by Rachel Hanna
“Because I saw you holding hands at the diner.”
“Oh my God, Cameron. He grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. It was for a few seconds…”
“And then I overheard you on the porch talking to your mother about missing someone and loving someone…”
She walked closer to him. “I was talking about you,” she said softly. “I missed you touching me and kissing me once Johnny showed up.”
“You love me?” he asked, closing the gap between them.
“I do,” she admitted. He smiled.
“Thank God,” he said as he put his hand on her cheek. “Can you forgive me?”
“Already did the moment I saw your face,” she said. He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.
“I love you, Piper,” he whispered against her lips.
“Wait. What about your business?” she asked, pulling back and looking up at him.
“This orchard is my only business now, and Whiskey Ridge is my only home. I’m going to write some amazing novels right here with you and Lucas by my side.”
“Really?” she said, a huge smile spreading across her face.
“Really. This time, I’m here to stay.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Piper Williams, I’m yours if you’ll have me.”
And she spent the next half hour showing him how much she wanted him among the roses of her greenhouse.
Epilogue
Piper watched her son run across the yard with Cameron in hot pursuit. It was the early days of summer, and lightning bugs dotted the large yard as the sun started to set in the distance.
This was her happy place. These two men in her life were her world. She watched as her mother and Hector sat on his small porch drinking coffee and laughing. She’d never seen her mother so happy.
“Whatcha thinking about?” Cameron asked as he came to rest beside her on the steps. Lucas continued to chase fireflies, giggling each time he missed one.
“About how amazingly happy I am,” she said, leaning in for a kiss. Cameron happily obliged, his lips warm and soft.
“I know. Sometimes I can’t believe this is my life. My grandmother sure knew what she was doing,” he said with a grin. “She never gave up on me, Piper. Even after she was gone, she was still looking after me.”
“She was a special woman,” Piper said.
“I almost forgot. Hector told me to give this to you,” he said, handing her a small box. “He said my grandmother left this for you?”
“Oh, that’s right. He told me that Lola left a box for me, and I couldn’t open it until Hector thought I was ready.”
“Hmmm. That’s weird,” he said. “Well, open it.”
Piper opened the small box and was surprised to find a tiny envelope filled with seeds and a piece of paper.
“What is it?” Cameron asked.
“Well, it’s her formula for making another rose hybrid and some seeds…”
“What does the note say?”
Piper began to read.
Dear Piper,
If you’re reading this, then you’re in love with my grandson. I’m sure you both realize that I planned it this way, and I’m glad I was right about how great you two would be together.
These seeds and the “recipe” attached are a special rose hybrid I created many years ago. I call it “Love In Bloom”. I always thought they would be perfect for a very special wedding, so I saved them. I wanted these roses to be so unique that only one couple in the world would have them as they vowed their forever love.
When your special day arrives and you vow to love my grandson forever, I hope you’ll be surrounded by these roses and think of me.
All my love,
Lola
Piper stared at the note. She didn’t know what to say. How uncomfortable to be put in this situation.
“Wow,” Cameron finally said.
“Yeah. Wow,” Piper said, staring straight ahead.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to let the old woman down.”
“Huh?” Piper said, turning to find Cameron down on one knee with a ring box in his hand. The diamond shined in the moonlight, like the most beautiful firefly she’d ever seen in her life.
“Piper Williams, I love you. You were made for me, and I cannot imagine spending my life with anyone else but you. I love your son, I love your mother, and Hector… well, he’s here too…” Piper giggled at his joke. “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
She grinned so hard that her cheeks felt like they may crack. “Of course I will!” she said, tears streaming down her face as she kissed him over and over.
Her mother and Hector came running, realizing what was going on. They were both cheering, but Lucas was still oblivious as he ran through the yard, happily giggling.
Piper looked down at the seeds in one of hands and the beautiful ring on the other and then looked up to the starry sky. “Thanks, Lola,” she whispered, and she could’ve sworn she saw her first shooting star.
Copyright © 2016 by Rachel Hanna
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