“The roses will last a week, Mrs. Mason, if you care for them properly.” She handed them over. “Trim the ends, then pop them into a vase with flower food and about a liter of water.”

“You’ve made them look so pretty, Flora. I’m going to put them right in water the way they are. They never need arranging when you’ve done them.”

Julia nudged her. “You’ve got company.”

Flora glanced up as Jack pushed open the door and strolled into the store. A few heads turned. Mrs. Mason’s eyes widened.

“Well now isn’t he a hottie?”

“Mrs. Mason!” Julia gave a shocked and delighted laugh.

“What? My grandchildren like to expand my vocabulary. And even without their help, I know an attractive man when I see one, and he is very handsome. Is he yours, Flora?”

“Oh! I—not exactly—I mean—”

“He’s hers.” Julia leaned forward, sharing a woman-to-woman moment with one of their favorite customers. “What do you think?”

They were both staring at Jack and Flora wondered whether it was too late to escape through the back window.

“I approve,” Mrs. Mason said. “He has strong shoulders. Good arms. I like a man with good arms. What about you?”

Julia pondered. “I like a man with—”

“Will there be anything else, Mrs. Mason?” Flora dived in before Julia could say something that might lose her a precious customer.

“No dear. Don’t worry about me.” Mrs. Mason waved her away in the most indiscreet way possible and then Jack approached and smiled at her.

Flora thought Mrs. Mason might be about to collapse at his feet.

“I’m Serena Mason. I’ve been coming here for years. I wouldn’t allow anyone else to do my flowers. Flora is so talented, as well as being one of my favorite people.”

Jack laughed. “She’s one of my favorite people, too.” He turned to Flora. “Are you free for lunch?”

“I am if she isn’t,” Julia said cheerfully and Flora ignored her.

She checked the time. “Ten minutes?”

“Ten minutes works for me. I’ll be in the coffee shop next door. Join me when you’re ready.” He walked away and Mrs. Mason sighed.

“What a dreamy man. Who will do the flowers at your wedding? You can’t possibly do your own flowers.”

“I’m not getting married so that’s not a problem that needs solving.” Flora bundled Mrs. Mason out of the door with her bouquet of flowers and hoped Jack hadn’t overheard.

“She’s not wrong. That man is dreamy.” Julia cleared up her mess. “It’s a shame he has baggage.”