‘Really? What about the job? No, sorry, I shouldn’t have brought that up. You haven’t had time to make up your mind.’
‘It was lovely of Edwina to offer it but I’m not taking the position.’
‘You’re not? I mean, are you sure? Isn’t it your dream?’
‘Maybe it was once but I’ve traded it for a better one. As I said before, I’m not going anywhere.’
Flynn’s grin got bigger. ‘Good, ’cause neither am I.’ He bent down and tugged off his boots.
Lily eyed him suspiciously. ‘Flynn, what are you doing?’
‘I need to hold you and I’m sick of sitting in that bloody chair.’
‘Is that even allowed? I mean, we’re in a hospital.’
Lily scooted over as Flynn stretched out alongside her and pulled her into his arms.
‘I’m not sure we should be doing this.’ Lily placed her head on his shoulder. It felt good, she had to admit.
‘I think it’s a great idea.’
‘Yes, but I’m sure there’s rules about this sort of thing.’
‘Like I care,’ Flynn said as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
***
It took a little time to put the events of that night behind her. Longer than Lily thought it would. She’d decided as she lay in Flynn’s arms in that narrow hospital bed that she needed to feel his warmth and protection around her. It wasn’t as if she’d fallen into the helpless damsel in distress mode, but she was definitely feeling fragile and a little vulnerable. She still couldn’t quite wrap her head around what Hailey had done. How could the woman sit there and commiserate with Lily about her shop being wrecked and be responsible for it at the same time? How had she not seen through Hailey and realised that she was troubled and needed help? And that’s how it was for Lily, her mind swinging back and forth like a pendulum: she was angry at Hailey and then felt sorry for her.
The biggest problem, although also the easiest to fix, was the damage to the shop. The fire had eaten its way through the back door and half the bathroom, and the small back porch had been destroyed altogether. There was nothing to do but delay the opening of the shop and call in Johnno and his team.
The next problem was trying to allay Violet and Mac’s fears and concerns when they got back from their honeymoon. Oh, there had been a whole lot of ‘Why didn’t you call us?’ and ‘I can’t believe that you and Flynn didn’t tell us’ conversations, but after a bit of fast-talking and reassurances, both she and Flynn were forgiven.
Violet was so rattled by the idea that Hailey had tried to hurt her baby sister that she wanted Lily to move into McKellan’s Run, but Lily had given her another hug and said firmly that wasn’t going to happen.
Jill was floored by the news and blamed herself for not seeing that Hailey was ill. Lily had told her that it wasn’t Jill’s fault, just like it wasn’t hers or Flynn’s or anyone else’s, for that matter. They spent an evening crying, laughing and remembering when they were kids and life hadn’t been this complicated.
Of course the story circulated around the town, exaggerated in some cases, but nearly everyone came to the same conclusion: that it was a sorry state of affairs and young Hailey Waters needed some professional help.
In Lily’s case, everyone had been supportive – she had forgotten what the town was like when it was showing its best. Even so, she hadn’t counted on just how encouraging the residents of Violet Falls could be until the middle of autumn, when she finally opened the doors of the Gilded Lily.
Fifteen minutes before the official opening time, a large crowd of women were standing patiently on the covered footpath, waiting to get in. It was more than Lily could ever have hoped for, and then some. The McKellans en masse had been a pretty awesome crew in the final days. Sarah had helped in the lead-up to the opening wherever it was needed, even if it was just turning up with a sticky bun and coffee. Dan had organised the hors d’oeuvres for the event, which were all amazing bites of deliciousness. Violet had taken on the opening just like any other of her events, double- and then triple-checking everything. From ordering the drinks, to the press release and lining up the local newspaper, Violet managed it all without even breaking into a sweat.
Lily leant against the counter of the Gilded Lily and smiled. After a huge amount of hard work and endless nights hunched over her sewing machine, her shop was officially open for business. For the past week, she and Flynn had worked their butts off getting the shop to look perfect. Lily quickly found out that Flynn was very good at hanging pictures, moving furniture and always had the right answer when asked for the fiftieth time, ‘Does that look alright?’ Really, she couldn’t have pulled this opening together without him.
If someone had told her that within a year she would turn her life around by starting a business and finding love, she would have laughed in their face.
She looked over the crowd of potential customers and saw Flynn across the room. He was standing next to Mac and leaning against the wall. Did he look out of place in this very chic and girly space? Hell yes, but she was grateful he’d come.
The finished shop matched the vision she’d had in her head from the very beginning. A dark wooden floor contrasted perfectly with the white walls. Everything was light and delicate, with the exception of the oversized gilt mirror attached to the wall. Lily had placed several large crystal vases of pastel roses around the floor space, and the room was lit by the two vintage chandeliers she’d found on her travels. Her sample designs were displayed around the shop, including Violet’s wedding dress, which she’d borrowed for the opening.
The shop was clean, bright and above all feminine, and Lily loved it. She only hoped that she’d be able to build a business. She glanced back to Flynn and he caught her looking at him. He nodded to Mac before winding his way through a bevy of women until he was standing in front of her.
‘Well, it looks as if the Gilded Lily is a success.’
‘Fingers crossed. I’ve already had a couple of bookings for consultations later this week.’
‘Hey, that’s great,’ Flynn smiled.
‘Yes, it is.’
‘Is there anything you need a hand with?’
‘Nope, I think everything is under control,’ Lily said, looking deep into his dark eyes.
Flynn opened his mouth but before he could say anything more Jill ran behind the counter and gave Lily a hug.
‘This is fantastic! The shop is beautiful. Oh, hi, Flynn – sorry, but I have to drag her away for a second.’
Flynn gave Jill a smile. ‘No problem.’
‘You really like the shop?’ Lily asked her. ‘Hey, thanks Jill. I’m glad you do.’
‘Are you kidding? I love everything about it. Your designs are just stunning, and as for the accessories – well, I can’t wait to get my hands on that necklace over there,’ Jill said as she pointed to the jewellery display. ‘Please tell me no one’s grabbed it.’
Lily shook her head. ‘No, it’s yours if you want it.’
‘Great! Oh and I brought along a couple of girls from work. Annie, come over here and meet Lily!’ Jill dropped her voice. ‘She’s just got engaged, so I figure she’ll be wanting a wedding dress in the not-too-distant future.’
‘Ah.’
‘Ah, indeed. You never know, she may need a frock for an engagement party as well. And then we’ll guide her towards Violet’s event planning.’
‘We’ll have to put you on commission at this rate.’
‘Hey, you know that’s a pretty good idea. Hmmm, we’ll have to talk details, probably after I’ve plied you with a couple of glasses of wine.’
Lily glanced at Flynn and gave him an apologetic smile.
‘I’ll be over there if you need me,’ he said with a wink before he made his way back to Mac.
Lily gave herself a second to watch him walk away. She loved the way he moved.
‘Lily? Lily, this is Annie.’
Lily turned her attention back to Jill. ‘Right. Hello, Annie,
thanks so much for coming,’ she said as she shook the woman’s hand.
‘You have such a beautiful shop, Lily. I just love all your designs.’
‘Thank you, Annie. It’s lovely of you to say so.’
‘So, am I right in thinking that you can make the dress I’ve always dreamt about?’
‘Well, I would certainly try. My dresses are as unique and beautiful as my gorgeous customers.’
Annie smiled back at her. ‘I like that. Can I drop in tomorrow and have a chat about my wedding dress?’
‘Of course, I’ll look forward to it.’
‘Great. Oh, I finish work at five – is that too late?’
‘Nope, I’ll see you then.’
‘Thanks so much,’ Annie said before disappearing into the crowd.
Lily and Jill waited until her back was turned before they did a little ‘I’ve just booked another consultation’ dance.
‘Aunty Lily, why are you dancing?’
Whoops. Lily looked over the counter and saw Holly standing there.
‘Hi, baby girl. I’m just happy.’ She gave Jill a quick grin as she went and picked Holly up and sat her on the counter. ‘So, do you like my shop?’
Holly nodded her head. ‘Yep, it’s so pretty, almost like a fairytale.’
‘Nailed it! Speaking of pretty, you look like a princess today.’
‘It’s my new dress that Grandma Sarah gave me yesterday.’
‘Is she spoiling you?’
Again Holly gave an exaggerated nod.
‘Excellent.’ Lily tapped her finger on the end of Holly’s nose. ‘Because you deserve a good spoil. Jill, could you please pass me that little tiara on the shelf behind you?’
‘This one?’ Jill pointed to the smallest of the glittery tiaras.
‘Yep.’
‘Wow, first I get a commission and now I’m a shop assistant. Pretty soon I’ll end up being the manager,’ Jill said with a laugh as she handed the tiara over.
Lily shook her head as she placed it on Holly’s head. ‘There, every princess should have a crown.’
‘What are you two up to?’ Violet said as she draped an arm around Lily.
‘Oh, you know, the usual – playing princess,’ Lily said as she gave her sister a one-armed hug. ‘You’ve been gone for a while – and if it was new husband related, I don’t want to know.’
Violet chuckled. ‘No, I was helping Dan with the food for your opening, and then I got roped into taking a couple of trays of champagne around to your thirsty guests.’
‘Aw, thank you, but you know that’s what big sisters are meant to do.’
‘Funny, I don’t seem to remember reading that in the job description.’ She bent down and gave Holly a cuddle. ‘How’s it going, sweetie?’
‘Good. Aunty Lily gave me a crown.’ Holly pointed to the top of her head. ‘Isn’t it pretty?’
‘It sure is.’ Violet lifted her off the counter. ‘Hey, Jill. Are you enjoying the opening?’
‘Of course. The shop looks wonderful.’
‘She’s trying to get a commission out of me,’ Lily said with a grin. ‘You’d better be careful, she’ll be after you next.’
‘You said it, not me. Besides, I was just being a good friend and sending business your way,’ Jill quipped.
‘Is that true?’ Violet asked.
‘Yep. Jill brought a bride-to-be with her, Annie. She’s dropping in tomorrow to have a chat.’ Lily waggled her eyebrows.
‘Ooh, that sounds promising,’ Violet said.
‘It sure does, and I’ve gently pushed her in your direction as well as Lily’s. Now, both of you say after me, “Thank you, Jill, you’re the best”.’
‘Thank you, Jill, you’re the best,’ Lily and Violet said in unison before dissolving into laughter.
‘Mummy, I’m going to show Mac my new crown,’ Holly said as she tugged on Violet’s hand.
‘Sure,’ Violet said, glancing around the crowded shop. ‘Look, he’s just over there talking to Flynn.’
Holly let go of her mum’s hand. ‘Thanks for the crown, Aunty Lily,’ she said before she skipped towards Mac. ‘Daddy! Daddy, look at my new crown.’
Lily heard Violet suck in her breath next to her.
‘What is it?’
‘Did you hear that?’ Violet asked as she gave Lily’s arm a squeeze. ‘It’s the first time she’s ever called him that.’
Lily followed Violet’s gaze. Mac had stepped away from Flynn and had a stunned look on his face as Holly ran up to him. He scooped her up in his arms and sent a stare to Violet that probably caused her ovaries to explode. It was hard to tell from this distance, but Lily was pretty sure he had tears in his eyes. Although she couldn’t be certain of that because everything was suddenly blurry as she felt herself well up.
‘Go.’ Lily gave Violet a gentle push as she wiped away an errant tear with the back of her hand. She watched as Violet hurried over to her family.
Flynn sauntered in that sexy way towards her. ‘Did I just miss something?’
Lily wrapped her arms around his waist. ‘It was the first time Holly has used the word “daddy”.’
‘Ah, which would explain why he broke off in mid-sentence and looked like a stunned mullet.’
Lily slapped him on the chest. ‘Oh, so much for you having warm and fuzzy feelings.’
‘Oh, I have them alright. Just wait until you close the shop and I promise to show you.’ He bent down and kissed her neck.
A series of familiar tingles swept through her body. For her own sake she dropped her arms and stepped away from him. He gave her a cheeky grin and a wink; yeah, he knew the effect he had on her, damn it. Lily glanced at her watch. Funny, all of a sudden the end of the day couldn’t get here fast enough.
Chapter 28
Flynn had considerately kept his distance from Lily until the shop was closed. When all her friends and family had finally left, he came up behind her and wrapped her in his arms.
‘Are you happy?’
‘So happy. Everything went really smoothly and I’ve even made a handful of appointments, plus a heap of contacts.’
‘I’m proud of you, you know that?’
‘Yeah?’
‘I mean it. You had a dream and you went for it.’
‘Thank you, but you’d better stop or you’ll have me all teary,’ she said as she turned around in his arms and leant her head against his chest.
‘Well, we wouldn’t want that. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I think you’re pretty amazing,’ he said before he bent down and kissed her.
It felt so right to be in his arms. A familiar flare of want and heat coursed through her as the kiss deepened. They clung to each other and all other thoughts in Lily’s mind fled: she needed to touch him.
He pulled back for a moment. ‘I thought that maybe you’d like to get out of here for a while. I was going to take you to dinner …’ The rest of the thought was left suspended in the air as he nuzzled her neck.
‘Why don’t we go upstairs instead?’
He looked down at her, his eyes darkened with passion. ‘You know, you have the best ideas.’
His gaze held her; moments slipped by and Lily found herself unable to look away. What she felt was deep, intense and sometimes even raw. It was scary but in a good way, and she knew that she never wanted to give that up.
He took her hand and brought it to his lips before turning it over and kissing her wrist. Her stomach contracted and the heat began to kindle and build.
Yeah, never giving him up.
‘Let’s lock up,’ she said with a sense of reluctance as she gently pulled away from him.
‘I’ll get the back door,’ he said as he gave her one of his best smiles, the ones that almost always had her reduced to a wobbly jelly.
A minute later they met at the bottom of the stairs.
‘Are we all set?’ Flynn asked.
‘Yep. Hey, what are you doing?’
‘This,’ Flynn said as he scoo
ped her up and strode upstairs.
‘Put me down,’ Lily chuckled as she wrapped her arm behind his neck. ‘You’ll strain something.’
‘Well, babe, we can only hope.’ He gave her another lopsided grin and Lily had to physically restrain herself from sighing. Yep, she had it bad, and the only thing she was sure of was that she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Lily expected him to put her down once they got inside but he just kept holding her tight. Flynn kicked the office door shut behind him before he carried her to the couch. God, this man made her heart explode.
Several delicious hours later, Lily went to get up but a strong arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back.
‘And where exactly are you going?’
Lily turned her head and smiled at Flynn. ‘Well, you did promise me dinner.’
‘Eating is overrated.’
He ran a series of kisses along her neck and Lily’s head tilted to the side to give him better access. But then, spoiling what was shaping up to be a promising moment, her stomach growled – loudly. Flynn moved back and let out a sigh.
‘Okay, I get the hint. You’re hungry.’
‘In my defence, other than muesli for breakfast, I’ve only had a handful of Dan’s asparagus spears with prosciutto at the opening.’
‘But what about the sandwiches Sarah brought from the Hummingbird Café at lunchtime?’
‘Um, I was so wound up and busy, I kind of forgot to eat.’
Flynn frowned. ‘You have to take care of yourself, which means eating regularly. I know everything that’s gone on in the last couple of months has been crazy but I don’t want you getting sick.’
Lily let out a chuckle and shook her head. ‘Yeah, like I couldn’t afford to lose a kilo or two.’
‘You’re perfect just the way you are and I love every inch of you.’ He reached up and cupped the side of her face with his hand.
Lily stilled for a moment and locked her eyes onto his. ‘What does that mean?’
‘That I love you, Lily, and I want us to be together. I need you in my life because you make it better – you make me better.’
‘Flynn …’
‘I mean it. For the first time in my life I feel whole and you did that,’ he said before he kissed her. ‘I probably don’t deserve you but I’ve got you, and I’m sure as hell not letting you go.’
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