“It’s okay. I understand you were upset.”

“Don’t let me off the hook,” she said, her tone raw with an emotion he couldn’t name. “It’s like when we were younger, and I was cruel because I wanted to be part of the popular crowd.”

“We’re not kids anymore, Ang.”

She took a step toward him, her dark eyes flashing. “I know, which is why I need to do better. I need to model better behavior for Andrew so he knows he has options other than flight or fight. I don’t want him to feel like he has to run away from his life. The way I did.”

“You’re a good mom,” he told her. “Trust me, I know the difference.”

He had started to reach for her, unsure which of them needed comfort more, when the bells over the front door chimed.

“Oh, I must have the wrong place,” an older woman said, her face falling as she took in the shop’s drab interior. Andrew had done his best to help Gabe, but the interior needed more. Way more.

When Gabe didn’t answer, Angi gave him a quelling look and then smiled at the potential customer. “What were you looking for?” she asked.

“I thought this was the same little flower shop I stopped in last year at this time.” The woman took off her gloves. “I’m driving down to Charleston to see my grandkids, and I bought the cutest ornament and holiday arrangement. My daughter was so tickled by it, I thought I’d make it an annual tradition.” She frowned. “But this can’t be the same shop.”

“It is,” Gabe muttered, guilt spiking at him because he’d let his animosity toward his mother change how he treated his grandmother’s precious flowers and plants. What could he do about it now?

“We’re behind on getting our Christmas stock on the shelves,” Angi explained, like the store belonged to her as much as it did him. “The owner had a bit of crisis.” She flicked a glance toward Gabe. “The store will be transformed by this weekend.”

The customer perked up. “That’s good to know. I’m visiting my girl for a few days, then driving back. I could stop in on my way home at the beginning of next week.”

“We’d love that,” Angi assured her.

Gabe would love no such thing but didn’t argue.

“You might even consider bringing your daughter for a visit and staying overnight in town.” Angi pulled a business card out of the pocket of her skirt. “The town is having an art walk and shopping event on Friday. All of the shops will be offering promotions and specials. You can do your Christmas shopping right here in Magnolia. Plus, there’s a new inn, the Wildflower, that opened this past summer.” She handed the woman the business card. “It’s amazing.”

“She should know.” Gabe placed an arm around Angi’s shoulder and squeezed. “She’s the in-house chef and is fantastic. She’s even gotten praise from a US senator.”