make my son happy and I will embrace you as a daughter.’ Isn’t that sweet?”
Now Will chuckled. “When you meet Penny, you should ask how that works for her. My sister and mother have had rows that sent the dogs slinking from the house in fear.”
Silence fell once more. Rose idly measured the length of her hands against Will’s, then entwined their fingers together. It had been nearly three weeks since they had secured Candace’s freedom and become unofficially engaged. Will had promised a ring of Rose’s choice when she was ready to shop for one.
“Would you read a chapter of Pan to me?” Rose requested after a bit. “I adore the sound of your voice.”
“Given that sort of compliment, how can I refuse?”
Rose climbed out of the comfort of her seat and went to get the book. After she had settled herself again, she removed Will’s glasses and polished them on his pocket handkerchief before placing them on the bridge of his nose. “There. Now you’re ready to begin.”
She kissed his mouth, a little peck at first, and then something deeper and longer, before cuddling against him once more.
Will opened the book. “Nana had something in her mouth which proved to be the boy’s shadow.” He read a whimsical scene between Mrs. Darling, a respectable matron, and the family dog, who acted as her children’s nanny.
Rose giggled at the description, and as Will continued on, she kept smiling because her happiness was so complete.
That sign announcing Rose Gardener’s Florist had once been the pinnacle of her pride and joy. Now she had added on something—someone—who made her life even richer and fuller. Surely no woman in the world could be as perfectly content as she.
Chapter Twenty-one
“We have put in several good hours of work,” Rose announced as she stepped away from the worktable to view the floral arrangements for the event.
“I will go to the venue and oversee they are delivered safely, giving you ladies sufficient time to dress and prepare,” Will promised.
Rose went to wash her hands at the sink. Her sleeves rolled to the elbows made him want to stop her and pepper kisses over her pale forearms, but there was no time for any sidetracks on this important day.
“I am very excited. This is a once in a lifetime event. Hattie is quite nervous, this being her first time,” Rose said. “I presume you’ll meet Guy there.”
Will nodded. “He’s been awaiting this date with great anticipation. No doubt he’s already pacing. I’ll quickly wash up and change into the suit I’ve brought along, if that is all right.”
“Certainly. You may use my room, then drive on ahead, but first…” She threw her still damp arms around his neck and met his mouth in a long, passionate kiss. “Surely a moment’s delay won’t make a difference,” Rose whispered.