THEO GRABBED THE door to Bouquets by Baylee.
A man shouted, “Wait!”
Theo spun around and scowled. The film crew—Barry and his two sidekicks, Timmy and Nolan—rushed toward him. To collect rough footage for the TV series, the trio had followed Theo around the Coast to Coast Living offices the entire day, filming him and interviewing any staff who’d made the mistake of working on a Saturday. “What are you doing here?” he asked them.
Timmy lifted the camera. “Same as we’ve been doing all day.”
“This isn’t the offices.” Theo turned his back on the floral shop.
“Your mic is still turned on.” Nolan pointed to Theo’s shirt collar.
Theo winced. He’d forgotten about the wireless mic. He wasn’t even certain if there was a power button or where it even was. He’d let Fran know where he was going, then told her to go and enjoy what was left of her Saturday.
“Foster and Caitlyn, aka Cat Woman, really want more footage of the entire Taylor family together doing family stuff. Less of the business side.” Barry rolled forward onto the balls of his feet and peered inside the floral-shop window. “This could be our only opportunity.”
He surveyed the crew. They were quiet and inconspicuous, despite the camera, and good at their jobs. They’d finagle their way into another opportunity. “I need to make sure my mother and sister are agreeable right now.” And not arguing over bridal bouquets. “I’d also like to request permission from Baylee Russo, the owner of the floral shop, to film inside.”
Nolan held up his phone. “I took care of that on the way over. Baylee gave both verbal and written consent to film on her premises.”
“You’re quite thorough.” Theo’s frown reinforced his bland tone.
“It’s my job.” Nolan opened the door and urged everyone inside. The kid’s good-natured charm and polite manners were impossible to ignore. Nolan grinned. “I also have consent from your mother and sister on file. Those agreements were signed early last month and remain valid through the filming of the entire first season.”
Thorough, diligent and professional. Theo wanted to fault the young man. But he’d rather hire him. Those were admirable qualities in any employee.
“Shall we go smell some roses?” Barry lifted his bushy eyebrows and followed Theo.
Theo scanned the quaint flower shop. His gaze landed first on Josie. Strands of blond hair slipped from her bun, the curls resting against her neck as if exhausted. Her owlish eyes peeled wider, beseeching him to intervene. His gaze to his mother and sister—standoff positions firmly staked on either side of a square table. His mother sat ramrod-straight in a chair. Adriana stood, looming on the opposite side of the table. Everything about the scenario alarmed Theo. Josie resembled a rose surrounded by two very thorny branches.
One more rose prick and Barry and his sidekicks would have the very footage Theo never wanted them to record. Verbal collisions and outbursts and incessant drama. Talk about a reality TV show.
Josie escaped from her referee position between his family members and moved to stand beside Theo. “What are you going to do?”
His mother was collecting greenery and different branches from the pile on the table as if she was a guide on a nature hike. Adriana never reacted, remained motionless and focused on their mother. Tension spiked through the fragrant air. Theo glanced over his shoulder.
Nolan nudged his bony elbow into Timmy’s ribs. Barry snapped his fingers and inclined his head toward Adriana and his mother. His mother added two stalks of berries to her arrangement and presented the horizontal bouquet to Adriana. “Garden roses and jasmine vine will finish it off rather nicely.”
Adriana never flinched. “What is that?”
“It’s an olive branch.” His mother clasped the arrangement as if guarding it from Adriana’s censure. “And proof that I can be useful. In minutes I designed a less bland and more eye-catching bouquet for you. It’s intentionally asymmetrical for added visual interest.”
“I don’t want you to create a new bouquet for me.” Dry leaves crinkled less than the crackle in Adriana’s voice.
“I’m your mother. I should be involved.” His mother rose, cradled the bouquet and slid her cunning gaze to the production trio. “I should help my only daughter. You only get married once.”
“Or twice,” Adriana challenged.
“I’m fortunate.” His mother lifted her arm, giving an offhand flick of her wrist. “Would you like to practice carrying your bouquet? You’ll want to hold it differently down the aisle, after the ceremony and during pictures.”
His mother curved one jeweled finger at Nolan. No way would Theo allow her to enlist the aid of the production crew for her practice session.
Theo clutched Josie’s elbow and spun her around to face the trio, impeding Nolan’s access to his mother. “Gentleman, this is Josie Beck. The proprietor of Rose Petal Boutique.”
The men glanced at each other and grinned, recognizing Josie’s name from their prior meetings with Theo. He’d put off an official meet-and-greet between Josie and the TV producers. He’d wanted to wait until he’d talked to Josie first. Unfortunately, preserving his family’s name now garnered priority.
“Josie, I’d like you to meet some colleagues of mine—Barry, Timmy and Nolan.” Theo tossed Josie into the fray swiftly and decisively.
“Seems like the entire Taylor family is into filming.” Josie tipped her chin toward Barry and his two assistants. Timmy switched his grip on the camera and brightened his smile.
Josie continued, “Do you have a large internet following, Theo, or is this camera crew for something else?”
“The company maintains a prominent social-media presence.” Theo altered his stance to block his sister and mother. “We’re in the very early stages of a Coast to Coast Living TV show. They’re gathering preliminary footage to make a teaser reel for the network.”
“Are you its star?” Curiosity and caution merged in Josie’s tone.
“No.” Theo raised his voice over his mother and sister’s bouquet quarrel. “It’s about the company, not the Taylors.”
Barry drew his fingers through his goatee. His steely gaze tracked Theo’s movements. One of his bushy eyebrows notched as if he noted Theo’s reluctance to move too far from Josie. Speculation lifted one corner of his mouth. “Josie, would you mind answering a few questions for us about the Coast to Coast Living brand?”
Josie shifted toward Theo.
Barry’s eyebrow and the corner of his mouth hitched higher.
Josie almost tucked herself into Theo’s side. Almost made him reconsider his decision to use her to divert the attention away from his family.
Theo tucked his hands in his pockets rather than around Josie’s waist. Barry’s gaze sharpened. Behind him, the argument escalated. His mother’s shrill demand for more specific flowers and sprigs of leaves clawed against Theo’s back. Baylee scurried into her back room.
Josie crossed her arms over her chest. “Who will be viewing this film?”
“This footage will be used for internal purposes.” Nolan’s grin released twin dimples.
“It allows us to get a feel for what we’d like to highlight on the show and who.” Barry tilted his head as if watching Josie through a camera lens and searching for the best angle.
“They’ve been filming me all day.” Theo used his most casual tone and avoided his guilt. He achieved two goals at once: protected his family and introduced Josie to the producers. “I’m sure they’d appreciate a different viewpoint. And a more pleasing subject.”
Josie freed her hair around her shoulders, but then twisted it back on top of her head. “If you’re certain you want my opinion, I can give it.”
The trio surrounded Josie. Theo moved to the table between his mother and sister. “Adriana. Mother. Perhaps we could take this conversation off-line.” Or end it completely.
Theo glanced over his shoulder at the film crew. Josie spoke to the camera, her hands moving in time to her words. The sidekicks grinned and laughed. Barry, normally a reserved spectator, gave Theo two thumbs-up. They hadn’t been that animated all day. Theo credited Josie.
He’d believed Josie would fit his TV show. Barry validated his theory. Theo focused on his family and blamed them for his lack of triumph. “We’re in public. It’s not the place for this kind of spotlight. Otherwise the production team is going to take more than Coast to Coast Living live.”
“We aren’t putting on a show, Theo.” His mother extended the bouquet toward Adriana, held the greenery like a sacred, unreturnable offering and held herself still until Adriana accepted it. “We’re practicing for our weddings.”
Adriana bristled and thrust the bouquet into Theo’s chest, her exasperation clearly aimed at him. “I cannot do this.”
Theo caught the bouquet before it fell on the floor. Adriana yanked open the door and walked out. Cold air and annoyance washed over Theo. Couldn’t his family cooperate? A nice, sedate departure wouldn’t have given the trio much fodder. A nice, sedate departure would’ve been expected from the well-mannered Taylors.
Josie stepped beside him and whispered, “I think my interview went much better than this.”
Her light tone undid the lingering tension inside Theo. He passed the bouquet to Josie.
“The colors in the greenery complement you, Josie.” His mother leaned her hip on the corner of the table and eyed her. “Have you ever considered a winter wedding?”
Josie fumbled with the bouquet.
Theo never wanted to consider weddings again. But as he looked at Josie, her clutching the bouquet, he could imagine the very event. A gold-and-ivory gown. Rustic flowers. A long aisle. A Windsor-knotted tie. Exhilaration and affection. Impulsive and foolish. Endearing and lasting.
Theo rubbed his neck, stretched his shoulders. Nothing helped. Obviously the wedding madness had infected him, too.
Nolan stepped between Theo and Josie. The assistant unclipped the mic from Theo’s collar and beamed. “We have what we need.”
“More than enough.” Barry’s gaze shifted from Theo to Josie to his mother, as if he’d discovered the Bermuda Triangle. He bounced again, rocking onto the balls of his feet and back down. “We’re going to review the footage at the office and then call it day.”
The trio filed out of the floral shop, discussing angles and voice-overs. More animated than ever. Theo felt deflated. His hasty dash to the flower shop only increased their interest in his family.
“Why haven’t I been interviewed privately yet?” His mother picked up several forgotten white and red roses on the table. “I’m part of the Taylor family, too.”
“They were here for the business side.” To help promote the Coast to Coast Living brand. Not expose the Taylor family discord.
His mother stuck the long-stem roses into Josie’s bouquet, adjusted the leaves and Josie’s hold. “We are a family business, are we not?”
“Always.” Until the company stepped into the open market and went public. Then he’d carve out another rung on the success ladder, ensuring his family stayed together. His father would have approved.
“I know Josie is part of your secret project. No doubt why she earned an interview over your own mother.” His mother picked up her purse and cell phone. She stepped close and leveled her shrewd stare on him. “If interviews are required to be considered for a role on the TV show, I expect Fran to schedule me an appointment. She knows my availability.”
She notched her chin just shy of superior and walked to the door. She called a cheerful goodbye to Baylee and added, “Thank you for your patience. Theo intends to pay for the bouquet.”
Final words and instructions issued, his mother stepped outside, disappearing down the sidewalk. Theo paid Baylee for the flowers and added a generous tip. Baylee took the bouquet into the back to wrap it in cellophane.
“That was unexpected.” Josie rearranged a selection of potted pine trees on the counter. “And a bit surreal.”
“That’s my family.” Theo shoved his hands in his pant pockets and paced the small retail space.
“Your mother is quite passionate about getting remarried.” Josie straightened a red bow on the top of a small tree.
“My mother is quite passionate about anything that puts her at the center of attention.” Theo leaned against the counter and watched the world pass by outside the flower shop’s window. “The growth of our company has allowed my mother a rather large platform to work from.”
“Maybe she is lonely and wants to share her life with someone.” Josie never looked at him.
The sentiment was exactly something the kindhearted Josie would want to believe, but Theo dwelled in facts. He needed Josie to understand. The confession at the gingerbread house was an isolated incident. His professional career consumed him. That left no place for sentiment or sticky emotions. “My parents wanted me home when they realized I could improve the family fortune. Or rather, when they realized I could make a fortune for the family.”
“How did they know you could do that?” she asked.
“Fortune 500 companies wanted to hire me. International corporations offered me positions out of the country.” Theo had packed his bags. Already booked flights. The world opened its doors and Theo wanted to run through every single one. “I was so excited I shared the details with my father.”
“Your father didn’t want you to move farther away, did he?” Josie looked at him.
“He expected me to focus on family as if we’d always been a real family.” But his father had started talking to Theo only after Theo had started winning. Once he finally came in first: top of his class. Top on the rowing team. When Theo stood out among his peers, then his father showed an interest in him. “My father claimed he hadn’t sent me away to boarding school so I could abandon my family.”
“So you came home instead.” Her quiet voice blew the dust off his forgotten sentiments.
“I wanted to make it real.” Theo focused on Josie, as if she anchored him. “But…”
“Home wasn’t perfect.” She gripped his arm and squeezed. “Like you always wished for.”
Wishes weren’t for the serious and dedicated. Wishes weren’t for the experienced and informed like Theo. Wishes never garnered results. Still, he stared at Josie’s hand on his arm and found himself wishing. “Have you ever taken Mimi’s advice about collecting moments?”
“I have.” Josie accepted the bouquet from one of Baylee’s assistants. “Though not nearly enough.”
“Let’s do that now.” Theo waved good-bye to the floral staff and his common sense.
“What?”
“Listen to Mimi.” Theo held open the door for Josie. “Do something we consider a moment. Something we could collect to look back on.”
“I have work to finish.” Her voice dipped as if she’d spilled her certainty like a dropped ice-cream cone.
“As do I.” More work than one person should handle. Maybe he’d inhaled too much pollen inside Baylee’s place. Whatever it was, nothing interested him more than spending a little more time with Josie. “We’ll take an hour. Then it’s back to work and reality.” Back to results. Back to focus on the things that mattered. Back to no more wishing.
She grinned at him. “What do you have in mind?”
“We visited the gingerbread-house display.” Theo ran his hand through his hair. Impromptu had never blended well into his life. He was a planner. A scheduler. “What about another Christmas field trip?”
“There’s the tree in the square.” Her smile grew in degrees, spreading up into her gaze.
“I’ve walked by that tree and ice rink countless times on my way to meetings.” Unsure that was the moment he wanted.
“But have you seen it lit up. At night.” Josie pointed at his phone, which he clutched in his hand. “While not on a conference call.”
“Good point.” Theo tucked his phone into his pocket. “Taxi or walk?”
Josie adjusted her grip on the bouquet and indicated her boots. “Walk if you’re up for it.”
Theo held out his arm to Josie. “Let’s go visit a Christmas tree.”
“It’s not just any Christmas tree.” Josie’s grip flexed on his arm. “It stands over eighty feet tall and features more than thirty-two thousand lights. And it’s reusable.”
“That’s rather specific.” Theo folded her arm into his side, easing Josie closer to him. Where he wanted her.
“The square was featured on the news the other night.” Josie shrugged. “I wish the tree stood outside my apartment. Every night, its lights would fill the inside of my place with Christmas cheer. It’s instant decorations without the work.”
“You find the holidays to be work?” he asked. Not sure he liked the idea for Josie. He’d seen her at the gingerbread display, her face lit up brighter than most of the mesmerized children there. When she’d described the people who lived in the Holly Hills Historic District homes, those same children had crowded around her, enthralled and captivated.
“Don’t you?” she asked.
“It’s one of our most profitable quarters.”
Her elbow nudged into his side. She shook her head. “That’s not what I meant.”
“I never really considered it work. I also never skipped out on a meeting before today, either.” And he’d never envisioned himself standing at an altar, waiting for his bride.
She paused at the street corner and glanced at him. The surprise on her face lengthened the one word. “Never?”
Theo shook his head. “Work comes first.”
“Well, let’s consider it a day of firsts.” Josie waved the bundle of greenery. “I’ve never held a bridal bouquet.”
No doubt another oversight by her ex-husband. “Haven’t you caught the bouquet at the bridal toss at a wedding reception?”
“I’ve always managed to skip that portion of the reception.” Josie touched one rose petal, then another. Yet her fingers moved as if tracing an image. A secret smile curved across her face.
Theo wanted in. He tapped his elbow against her arm. “What are you thinking?”
“I’d tie gold, deep purple and white silk ribbons around this arrangement.” She curved her free hand around the flowers as if straightening the silk ribbons. “Then add a vintage locket with the couple’s initials and wedding date engraved on the inside.”
“You should include that kind of display at your store. Then you could negotiate a mutual referral agreement with Baylee.” Theo motioned to the flower shop. He hadn’t considered that angle. Perhaps those vendors could be featured on the TV show after Josie. He twisted, assessed the floral shop behind them, noted several obvious exterior upgrades. Made a note on his phone to check Baylee’s background and financials. “I can arrange a meeting with Baylee if you’d like.”
“Another time.” Josie peered down the street. “She has customers. Likely, she needs a break from us.”
Theo walked along beside her. “Weddings come at a cost, even ones with a small budget. You should take advantage of that.”
“Why do dreams have to be done according to a budget?” Frustration blew through her voice. “I believe every bride should experience their own fairy tale regardless of their budget.”
He could offer Josie her own fairy tale. But he’d never lived in either dreams or fairy tales. He survived in the corporate setting. Thrived among balance sheets, responsible fiscal year-end budgets and sustainable profit margins, not enchanted gardens, storybook romance or make-believe.
What he could give Josie—what mattered—encompassed a solid return on investments, retirement plans and financial stability. “Just don’t discount the power of the up-sale. It’s like every time a fast-food worker asks ‘do you want fries with that?’”
“I never can resist the French fries.” Josie nodded.
They turned the corner and paused. Across the street, the eighty-foot tree reached toward the sky. Its lights sparkled against the dark business towers and high-rises. Christmas carols and the scent of hot chocolate infused the evening breeze. Tourists and locals mingled, gliding across the ice rink and lingering around the Christmas tree.
Theo guided Josie across the street, heading toward the massive tree. “I think we can agree on one thing.”
“What’s that?” Josie tilted back her head, revealing her wide smile.
“We definitely wouldn’t need to decorate if this tree was right outside our apartment windows.” Theo rubbed his chin. “I’m thinking even its shadow would sparkle.”
“We actually only need one branch.” Josie bumped into him. “Do you think they’d notice if we borrowed one?”
Theo forgot about the tree. The sparkle in Josie’s gaze captured him. And those wishes became whispers.