She laughed openly at that. “That would be a sight I’ve never seen before.”

“I can’t believe how many people are here,” I said with a shake of my head. “We’ve sold twenty market bouquets today, and I’ve got twelve more here that I suspect will be gone before dinner.”

“It’s all thanks to you. I … I don’t know how I’ll ever thank you, Tess.” Her voice quivered, then broke.

And when my hands were free, I pulled her into a hug. “Mrs. Bennet, we would do anything for you and for this shop. All we did was spruce it up so people would notice it again.”

“You kids are too smart for this old lady. I never would have imagined to do all this.”

I leaned back to look at her. “Oh, you would have. You’re the most creative florist I’ve ever known, and I know a few. In fact, I was wondering … would you help me with the next installation?”

Her flush deepened. “I can’t do much anymore, Tess.”

“Why? Don’t tell me you’ve got dementia. I’m not ready for you to lose your marbles.”

A laugh, touched with sadness. “No, not yet. Though when I do, I can only imagine the conversations you’ll have to endure. I doubt losing my wits will stop me from talking, and if you ask Mr. Bennet, he’ll tell you that’s my superpower.”

A woman said from behind us, “Oh, these are beautiful. Are those zinnias?”

I moved out of the way so she could reach the bouquets we’d just loaded. “They are.”

“What a beautiful monochromatic bouquet. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Are you the florist?”

“She is,” Mrs. Bennet said proudly. “She designed the installations too. Did you see them?”

“That’s why I came in,” she admitted. “I swear I’ve walked by this shop a thousand times and never knew it was here. Looks like I’ll be getting all my flowers here.”

“Well then,” Mrs. Bennet said, “we’ll see you again soon.”

The second she turned to head to Jett at the counter, Mrs. Bennet grabbed my hand. “You! You, my sweet Tess, are a godsend.”

“Takes one to know one.” I kissed her cheek.

“You and Lucas are a good team, Tess. You ground him, and I think he loosens you up a little.” Her smile was coy, and she shifted, bumping me with her hip.

My cheeks caught fire as I laughed her off.

“He’s a good boy, Tess. I promise. Now, go! Shoo! Go make more witchcraft back there with our flowers.”

“And you keep hustling, Mrs. Bennet.”

She beamed, turning for a customer as I bounced to the back again.

Could she be right? Could it be me who’d inspired Luke’s newfound purpose?

But I brushed the thought away, laughing at my self-importance. He was here for the shop, for his family. I had nothing to do with it. Of that I was certain.

Ivy sighed, running the back of one hand across her forehead. The other hand reached for the small of her back and pushed. “This is madness. Jett just gave me three more orders!”