“Oh, yeah?”

“With a junior editor at Floral magazine.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”

“She’s interested in featuring us.”

Her face shot open like a sunbeam. “Luke …” she breathed.

“I know. She took one look at the pictures you took and was sold. It’s all because of you.” My heart doubled in size as I gazed into her face. “You’ve found a way to show the whole world what this shop is, what it means to us. I can make Mom’s dream come true.”

Her hand untwined from my neck and cupped my jaw, her face soft and open.

“So get ready,” I said with a sideways smile. “Because I’m about to get us on the cover of the biggest floral magazine in America.”

She laughed, leaping to grab me around the neck, and I lifted her up and spun her around, just like I’d imagined. When her feet were on the ground, I snagged her hand to take her to my mother.

And we ran away with our hopes high and our dreams in tow.

16

Gold Digger

LUKE

The store was empty and quiet as Tess and I walked to the front that night, the day done and shop closed.

“You sure you don’t want to come to dinner?” I asked. “Mom won’t mind, especially after today. I’m sure she has a million things to talk to you about.”

“Another time. I’ve barely seen Dad, and I’d love to cook him a fresh meal instead of one he has to reheat.”

I pulled her to a stop, tugged her to bring her into the circle of my arms. “You’re a good daughter, you know that?”

She flushed, smiling. “Every once in a while, I figure I do something right.”

“Tell your dad I’ve got supplies being delivered tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow night we can have dinner at your place with your dad, and I can make sure everything’s in place to get started?”

A nod and a small smile were my only answer.

“You sure you’re okay with the renovation?”

An identical nod and smile told me the truth was no.

I frowned. “I really think you should tell your dad. He wouldn’t change the house if he knew it upset you.”

“I know he wouldn’t, which is why I can’t say anything.” She wrapped her arms around my waist and squeezed. “I trust you, Luke. And I want what Dad wants. Don’t worry … I’ll be fine.”

“You always are. But you don’t have to be. You know that, right?”

“I’ve heard it once or twice,” she said with a sidelong smile.

I chuckled and kissed her nose. “Meet you back here after dinner. Let’s get the installation brainstormed out so I can start building.”

“Deal. And bring your appetite.”

One of my brows rose. “You bringing dessert?”

“Yes, in the form of black lace.”

I kissed her smirking lips for a long moment before letting her go with regret. “Let’s go. Sooner we get this over, the sooner I get my treat.”