Page 90 of After the Fall
EPILOGUE
Six MonthsLater
The cheerful jingleof bells announced the arrival of a customer. I looked at Mom, who was busy assembling a bouquet of roses. Every muscle in her face was engaged as she worked her way around the prickly thorns. “I’ll go see who that is,” I said.
“Thanks,” she mumbled, adding in some baby’s breath. She stepped back to observe her masterpiece, sighing contentedly.
Our floral shop, Sunbeam & Sage, had only been open for a couple of months, but after an article Scott had published for the newly-managed Seattle Sun, business had exploded. We had our hands full and would soon need more help, but we weren’t complaining. It felt like a dream, spending my days surrounded by flowers, and working with Mom.
“Do you think it’s too much if I add in some heliconia?” She grinned, waving the exotic South American blooms.
“Go for it.” I winked. We had a dedicated section of Wyatt’s greenhouse reserved exclusively for our shop and enjoyed adding in little highlights of rarity. It was what set us apart from every other floral shop in the city.
As I turned to leave the design room, I ran headfirst into Fiona.
“Sorry.” She gripped a large wooden crate overflowing with flowers.
“Can I help?” I asked.
“Don’t you dare. I’m just bringing in some of the newest cuts.” She glanced toward the giant walk-in refrigerator. “Hi, Hope.”
“Hi, dear,” Mom replied. “Welcome back.”
“Thanks. It’s good to be back.” Fiona had surprised me by asking to work with us, and against all odds, the two of us had formed a close friendship. She liked to split her time between the village and the city, and whenever she was in Seattle, she spent her days working as an employee of Sunbeam & Sage. As a bonus, she took care of all our deliveries. I didn’t think it was a coincidence that the rate of single men ordering floral deliveries had increased exponentially since hiring Fiona.
“Looks like you have a picky customer out there.” Her head jerked in the direction of the showroom. “Good luck.”
Laughing, I wiped my hands on the linen apron, the logo for our shop emblazoned across the front in elegant script. Savannah had done an amazing job with our branding, and we were lucky that the hottest new PR firm in the city, Savannah Charm, had taken us on as one of their first clients – pro bono, a perk of having a best friend in the industry. High on her success from the Carder gala, Savannah had taken the leap and started her own firm, which was largely unheard of at twenty-four, backed by Grandview and its newly acquired businesses. Though she’d be taking some time off the next few months to plan her wedding to Connor. He’d finally popped the question, and they were planning on a fall wedding, which meant I’d actually be able to fit into my maid of honor dress.
We were all thrilled that Connor had decided to officially put down roots in Seattle, with approval from Bannon of course. The wolves and sasquatches had put their centuries-old rivalry aside to sign a new treaty, one where either side would assist when called upon. The Carders may have been stopped, but as Wyatt often warned me, there were still things to be afraid of in the dark.
As a sign of goodwill, the Dakota wolves had been offered stock in Grandview, but they’d turned down the sasquatches’ gift. It seemed that in the end, they were content with their simple biker lifestyles.
Walking into the showroom, I knew who our customer was even before I saw his face, my body vibrating in response to him being in proximity. There was only one six-foot-seven man in Seattle who had that effect on me.
Wyatt turned from where he was browsing the table of ready-made floral arrangements, his lips curving slowly into that seductive smile I loved. “How much for the orchids?”
“I’m not sure you can afford them.”
“Oh, I’m sure I can pay them off some way.”
I didn’t think his smile could get any better, but then he flashed that seductive Wyatt grin that hinted at mischief and adventure, and I had to swallow hard as his eyes trailed down my body like he wanted to devour me right then and there. I didn’t think it was possible to be this horny during pregnancy, but our sex life had been better than ever. We continued to explore each other in new, daring ways. I would never get sick of him.
His eyes softened and he rested his hand lightly on my belly, which was beginning to feel more like a giant bowling ball. “How are my two favorite girls?”
I placed my hand on top of his and smiled. “Starving. Where are you taking us for lunch?”
“We’re having my favorite. Il Nido.”
After saying our goodbyes, we left the shop. The Bronco was parked on the street, and as he opened the passenger door, a familiar head poked out.
“Hi Brown Dog.” I laughed, as he covered my cheek in slobbery kisses.
It had been a warm spring, and we kept the windows down as we drove through downtown Seattle. But instead of turning down the street to Il Nido, he pulled onto the highway. My brow raised. “Where are you taking us?”
“You’ll see,” he murmured. “Just relax and enjoy the ride.”
After a few minutes, he turned off the highway and into an empty dirt parking lot. A familiar trailhead greeted us. I looked at Wyatt, but his face didn’t give anything away. “Come on,” he said. “Lunch is waiting.”