Three

THREE

Dahlia

T oday's most expensive order called for seventy-two lavender roses, twenty-eight heirloom lilies, and sixteen gerbera daisies.

After ensuring each daisy was primed correctly, I printed the shipping address and prepared the letter.

My dearest Carmen,

I know you're constantly traveling someplace new every month, but I hope these flowers reach you before your next launch.

I can't wait to have you in my arms again soon.

Not being with you every night is killing me.

With all my love,

Robert

Shipping information:

Carmen A. Reese

555-4657

242 Hartsong Lane

Eads River, Tennessee

I squinted at the phone number.

It was the same number from Everett's new girlfriend, the same one I'd used via my nonstop stalking to discover that she was a beautiful brunette who graduated from the top of her class at a fashion institute.

She hardly ever posted on social media, but on the rare occasion that she did, it was always to brag about shopping or traveling.

Convinced my eyes were playing a trick on me, I focused on the address.

Maybe the phone number has a typo, and there's another "Carmen Reese." One who lives in Eads River and not New York…

After searching for the address, I discovered it belonged to ' Hannah Reese.'

I knew I shouldn't pry and do precisely what the receipt said and let it be, but I couldn't resist seeing if this was a coincidence.

I called the customer.

"Hello?" he answered on the first ring.

"Hello, this is Dahlia from Blooms I needed a little more. "One last thing, um…This is not an upsell or anything, but I happen to have some extra anniversary blooms available. Would you like me to add some to your bouquet?"

"That would be wonderful," he said. "I've been seeing her for about six months now."

" Six months ?" I leaned against the counter; then I cleared my throat. "Well, that calls for a mix of pink and purple daisies. I'll insert them and get it right out."

"Thank you so much, Miss."

I waited for him to end the call and shook my head.

"Stay out of it, Dahlia," I whispered to myself. "It's none of your business, so stay the hell out of it."

A couple of hours later

" I f you look to your left, you'll see where we keep a collection of Jack-in-the-pulpits." I spoke into the mic, leading a small group on a walking tour. "Those aren't native to us in Tennessee but?—"

My mother loved them, so she found a way…

"What was that, Miss?" A woman smiled at me. "I think your mic cut off after you said those aren't native."

"They're so beautiful!" Another guest chimed in. "Do you all have any for sale?"

"We do." Aunt Gertrude was suddenly behind me. "And the late owner of this place always found a way to make every bloom work here, native or not."

She subtly took my mic and headset and motioned for me to return to the shop.

Grateful for her intrusion, I took my time walking back.

"Oh my gosh! Yesssss!" I looked up as a woman in an all-white suit rushed toward me. "I got the call from Miss Gertrude minutes ago and am so glad you'll still be able to work with us on this wedding."

"What wedding?" I asked.

" The wedding." The woman smiled. "The one everyone in this town will be talking about for years!"

"Is it for a celebrity or something?"

"Funny." She laughed and slid me a notecard. "One of the most successful men on Wall Street is finally settling down, and he wants to make it a hometown affair."

The moment I spotted Everett's name next to Carmen's, everything became a blur.

The thought of a woman cheating on him after experiencing one taste of his lips, the way his strong hands gripped hips, was too hard for me to fathom.

"None of my business," be damned.

Before I knew it, I was sending him an email.

He deserved to know.