After Liv called a taxi and made sure her mum was safely inside, she needed to walk around and get some fresh air. She hated to think there had been some kind of discord between her parents when her dad died.

She wandered around the area, until she got disorientated. When she saw a blue florist sign that said Bloom and Dale, Liv recognized it from the tag on the bouquet of white roses Chloe brought to the apartment. She still had her mum’s money in her fist and headed into the shop.

A young woman with tight black curls stood arranging carnations in a bucket. Her name badge said Sam. “Can I help?” she said.

“I’m looking for a small bunch of flowers.” Liv looked blankly around the shop, at bunches of red roses, and heart-shaped balloons, thinking she couldn’t actually give any of them to Essie.

“I’ve just made up a few summertime sprays, white roses, carnations and gypsophila They’re really cute and only cost nine pounds.”

“Perfect. I’ll take one.”

Sam wrapped patterned paper around the stems and added tape. “Anything else?”

“Actually, yes,” Liv said, recalling phoning the florist and how they wouldn’t share who’d sent flowers to Essie. She had to think of another way to glean the information. “I believe Bloom and Dale sometimes deliver white roses to the author Essie Starling, but her most recent bouquet didn’t come with a message. I’m her assistant and she’s asked me to send a thank-you note to the sender.”

“Oh.” Sam hesitated. “I’m not sure. I’ll ask Belle, she’s the owner.”

At the mention of her name, a woman appeared, clutching a bunch of sunflowers. A multitude of grips pinned up her unruly auburn hair to display her large hooped earrings. “We’re really not supposed to give out—” she started.

“I completely understand,” Liv said. “But I believe Ms. Starling is a long-standing, valued customer, and she’s really keen to say thanks. I can call her, if you like.” She gestured to take her phone out of her bag.

Belle paused before holding up a hand. “Please don’t bother her. I’m sure we can make an exception. We’re big fans in this shop, absolutely love Essie’s books.” She took out her order book. “Let’s see... Essie Starling. Yes, she usually has white lilies, delivered each week and yes, white roses, twice a year.”

Liv sucked in a breath and held it in her chest. Was this finally the moment she discovered the identity of Essie’s mystery man?

Belle’s laugh tinkled around the shop. “You won’t need a postage stamp for the thank-you card,” she said.

Liv tilted her head. “What do you mean? Who sends them?”

“Essie orders them for herself.”