A Forever of Orange Blossoms (The Merriams Book 5)

by Ava Miles

  “This one has another gene I’m missing,” Connor said, sticking his thumb toward Louisa. “She can see the good in everything. It’s amazing. I could have brought in world peace if I’d had her by my side when I was Merriam’s CEO.”

  “We’ll still usher in world peace if I have a say,” Louisa said. “Flynn, I would tell you not to push them to like you. Kids know when they’re being played or pandered to.”

  Yeah, his attempts to charm them had failed miserably.

  “I’m not saying you’re doing that—”

  “Already busted.”

  Connor laughed as Louisa continued, “But you have to like them for them and not just their mother.”

  He made a face. “Is it terrible I don’t yet? I want to connect with them, but they look at me like I’m the worst slime on the planet, coming here to disrupt their home and take their mother away.” Okay, that was a little dramatic, but he was apparently feeling a little dramatic.

  “You have to put yourself in their shoes,” Louisa said, gesturing with her hands. “Discover if you have any interests in common. But most of all, be kind to them. I’ve always found that when kids armor up, it’s because they’re hurt or scared or both. If you can be kind—I would add gentle and understanding—I figure you have a shot at changing things.”

  That made sense, although it sounded like a tall order. “Thank you. That really helps. Annie’s former father-in-law also doesn’t like me. I’m pretty sure he’s the one who’s making it impossible for us to find space for the basket assembly in town. Annie and her family still live on their farm, which complicates things.”

  “He doesn’t like her moving away from the memory of his son,” Louisa said, nodding. “It can’t have been easy to lose a child.”

  “No,” he said, grateful for the insight. “And Ben was their only child. The farm… Ben was supposed to take it over, I imagine.”

  “A man’s legacy and progeny figure largely into his identity,” Louisa said. “He may not like you ever. That’s always someone’s choice. But I do still recommend being kind and understanding.”

  “You’re wonderful,” Connor said, kissing her gently on the cheek. “How did I get lucky enough to find the most incredible woman in the world?”

  “You’re pretty incredible too,” Louisa said.

  Their love for each other shone in their eyes, and Flynn felt himself oddly affected. Although he’d always loved Connor, just like he did all his siblings, he’d never felt particularly close to him. This call felt like a step toward changing that. “Thanks, guys, for the help. Maybe when things settle down, I’ll pop over to Chicago and we can have a long weekend.”

  “Another karaoke party?” Louisa asked, bouncing in place. “Whenever I think of karaoke, I think of you, Flynn.”

  “Not me?” Connor asked, grinning broadly now. “I can live with that. Flynn, you good now? Seriously, if you need me to come help, I can. Louisa has a full load at the shelter, but I still have some flexibility.”

  He was moved by the offer, but he couldn’t resist playing with his brother. “You think you could make some body butter?”

  Louisa’s gales of laughter sounded over the phone. “We just whipped some up last night, didn’t we, honey?”

  “Cut it out,” Connor said, shaking his head. “You serious, man? Your woman has you making body butter?”

  “I’m comfortable enough in my masculinity to admit it,” Flynn said. “In fact, I’m thinking it’s a useful life skill. I mean, it’s really smooth and silky, if you know what I mean.” He gave an exaggerated wink, and Louisa’s laughter grew more boisterous.

  “Okay, before my woman here falls onto the floor in a fit of giggles, I’m going to hang up. But, dude? If you’re making body butter and worried about people not liking you, I’d say you have found your soulmate. Good luck. We can’t wait to meet her.”

  “What he said,” Louisa said between gales of laughter. “Holler if you need more help.”

  “See ya, bro,” Connor said, joining in the laughter before the screen went blank.

  Flynn couldn’t help but smile. When had Connor ever looked like that? Hell, it was a downright miracle. Bolstered with renewed hope, he opened his email and sent Quinn a message about the portable, promising he’d keep it within their agreed-upon budget, and ended with the good news about the other baskets. God, he hoped that bright spot would assuage Quinn’s inevitable pissiness.

  After emailing Quinn, he started working on finding a portable building to rent. There were plenty of providers in the Columbus area, and in a matter of minutes, he had online quotes. Tomorrow, when the businesses opened, he’d finalize the deal.

  When Quinn’s email hit his inbox, he sucked in a breath and opened it.

  Good to hear 2500 baskets are locked and loaded since it’s Dec. 4, but tell me again why we’re going to such lengths to help a company give us the other half of what we need? The products are great, but I’m less and less convinced it’s worth the hassle. Flynn, this decision had better not be based on your current feelings for the owner, soulmate or not.

  Shit.

  He remembered what Connor had said—that he’d never appreciated being kept out of the loop even if it was to make his life “easier”—and he called his brother. “I know you’re pissed.”

  “I’m too busy to be pissed,” Quinn said. “I want to support the woman you think is your soulmate, but seriously, man, now we’re spending money to rent a portable?”

  “I understand your frustration,” he said, “but I told you I was going to rent some space, and it’s within my budget.” He’d pay for it himself if need be, but he wasn’t sure how Annie would feel about it.

  “I know, but as CEO, these are the kinds of questions I have to ask.”

  “Clara, Hargreaves, and I worked on the order today, and everyone is meeting their daily quota. The products are going to be awesome. Plus, I got some great deals on the baskets and filler items from one of our regular Merriam suppliers. I’m actually saving you money on baskets this year. I negotiated a hell of a deal on the other half.”

  “Is that right?” Quinn drawled.

  “Ten percent off,” he admitted since his brother liked numbers.

  “Not bad.”

  “Quinn, I’m keeping this part in budget and making it happen. So it’s unconventional. I’m not a conventional guy. Her products are worth it. You tried them yourself. Plus, it will help us determine her sellability.” Was that a word?

  “Who gave you the idea for the portable?” Quinn asked. “Doesn’t sound like you.”

  He cleared his throat. “Connor.”

  “You called Connor? Man, you really must have your hands full. Okay, I have a conference call with Tokyo now. Gotta run. These had better be the damn best holiday baskets ever.”

  “You’re going to love the body butter especially,” Flynn said, eager to get off the call. “I made it myself.”

  “Fantastic,” Quinn said. “Be sure to put that on your résumé. We’re hiring. Later, Flynnie boy.” The call went dead.

  He hated when his brother called him that.

  Next he texted Caitlyn, knowing her phone would be off if she was asleep.

  Where are you? I need you.

  She answered immediately. I told you I could come next week. Aunt Clara called and asked me to bring some perfume for the girls. Sounded like the twins haven’t warmed up to you yet. Don’t worry. I’m going to bring some fun stuff any ten-year-old would love. See you soon.

  God, he wanted his best friend here. Thanks, Caitlyn. Love ya!

  Aunt Clara’s suggestion was brilliant, and it reassured him to know his aunt and uncle were a step ahead of him. He texted Aunt Clara to thank her, and she said they were back at the bed and breakfast. He checked the time. It was only just after seven. Had dinner been a quick affair? Well, he could ask them on the way out.

  He combed his hair and rubbed on some aftershave. His instinct was to change his clothes too, but he w
as already in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Would it be perceived as weird if he changed?

  He could practically hear Connor laughing at him. A few people dislike you and suddenly you’re in the thick of an existential dilemma.

  Fair enough. He shouldn’t let this make him doubt himself. His instinct was to change, something he’d normally do for a date, and so he did—and he felt more like himself as he headed down the hall to his aunt and uncle’s room.

  When Aunt Clara answered, he pulled her in for a hug. “Thanks again for your idea about the perfume.”

  She patted his cheek when he let her go, closing the door behind him. “It was Hargreaves’ idea. We need to crack those twins, and since they like fashion, it seemed natural they might like perfume.”

  “Perfume for ten-year-olds,” Arthur said, sprawled back in one of the chairs in their small living space. “What has the world come to?”

  “Arthur Hale, most women remember their first perfume,” his aunt said. “You’re just being a fuddy-duddy. Flynn, you smell wonderful, by the way. I’m sure Annie will be happy to see you tonight. Dinner was a little tense. The twins picked at their food, and Amelia spilled the chai Hargreaves had made, although she had seconds of everything. My God, that girl is the sweetest thing on earth.”

  “So Annie was pretty stressed when you left,” Flynn said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Maybe I should text her and see if she wants to call it off.”

  “No! I think you’re the perfect tonic,” Aunt Clara said. “Otherwise, she’ll be working all night.”

  Well, if she wanted to work, he’d help her. “I have some good news. I’m renting a portable building for the baskets. Forget the townspeople. The portable allows us to set up an assembly line. Oh, shit, I still need to rent tables and heaters. Sorry, Aunt.”

  “For the language? Please. I’m glad you figured out a solution. It’s just the start of turning the tide in your favor. The one thing we don’t have to worry about is Annie’s feelings for you, my boy. They’re all over her face.”

  His heart got all warm and gushy, and he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for the reminder.”

  “Now go! Enjoy your date.”

  Arthur nodded. “Make sure you pick a movie you’ve both seen so you aren’t on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens. It cuts into the kissing time.”

  “Arthur Hale!” Clara cried out. “Aren’t you funny?”

  He crunched on his candy and threw another at Flynn, which he deftly caught. “Now Boy Wonder has fresh breath. Have fun, Flynn.”

  He sure as hell planned to.

  Chapter 15

  How in the world did single parents date?

  Annie knew the twins were lingering over brushing their teeth, and Amelia was bouncing on her bed, saying she wanted to say good night to Flynn.

  “Girls, it’s time to go to sleep,” she said, standing in the hall in the middle of her three-ring circus.

  “Don’t wanna,” Amelia said, throwing her pillow off her twin bed. “I want to stay up and see Flynn. He’s my friend.” Normally this news would please her, but right now, it was making her nuts. She was edging perilously close to a mommy breakdown.

  “Amelia, honey, you can see him tomorrow.” She crossed to her daughter and gently settled her back in bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. “You need to be rested so you can have fun tomorrow. How about I give him a message for you?”

  “Okay,” her daughter said, squeezing her brows close together like she was trying to come up with one. “How about you tell him I’m going to make him a picture of him and me playing with Carrot?”

  She kissed her on the forehead. “That’s a great idea. I’ll be sure to tell him. Sleep tight, sweetie. Love you.”

  “Love you too,” her daughter shouted back, making her ears ring.

  Flicking the light off, she left the door ajar. The twins weren’t in bed when she checked their room. She found them in the bathroom, brushing their hair. Slowly. Were they intentionally delaying her? “Girls, it’s time for bed.”

  “My hair is still tangled,” Iris said, continuing to brush her blond curls.

  “Mine too,” Eloise said, meeting her eyes in the mirror.

  Their curly hair did tend to tangle, but it looked perfectly fine tonight. Still, she wasn’t going to call their bluff. “Did you use the detangler I made?” She’d concocted one with marshmallow and bamboo extracts, and it worked like a charm.

  Iris lifted her shoulder, and Eloise followed suit.

  She tried not to glower. They knew what to do when they had tangles. “Would you like me to spray your hair?”

  Setting her brush down on the bathroom counter, Iris said, “No, we’ll finish brushing in the morning. Come on, Eloise. Mom wants to get ready for her date.”

  Annie followed them, aware of the guilt swirling around her, preparing to cling and make her feel like a bad mom. “I would like to change, yes. When you like a boy, you want to look your best. Since you’re getting older and starting to like boys, I thought you might understand.”

  Eloise looked over at her and opened her mouth to say something, but Iris got into her twin bed and turned her back to Annie. Her other daughter glanced at her twin and did the same thing. They put on a united front, always did.

  Annie couldn’t help but feel hurt again. She crossed and kissed each girl on the forehead. “I love you,” she said, aware of a powerlessness she was becoming way too accustomed to.

  She turned their light off and closed the door, rushing to her bathroom. When she looked in the mirror, she winced. Her blond hair looked like she’d been attacked by wolves. Goodness, had the hairnet done that? Washing it was the only sure fix for curls this bedraggled, and her conditioner rocked hard with the raspberry oil and other extracts she used.

  She eyed the time on her phone. It was after eight. Flynn had said he would be arriving around now, but she couldn’t possibly greet him like this. On a whim, she texted him: Door’s unlocked. Come in and make yourself at home in the living room. I’m getting ready. See you soon.

  Rushing through her ablutions, she tugged on her jeans and red sweater while her skin and hair were still damp. Looking at herself in the mirror, she wanted to moan aloud. God, she still looked a fright. Hopefully he’d understand.

  Before she left her bedroom, she crossed to her bedside stand and spritzed herself with orange blossoms. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, and her mind conjured the orange trees on the rolling hills, their white, fragrant blossoms reaching up to the sky in the Italian sunlight. The scene calmed her.

  She went to find Flynn and almost laughed when she spotted him sitting on the couch, Disney’s Tangled playing on the TV. He had on a new outfit, something both elegant and casual, accentuating his easy masculinity. Even from where she was standing, he smelled delicious enough that she wanted to lap him up.

  “Hi,” she said, pressing her hands against her thighs. “You chose a Disney movie for tonight?”

  He looked up and grinned in that easy way of his, although she noticed the way his eyes traveled down her body and then up again. “Fresh out of the shower, I see? And you smell more delicious than those holiday treats June brought over today.”

  He clearly meant it—she already knew he wasn’t the kind of man who said things he didn’t mean—and her self-consciousness about her appearance shriveled beneath the glow of his regard. “You look downright delicious too.”

  “So what are two delicious-looking and smelling people going to do tonight?”

  Oh, how her insides fired at that.

  He gestured to the screen. “Let’s not watch Disney. I just turned it on to see this guy Flynn Amelia is always talking about. He’s kinda funny. But the mother makes my skin crawl.”

  “She’s a villain, for sure,” she said, hoping her daughters never thought she was that bad. “Sorry I’m a little late. The girls didn’t go down right away, and I wanted to shower after today.”

  He waved a h
and and stood, walking toward her. “No biggie. Man, you really do smell delicious. I never knew what orange blossoms smelled like until I met you, but now I can’t get enough.”

  He leaned in close, putting his hand on the small of her back. He brushed his nose along the underside of her neck, something that felt unbearably erotic, she discovered.

  When he straightened, his green eyes were alight with mischief. “I know the girls are here, and I don’t want to do anything to make you uncomfortable. I thought we’d cuddle on the couch and maybe kiss a little now and then.” His mouth quirked to one side. “Uncle Arthur recommended watching something we’ve both seen so it doesn’t cut into our kissing time.”

  Her mouth went dry at the thought.

  “But on the way here, I figured this was something we should talk about. I mean, the last time I was worried about anyone walking in on me kissing a girl was in high school. That was my parents mostly, although sometimes my older brother Trevor thought it was funny if he made moaning sounds outside the room where we watched TV on dates. He’s a moron though.”

  She laughed. “Moaning, huh? Yeah, I can see why that would be awkward. You know, I was wondering earlier how other single parents manage this. Dating, I mean. I can get a sitter, but it’s kinda hard to find somewhere you can be alone in such a small town. And Flynn…I really want to be alone with you.”

  “I feel the same way,” he said, putting his hands on her hips. “We’ll figure something out.”

  When? She was feeling achy already. “We have so much to do with the baskets and the holidays. I guess we could drive to Columbus and stay in a hotel for a few hours. It’s only forty minutes from here. It’s not perfect, but…”

  He kissed her softly on the lips, and she melted against him.

  “Ready for some good news?” He was even more irresistible when he smiled like that. “I solved our space issue.”

  “You did?” She grinned back at him. “That’s great.”

  “I probably should say my brother, Connor, suggested the idea, but I was the one who sucked it up and called him. We’ve never been confidants, but we actually had a good talk. He’s turning into someone I actually might want as a friend. That’s something I never thought I’d be saying a few years go. Don’t get me wrong. I love my family. But there are a lot of us. We don’t all have a lot in common or know each other well.”