Miller smiled, probably relieved I’d wrapped up my monologue. “They’re from the farm. I’m working on a rose-daisy hybrid, but so far none of my experiments have turned out.”
“Still tinkering, I see.” Growing up, Miller had always been taking things apart then using the parts to make new creations. Once he’d overhauled my dad’s old John Deere mower into a machine that could travel forty miles per hour. My dad had made Miller return the mower to its former glory, but not before knocking out the yard in only fifteen minutes. “Taking Ava and Poppy out tonight?” Looking past Miller, I could see the silhouettes of two girls in his truck.
“Didn’t Sylvie tell you?”
Those four words never ended well for anyone. “Tell me what?”
“We’re here to pick you up for the party.” Miller’s full lips pushed into a grin, and I swear his gaze did another quick sweep of my form. “Hottest invite in town. Exclusive guest list. The girls are very excited to be included. I know this because Ava said ten words to me instead of her usual three.”
Heavens, he smelled good. Like a fresh shower and handsome man.
“Let me, um…” What was I doing?
“Put the flowers in water?”
“Right.” I slowly backed away, easing into the kitchen. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
I found a Mason jar for the bouquet, but not before downing the first draw of water myself.
My front door open, I located Miller standing on the front porch, humming a little tune. He was as relaxed as I’d ever seen him as he held up a porch post with one hand. Against the landscape of the descending sun, Miller was a vision in strength as his hair ruffled in the humid August wind. Why did he have to grow up to be so attractive? And since when did I find the tall, muscular type worth a second look? Or a third.
Miller turned, blasting me with the full force of his smile.
“Just a sec,” I muttered while my hands struggled with my cardigan, as if I’d never slipped one on before. “Just gonna find this sleeve here any moment…”
“Let me help.”
His hands were light and gentle, his focus intense. Miller held up the tricky garment while I finally found my way inside. He was so close I could hear his breathing. When his fingers gently pulled my hair from the entrapment of my sweater, his skin slid across the nape of my neck, and goosebumps broke out anew.
Lord have mercy. Had returning to Sugar Creek made me a total wanton?
“Are you ready?” Miller asked.
I looked at his truck, then back to this man who made me temporarily forget about grants that ran out and dusty engagement rings. “I’m not really sure.”
* * *
“There’s my favorite therapist!” Sylvie kissed my cheek as I stepped inside the building that would become Rosie’s bookstore.
The place was filled with loved ones. My two sisters sipped lemonade, while my cousins Emma, Annie, and Paisley mingled with their families nearby. Frannie had already intercepted Miller and his nieces, and her big hand motions were a sure cue she was deep in a story she’d been saving just for them.
My grandmother blew a kiss to Emma’s baby across the way, then handed me a drink. “Nice of Miller to drive you here.”
“You told him to.”
“He could’ve said no.” Her lips pursed as she studied me. “Not everyone does what I tell them.”
“Name one person who’s ever said no to you.”
My grandmother opened her mouth to respond, but I interrupted. “A person who’s still alive.”
She clamped her red lips. “You are pure sass tonight. Sugar, you’ve had a lot of change in the last five months, but the best is yet to come.”
I watched my sisters laughing with our cousins. Every one of them had their lives figured out. “I didn’t think I’d be starting over at thirty.”
“Maybe your plans did get a little derailed. That just means even better things are on the way.” She lifted her glass in salute. “Would it perk you up if I found Ned and slashed his tires?”
“No. I don’t have time to bail you out of jail tonight.”
