what happens to children like Nathaniel who count on the library for books?
This can’t be happening.
“Oh, my gosh.” I cover my mouth with my hand. “What is wrong with the world?”
“Many, many things. The older you get, the more you’ll see.”
My hand slides up to cover more of my face as I think of Sandra. “I bet they’re devastated.”
“I thought maybe we could make them something today and take it over. When my heart hurts, flowers make me feel better, if only for a little while.”
“Yes. Absolutely. Let’s use bright colors and keep the arrangements simple so we can make more of them.”
She pats my hand. “You’re such a sweet soul. You know that?”
I bite my lip as I remember Trevor calling me mean. “Well, that’s up for debate.”
She comes around the counter so she’s standing next to me. She leans against the wood, facing me. “I have one more thing.”
“Okay,” I say, straightening my shirt. “What is it?”
Her lips dip. “The shop sold this morning.”
“The shop? What shop?” I gasp. “This one?”
She nods.
“You sold Buds and Branches?” I look at her like I misheard her, even though I know I didn’t. I’m just blindsided. “Why?”
She frowns. “The Realtor Tom had talked to called this morning. A buyer came through. They wanted a price and I tossed them a number and they took it. I’m supposed to meet with a Realtor this afternoon, which is why I can’t take the delivery.”
I’m torn inside. A part of me is excited for Jennifer. The other is devastated for me.
“They said to keep operating as normal until the deal goes through. Apparently, they’re buying a couple of shops, so they’re being packaged together or something. I’m not sure. But I’m sorry to have to tell you that after you just started.”
“You know what?” I say, shaking the negativity out of my brain. “This is amazing for you. Tom will be thrilled, I’m assuming.”
“Oh, yes. This made his week. His year,” she says. “But still . . .”
I square my shoulders and lift my chin. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. Maybe the new people will keep me. And if not, maybe I’ll go back to school and become a botanist. Or a landscape architect. I saw some awesome things from them at the flower expo.”
She pulls me into a quick hug. “The world needs more people like you.”
“I think it needs men like me so women like me don’t get burned.”
She gives me a sad smile. “Let me check something real quick.” She disappears in the back before returning with a pink-and-white arrangement. “This can be delivered anytime today after nine. It’s after nine. Why don’t you take it now so we can work on the library stuff when you get back?”
“Perfect. Where’s it going?”
“Mount Zion Road. The Kelly residence.”
I take a step back, convinced the universe hates me today. My body sags. “That’s Trevor’s family.”
“It’s for a Meredith Kelly. Do you know her?”
I nod.
I wonder if he’s told his family we aren’t together. And are Branson and Meredith in town already?
I groan.
This is going to be so, so awkward.
“Can you do it?” She looks at her phone. “The Realtor is calling. I really need to grab this.”
“Go,” I say. “Just . . . go. I got this.”
I think.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
HALEY
The house already looks different.
Men work in the yard, putting in shrubs and trees. A porch swing has been hung, and a plaque reading THE KELLYS is mounted prominently by the doorbell. Meredith definitely went a little more casual, not quite as fancy, with this house. It’s perfect. So perfect.
I step out of my car, checking for any sign of Trevor, and take the arrangement out of the back seat.
Just deliver it to whoever you see first and get the hell out of here.
“Haley, hello.”
I look over my shoulder to see Meredith walking toward me. A little white poodle is nestled in her arm. She’s the image of contentment, of the life I hope to have for myself—minus the poodle. Tears flick the corners of my eyes as I wonder if I’ll ever find it.
“I’m so glad to see you,” she gushes. “This is Buffy. Muffy is inside, eating her breakfast.”
I stick my hand out for the dog to get to know me. She licks me immediately and tries to jump in my arms. Meredith loves this.
“Oh, look at that,” she says. “She likes you. Here. Hold her for me while I take the flowers into the house.” We exchange bundles. She examines