Leo chuckled and held up the paper he’d pulled off the printer. “I’m surprising her for her birthday with a trip to Chicago to see the Monet exhibit. Just printed the tickets. It’s still okay to take off that weekend we talked about?”

“We’ve got you covered.” Leo’s dad looked at his watch. “It’s a beautiful evening, and you’ve been working day and night. Why don’t you head out of here early? I’ll close up.”

Leo looked around at the bustling waitstaff and the customers lined up at the door.

“Go on.” Marco made a sweeping motion. “Take off while you can. Go home to Tessa.”

Leo never left when there was work to be done. But his dad was right—it was a warm, clear summer evening. And he’d just been given a rare opportunity to enjoy it.

So he thanked his dad and walked out of the restaurant, checking his watch as he went. 7 p.m. The earliest time he’d left work since he came back to town. On the way home, he noticed that the florist, Cara Rayburn, was closing up. He waved to her from the street, then, on impulse, rapped on the glass door.

“Why hello, Leo,” she said, pushing her horn-rimmed glasses up and smiling as he came through the door. “I just can’t get over how much more foot traffic we’ve had lately. Whatever magic you Castorinis are making over there across the street has helped all our businesses. What can I do for you?”

“I know you’re about done for the day. But you wouldn’t by chance have any flowers that I can bring home to my wife, would you?”

“Tessa’s favorite color is blue, isn’t it? Just like those pretty eyes of hers.”

“I can confirm that.” Yes. He knew that now. And a bunch of other things, too. Like how to make her laugh. And how much she loved flowers.

“I have just the thing. Give me a second.”

Cara went to her refrigerator and pulled out some pretty blue flowers on long stems. He had no idea what they were, but since Tessa knew the names of every flower from here to Texas, he’d be okay.

He was going to keep the Monet tickets a surprise for now. And the special hotel room overlooking Lake Michigan. It would be fun to explore Chicago in preparation for her move there.

His dad was right. They’d both been working nonstop for weeks. Tonight would be a great break. A fun surprise.

As Cara handed him over a pretty bouquet of beautiful blue and white flowers, he thanked her and placed some money on the counter.

“Leo, you’ve overpaid me,” she said, holding up a bill.

“Thanks for going out of your way, Cara.” He waved as he headed for the door.