by Ava Wood
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Camey came barreling through the shop, grabbing Sara’s shoulders and stopping her attack. She hurriedly rounded Sara to stand nose to nose with her and began whispering inaudibly. “What are you doing?”
“Are you okay?” Landon was instantly there, in front of her.
Talia’s arms propelled around him, pulling him tightly to her as she tried to drown out the whispers of Sara and Camey. When she heard the sound of angry footsteps, she stepped away from Landon to find Sara running out of the shop.
“Sara?” Camey called. Sara didn’t falter, withdrawing faster when Camey said her name. When the back door slammed shut, Camey turned around and looked at Talia. “What brought all of this on?”
“Mason called.” Talia fidgeted with her hands, trying to find something to keep them occupied.
“Oh.” Camey stared at Talia, then looked at Landon. “Can you give us a minute?”
Out of the corner of her eye, Talia saw Landon walking away.
When they were alone, Camey asked, “What did he want?”
“He wanted me to take him back. He gave the engagement ring to Sara and had her leave it here for me. He said he wanted us to be official at Marisa’s wedding.”
“Wow.” Camey looked over her shoulder before whispering, “Well you’re not taking him back, are you?”
“What?” Talia’s eyes shot wide. “Of course not. I’m done with him.”
“And if he shows up at the wedding tomorrow?” Camey paused briefly before continuing, “Your decision could completely change when you see him.”
“That will never happen. Besides, he wouldn’t be stupid enough to show up to Marisa’s wedding by himself.”
Camey shrugged her shoulders and walked away. Landon reentered the room when she was gone.
“You okay, Petal?”
Talia nodded. “I’m fine.” She started to move past him, but his hand caught hers, spinning her to face him.
“I’m here.”
“I know.” As she looked up into his soothing sapphire eyes, he leaned down and kissed her forehead then let her go. She hoped she’d soon find the courage to tell him about Mason, about why she was so broken, because she knew he was the only person who could make her whole again.
“You heard from Sara?”
Talia shook her head in response to Camey’s question. Her sister hadn’t returned to work since the fight over Mason the day before. If Talia hadn’t been so angry about Sara championing Mason, she might have been worried, but she was still reeling from their argument.
“I guess it’s a good thing Landon is helping out then. We can sure use his muscles for the heavy lifting.” Camey placed various shades of pink ranunculus and peonies in the final bouquet for the wedding. “Where is he anyway?”
“He took the van for gas.”
“Is he nervous about going to the wedding?”
“I haven’t told him yet.” Talia lined up several arrangements on the table to be loaded upon Landon’s return. She’d avoided telling him, remembering all of the events Mason had ducked out of at the last minute and not wanting to live through that humiliation again.
“Talia.” Camey set the bouquet she’d just finished on the table. “Why haven’t you told him? He’s going to be furious that you sprung this on him.”
“I didn’t want to give him the chance to say no; or worse, to say yes and then back out.”
“Just because you put it off doesn’t mean he won’t say no. What happens if Mason is there? If you show up alone…”
Exasperated, Talia interrupted. “I know. I’ve already thought of that. Just let me worry about it, okay?”
Camey shook her head, walking out of the cooler.
The delivery van could be heard returning to the alley so Talia started moving the arrangements to the workstation. Reina came breezing in through the front of the shop as Talia continued to work.
“I tried to make room in Papi’s minivan, but I’m not sure how much we can fit in there.” Reina dangled keys from her hand.
“I just need it for overflow. Marisa’s wedding is our biggest wedding to date so we’ll need all the room we can get to keep from causing any damage.” Talia still remembered the meeting she’d had with Marisa at her reception hall shortly after Ronald had proposed. She’d wanted flowers throughout the wedding and reception. Her plan was to transform her venue into an indoor garden of sorts and, with all of the arrangements, she was sure to pull it off.
“Van’s ready to go.” Landon entered through the back door.
Talia stretched on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Thank you.” With everything coming together so smoothly, she knew she had to tell Landon now that he was going to be attending the wedding with her. “Landon?”
“Petal?” Landon’s brow furrowed.
“Could you change before we go? This is a big wedding.”
“Okay.” His response was more of a question. “What do you have in mind?”
“I put something out for you on the bed."
Landon headed upstairs and Talia stood, slowly breathing in and out, anxiously awaiting his return. So focused on even breaths, she missed the silence that fell over the shop until the back door slammed shut. Talia jumped to find her sister standing just inside the back door with a malevolent glint in her eye.
“Hey, Sara,” Camey greeted her, no doubt in an attempt to break the silence.
Sara walked past briskly, grabbing a large arrangement from the table and carrying it outside.
Talia rolled her eyes, still standing at the foot of her stairs. She should have been helping load up the vans, but she was too anxious for Landon’s reaction. Moments away from hyperventilating, he appeared at the top of the stairs dressed in the black-on-black wool suit she’d had custom made. To her pleasant surprise, the single-breasted suit matched with an onyx cotton dress shirt and black satin skinny tie fit him perfectly.
“It’s a bit much for a delivery,” he mumbled as he descended the stairs.
“We’re also guests.”
Eyes wide, Landon sputtered, “Guests?”
“Yes, guests. Now if you don’t mind, I need to run upstairs and get changed.” Talia hurried up the stairs, trying to avoid any confrontation. She knew she was wrong for springing the wedding on him, but it was too late to worry about that now. She took the steps two at a time, listening to Landon’s footfalls behind her.
Just inside the apartment, Landon questioned, “What’s going on, Talia? Why did you hide this from me?”
With her back to him, Talia mumbled, “I didn’t want you to say no.”
“You haven’t learned by now that I can’t say no to you? I’d do anything you asked. I’d run into a burning building blind if you wanted me to.”
Talia chuckled. With Mason, it took an act of Congress to get him to go anywhere with her. Things were so different with Landon, so easy. She felt like an idiot just now realizing that. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize.” He wrapped his arms around Talia’s waist and kissed her neck. “Go get ready before I throw you on the bed and do unspeakable things to you.” His teeth nibbled her earlobe before he let her go.
“Tease.” She swatted his chest, then went into her room to get changed. She heard Landon leave the apartment while she dressed in her burgundy chiffon, single-shoulder dress with a form-fitting bodice and knee-length, draping skirt. She bought the dress with Landon in mind, knowing that the color did wonders to emphasize her hair and eyes. She pulled her hair into a loose, side-swept ponytail and returned to the shop, freezing at the base of the stairs when Landon’s jaw dropped looking at her. “What?”
Landon neared to whisper, “It’s a good thing I came downstairs when I did, or I would have had my way with you before we left the apartment and we would have never gotten to this wedding on time.”
Talia felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she tried to coyly walk away. Pulling herself together she hollered, “Let’s get this show on the r
oad,” and ushered the group to their respected vans.
All of the flower arrangements were in place in the wedding and reception venues and the time was closing in for the start of the wedding. After dropping off the boutonnieres to the groomsmen, Talia and the girls snuck into the bride’s quarters with the bouquets while Landon waited outside. As soon as they came through the door, every head turned in their direction.
“Oh, Talia.” Marisa came bustling up grappling with the ruffled skirt of her organza dress. “I can’t believe it’s finally here.”
Talia plastered a well-intentioned grin on her face in support of her friend. Her smile grew more genuine as Marisa beamed over her shoulder at the bouquets being handed out to her bridesmaids.
“Talia, they’re beautiful!” She scurried to Sara, holding the bridal bouquet, cautiously eyeing it. “Can I hold it?”
“Of course.” Talia laughed. She knew that Marisa’s bouquet was her best work to date. It was her first bouquet containing so many elements, but when some would assume the final result would be somewhat gaudy, it actually looked very elegant and pleasing to the eye.
The posy-style bouquet was made up of pink ranunculus and peonies with a number of pink and white roses scattered in. There were a handful of brooches distributed throughout the bouquet, placed there to represent the women who made a huge impact on Marisa’s life. And among the flowers and brooches were blossoms speckled with rhinestones adding a bit more sparkle to the bouquet. Topping it off were wisps of feathers placed throughout in honor of those souls who had departed and could not be at the wedding in physical form.
There was so much thought put into each element, right down to the hand-tied base that was wrapped in pale pink satin to match the blooms and adorned with a row of pearl corsage pins ‒‒ one for each of her sisters. Talia watched as Marisa inspected each facet, her smile growing the longer she looked. “I incorporated all the details we discussed on your bouquet as well as the bridesmaids. Each of the bridesmaids has their own brooch pendant attached to their bouquet and they can easily be removed once the ceremony is over.”
Upon Talia’s statement, the bridesmaids began oohing and awing over each of their personalized bouquets.
“Thank you so much. They are perfect.” Marisa hugged Talia in a one-arm embrace while she clung to her bouquet. “And before I forget to tell you, you look absolutely beautiful. Mason is going to flip when he sees you.”
“Mason?” It was the last name Talia expected to roll off of Marisa’s lips.
“Yes. Ronald’s brother’s flight got cancelled and he couldn’t get here in time so Mason is filling in. After all, if it wasn’t for the two of you, Ronny and I would have never ended up together.”
Talia struggled to keep the smile on her face. With gritted teeth she uttered, “I’m glad he could help out on such short notice.”
“Oh, you know, he was planning to be here anyway, so it was really no big deal. I do have to warn you, though, he didn’t come alone.”
“Who’s he with?”
Just as Marisa’s mouth opened to answer, a demanding voice came from behind. “Excuse me, ladies, can I get a picture of the two of you?”
“Of course.” Marisa whirled Talia around to face a heavy-set photographer lugging a large bag and pointing a camera in their direction.
After a quick snap, the wedding planner bustled in to usher the bridesmaids and Marisa into place. Talia snuck out of the room with Camey, Sara, and Reina close on her heels and joined Landon in the lobby, ready to take their seats. With the wedding set to begin, they had to settle on seats near the back of the hall. Landon sat at the end of the aisle, forcing Talia next to her sister, who huffed when she sat down. She’d hoped Sara would be over her tantrum before long.
As the entrance music began, Talia turned to see the bridesmaids entering, each with her own bouquet bearing minor details to match each of their dresses. They all smiled brightly, obviously thrilled for the couple about to exchange their vows. And when Marisa entered, every eye was glued to her. In that moment, Talia felt Landon’s hand reach for hers and hold tight. Her heart felt full holding onto him while watching her friend make the long journey down the aisle.
When they were seated, Talia saw the one face she’d been avoiding since they entered the hall. Mason was standing at the front of the congregation, staring straight at her. Her stomach turned at the sight of him, remembering his naked body in bed with Brandy. Sweat formed on her brow as the recognition of her date dawned on Mason’s face. His haunting stare turned to a menacing scowl in an instant.
“Tal, are you okay?”
Talia stole her eyes from Mason to look up into Landon’s sapphire gems. She swallowed then answered, “I’m fine.”
Landon leaned in and kissed her cheek. Her heart was racing, fighting to focus solely on the ceremony and struggling desperately to ignore the man standing next to Ronald. Feeling a gentle squeeze on her hand, Talia’s mind returned to Landon as she listened intently to Ronald’s vows, set adrift by every word he said to Marisa.
“Fate brought you to me when I was broken and ready to give up. I’ve never met anyone who has found so much strength in me and showed me so much support when I needed it the most. When I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, you were there, pushing that light a little closer to me. You never let me give up. You are my rock, my dream come true, and I’ll spend the rest of my life thanking you for finding the better man inside of me. Life just wouldn’t be worth living without you. I love you.”
Talia breathed in the words, knowing exactly how Ronald felt, because Landon had done the exact same thing for her. He’d pushed her to be better and never gave up on her when she’d tried so hard to shut him out. He made her see reason. He was the light at the end of the tunnel. He was the reason she was finally able to let what happened with Mason go. Feeling the words in every fiber of her being, she placed her head on Landon’s shoulder, feeling that she was no longer broken because of him. Her eyes never returned to Mason, knowing Landon was all in the world she needed.
“Talia, the flowers are beautiful. You’ve really outdone yourself, this time,” Marisa’s right hand, Celine, gushed. She’d always been extremely hard to please, so her words were a true compliment.
“Thank you, Celine. I’m so happy that Marisa entrusted her special day to me.” Talia worked her way past a few more guests, receiving the occasional compliment on the flowers and thanking them as she went. She was bursting with the words she needed to say to Landon as she worked her way through the crowd, tugging him behind her to a quiet room.
“What’s your rush, Petal?”
“We need to talk.” Talia couldn’t wait any longer to say what was on her mind. The words were sure to spill out any second and she wanted to be alone when she said them. Seeing Marisa’s office, she ducked inside, knowing it wouldn’t be used today.
“Is everything okay?”
Talia nodded, pushing through the outer room of Marisa’s quarters to her office within. When they were greeted with silence, Talia began to relax infinitesimally.
“Petal?”
She breathed deep, trying to find the perfect way to express what was on her mind. “Just give me a second.” She took another deep breath, struggling for a place to start. Putting distance between them, Talia began, “You’re amazing. Do you know that?”
Landon stared in bewilderment. He evidently didn’t know where this was coming from.
“You never gave up.”
“No.” His voice was pensive.
“Why?”
“Did you want me to?” Leaning against the counter, he shoved his hands in his pockets, watching her.
She shook her head. “I’m miserable to live with.”
“I know.” Landon chuckled and strode to her. “I like that about you.” He bit the tip of her nose, placing his hands on her hips.
She giggled as his hands steadied her and she continued. “I finally understand. You’ve made me be
tter. You’ve made me whole again. I guess it’s just one of the many reasons why I love you.”
“I love you too.” Landon smiled, but the smile quickly shifted. “Wait, what?” He stepped back a little, staring. “Did you just say you love me?”
Talia nodded, her eyes flickering closed. Before she opened them, she felt Landon’s mouth, hot on hers, his hands greedily pulling at her hips. Between kisses, she whispered again, “I love you.”
Landon pressed into her, then began moving her around the room, stopping when she was pressed against the counter along the wall. He hoisted her up, sitting her there as he delved deeper, devouring her mouth and moving his hands to her neck.
Talia’s head fell back against the wall when Landon’s tongue traced the pulse in her neck. He sucked at the base while thrusting his hands in her hair and pulling her ponytail free. A soft whimper fell from her lips as he tugged at the tresses spilling down her back and bit at the hollow of her neck. Her hands moved of their own volition as his mouth continued to trail across her collarbone to the swell of her breast spilling out of her dress. She arched her back in invitation and Landon’s hands fell away. “What are you…?” Talia began, looking at the vehemence on his face.
“Shhh,” Landon instructed. He fell to his knees, reaching beneath her dress and removing the satin panties that were soaking against her center. He slipped the bit of fabric in his pocket then pushed up at the hem of her dress, exposing her wanton flesh. Pressing her legs apart, he pressed his mouth to that delicate bud that triggered an ache deep in her belly. His tongue swept in and out before his teeth grazed against her sensitive clitoris. Her hands thrust in his hair as his mouth moved. The ache grew heavier, her legs trembling as Landon’s hands held them apart. She was on the precipice, about to fall into a deep ravine, when he whispered against her, “Say it again.”
His hot breath sent shivers up her spine. As she came crashing down she panted, “I love you. God, I love you.”