Nine

NINE

Dahlia

Dear Mr. Everett Anderson Sr.,

My name is Carmen Reese, and I'm your future daughter-in-law.

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I'm sending you these flowers in hopes that you'll consider coming to see your son marry me at our wedding.

He asked me to personally reach out to you, because he was worried about the distance and time. He's worried that too much has gone by but…I told him it doesn't hurt to try, and family is everything.

No matter what.

Your formal invitation is included, and I hope you'll consider joining us for a three-day event to celebrate our love.

Sincerely,

Your future daughter-in-law,

Carmen

I tore off the day's top order and stuffed it into my pocket. Then I archived it before anyone could make the mistake of processing it.

When everyone was settled into their morning watering duties, I pulled out the letter again.

I knew that people changed, but I refused to believe Everett wanted anything to do with his father. A three-day event wouldn't make up for all the times his dad left him heartbroken, and if Carmen knew him in the slightest , she would know better than to even think about suggesting it.

For a moment, I considered sending the blooms and her terrible note; this was none of my business and I'd done enough damage already.

I pruned a few roses and vowed to make a decision after watering the evergreens.

By the time I reached the final tree, the best choice was made clear: It's not my business. Send them off like it was any other customer.

I pulled the lavender stems and lilies, and the printer spat out another order as I was prepping the paper.

Discreet insertion. Wax sealed Envelope.

Dear Carmen,

I hope this arrangement finds you well.

I received your wedding invitation and am shocked that you've invited me.

I'm not sure whether your intent was to stab me in the heart or the eye, but you've accomplished both…

I wish you well with your new life, but I won't be able to make it.

Best,

Thomas Denton

P.S. We were in France not too long ago, and you swore that you'd give our love another try this year.

I guess you didn't mean it.

I tossed the florals for Everett's dad into a "mistake" box and permanently deleted the order.