47. Lily

Chapter 47

Lily

T he morning sun streams through the large windows of the barn, casting a warm glow over my new shop. It's been only a few days since the boys surprised me with this incredible gesture, and I'm still in awe every time I step inside. The familiar scent of flowers mingles with the earthy smell of the barn, creating a unique and comforting atmosphere.

I'm arranging a display of fresh sunflowers when the phone rings. Taking a deep breath, I answer cheerfully, "Forget Me Knot, this is Lily speaking. How can I help you?"

"Hello," a hesitant voice replies. "I'm looking for a bouquet for my wife's birthday. Something special?"

I smile, already envisioning the perfect arrangement. "Of course! Can you tell me a bit about your wife? What are her favourite colours or flowers?"

As the customer describes his wife's love for purple and her fondness for lilies, I jot down notes. It's always a thrill to create something unique for each client, especially new ones who've found their way to my relocated shop.

"That sounds lovely," I say warmly. "I have some beautiful purple lilies that would be perfect as the centrepiece. How about we add some white roses for contrast and some delicate baby's breath to soften the arrangement?"

The customer agrees enthusiastically, and we finalise the details. As I hang up, I feel a surge of pride. Despite the upheaval of the move, business is thriving. Word has spread quickly about the new location, and curiosity has brought in a steady stream of new customers as well as my regulars, who, as it happens, don't seem to mind the extra travel.

I'm just finishing up the order form when someone strolls into the shop. My heart skips a beat, expecting the worst, but looking up, I see Councilman Reed striding in, his usual air of importance somewhat softened by the quaint surroundings.

"Miss Bloom," he greets me jovially.

"Councilman, how are you? I'm glad you're here. We need to talk about the Summer Fair."

"I'm good, thanks. You seem to be thriving! And yes, that's why I'm here. It's coming up in a couple of weeks, and we need to pin down what we are going to do. I hope you are still on board with the arrangements?"

I nod eagerly. "Of course! I'm honoured. So, did you have any specific themes or colours in mind?"

"We were thinking of a ‘Midsummer Night's Dream' theme this year," Councilman Reed explains. "Lots of whimsical, romantic touches. Do you think you could work with that?"

My mind is already racing with ideas. "Absolutely! We could do garlands of wildflowers, centrepieces with roses and forget-me-nots, maybe even some fairy lights woven through the arrangements..."

The Councilman's eyes light up. "That sounds perfect, Lily. I knew we could count on you."

We get down to discussing the boring logistics and budget, but while the budget may be considered low by some standards, this will see me through the winter months, when business tends to die down. By the time we're done, I'm buzzing with excitement about the project. It's a chance to really showcase my skills and creativity.

Just as the Councilman is about to leave, Max appears in the doorway, his broad shoulders filling the frame. "Everything okay here?" he asks, his voice low and protective.

I smile reassuringly. "Everything's fine, Max. Councilman Reed and I were just discussing the Keeley Summer Fair arrangements."

Max relaxes visibly, stepping into the shop. "Ah, good. Looking forward to it this year."

Councilman Reed and Max exchange polite nods as the Councilman leaves. Max pulls me into a warm embrace. "How's my favourite florist doing today?"

I lean into him, inhaling his comforting scent, which seems stronger today. He is happy—truly happy—and that makes me happy for him. He is following his passion. "Busy, but good. How about you? How's the writing coming along?"

Max's eyes light up with excitement. "Actually, I wanted to run something by you. I've been working on this fantasy outline..."

As he describes his idea - a world where omegas have hidden magical powers that alphas seek to control - I find myself captivated. "Max, that sounds incredible! I'd definitely read that."

He beams at my enthusiasm. "Really? I was worried it might be too... I don't know, derivative?"

I shake my head firmly. "Not at all. It's unique and intriguing. I love the parallel to our world, but with that magical twist."

Max pulls me closer, nuzzling my neck. "Thanks, Lily. Your opinion means a lot to me."

We stand there for a moment, just holding each other, before Max speaks again, his tone more serious. "There's something else I wanted to tell you. I've been in touch with my Clive-dad."

I pull back slightly, looking up at him. "About the Trials?"

He nods, his jaw set with determination. "We're starting to look into ways to take them down. Legally, I mean. It's going to be a long process, but..."

"But it's a start," I finish for him, my heart swelling with fear for what this means for me, but I also hope that we can do this.

"I know it's scary," he says softly, cupping my face in his hands. "But I promise you, we're going to do this right. We're going to make sure you're safe, that all omegas are safe."

I nod, tears pricking at my eyes. "I trust you. All of you."

Max kisses me gently, then pulls back with a small smile. "Now, how about I help you with some of these orders? I may not know much about flowers, but I can lift heavy things and look pretty."

I laugh, the tension broken. "Well, you certainly have the looking pretty part down and those muscles are to die for. Come on, there's a new shipment of pots that need unloading."

As we work side by side, chatting and laughing, I'm struck by how natural it all feels. The barn, with its high ceilings and rustic charm, already feels like home. The scent of flowers mingles with Max's bergamot and old books scent, creating a perfect blend that settles my omega instincts and nerves. I know he's here fussing so he can watch over me, but honestly, I don't care. I love having him in my sphere, in my workspace. It feels so right.

"So," Max says as he hefts a large ceramic pot onto a shelf, "doing the flowers for the Summer Fair is a real coup."

I nod, my excitement bubbling up again. "Oh, it is! It's one of the biggest events in Keeley. It's a lot of work, but I love it. It's a chance to really showcase what I can do."

Max sets down the pot he's holding and pulls me into his arms. "I'm so proud of you, Lily. You know that, right? The way you've built this business, the way you keep pushing forward despite everything. You're amazing."

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks at his praise. "Thanks, Max. And if I haven't told you today, I'm so proud of you for following your heart and quitting your job to do something you love. It's awe-inspiring."

"Nah," he says, shrugging it off with a blush of his own. "I'm only following you guys."

"Speaking of, do you know what time Jack will be around? There is that shipment of apple trees that need planting, and I need all the help I can get with that."

Smiling up at him, I nod. "He said he would be back around four. He really needs to get through that council work as soon as possible so it's ready for the fair."

He nods. "Well, I hope he isn't too tired. I don't want to do something wrong, and they all die."

Snorting, I shake my head. "It's a tree. You plant it and water it. Not much you can do wrong. Besides, I'm here. I can help. I want to help."

"Okay, well, if Jack isn't back, you can supervise," he snickers.

"Sounds like a plan! Bossing around my prime alpha, who'd have thought?"

He lets out a loud laugh. "I don't mind being bossed around a bit. But only by you."

The phone rings again, and as I answer, I catch Max watching me with a soft smile. This is my life now - running my beloved shop in this beautiful environment, surrounded by the love and protection of my pack. There are still challenges ahead, still fears to face. But for the first time in a long time, I feel truly hopeful about the future.

After taking an order for a scent masking infusion, I hang up and turn back to Max, I'm filled with a deep sense of contentment. "You don't have to watch me every second of the day. You can go back to your work."

"I know, but I like watching you work. Maybe one day we can have a quickie in here," he says suggestively.

"You would have a quickie anywhere."

"True. I definitely want a quickie at the fair. Somewhere, someone could walk in on us." His tone has gone seductively low, and it sends goosebumps over my skin.

The idea of a quickie at the fair, where we could get caught, sends a thrill through me that I'm not entirely prepared for.

"Max!" I scold playfully, swatting his arm. "Someone would almost definitely see us!"

He grins wickedly, pulling me closer. "That's half the fun, isn't it? The risk, the excitement..."

His scent envelops me, rich and intoxicating. I find myself leaning into him despite my protests. "You're terrible," I murmur, but there's no real reproach in my voice.

"Terribly in love with you," he counters, nuzzling my neck.

I'm about to give in and kiss him when someone clears their throat, announcing a customer. We spring apart, and I smooth down my apron, trying to look professional.

"Welcome to Forget Me Knot," I call out cheerfully, my voice only slightly breathless.

The old woman gives me a knowing smile as she approaches. She knows the score. It's hard to keep your hands off your alphas when they are in touching distance.

As I tend to the customer, helping her choose the perfect bouquet for her sister's birthday, I can feel Max's eyes on me. His gaze is heated, promising more for later. It's both distracting and thrilling.

Once the customer leaves, satisfied with her purchase, I turn back to Max. "You're a menace, you know that?"

He grins unrepentantly. "But you love me anyway."

I grin back. "I do. God help me, I really do."

Max pulls me close again, his lips brushing my ear. "I just miss you when we're apart."

"I miss you too," I admit softly. "But think how sweet it'll be when we're together later."

Max's eyes darken with desire. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

Just then, another customer comes in. This time, it's Mrs Higgins, one of my regulars.

"Good afternoon, Lily dear," she calls out cheerfully. "And who's this handsome young man?"

My smile widens, if that's possible. "Mrs. Higgins, this is Max, my new prime alpha."

Mrs Higgins beams at him. "Oh, how wonderful! I'm so happy for you. But tell me you are also with that handsome and manly gardener, Jack?"

Trying to hide my snort of amusement at Max's face over the ‘handsome and manly' description of Jack, I nod enthusiastically. "Yes, Jack and also Sam the Fireman."

"Oh, he's such a hero," she says dreamily. "Such wonderful alphas in your life, Lily. Good for you."

"Thanks, Mrs Higgins."

Max and I share a private smile before I turn my attention fully to Mrs Higgins and her herbal needs.