Chapter 50
Chapter 49: Survivor
The scent of fresh blooms welcomed me as I stepped into the flower shop
I let out a quiet breath of relief when Liam couldn’t follow me after receiving a phone call. It seemed important,
Finally, a moment to breathe.
I stared at the variety of flowers around me. I almost closed my eyes to take in their scent. A bitter smile tugged at my lips as memories of the past resurfaced.
Growing up with flowers, I knew them like the back of my hand–their names, seasons, and stories
Grandma used to say they were like people–some stubborn, some gentle, some needing more care than others.
And just like people, they wouldn’t last forever.
Just like Liam remembers, I used to believe that loving something, even for a short time, was worth the pain of losing it.
Used to.
Right.
“Oh my, I already had a feeling our paths would cross again, and I was right.”
The warm and gentle voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I turned around, and my breath caught when I saw her–Grandina Ellen.
The woman 1 met earlier, the one who comforted me when I was struggling to calm myself.
I smiled. “Thad that feeling too, but I didn’t expect to see you again this soon, Grandma Ellen.”
A warm smile appeared on her lips. She seemed pleased that I still remembered how she introduced herself.
Though it had only been a short time since we met, I knew I wouldn’t forget her name even if years passed before I saw her again.
She stepped out from behind the counter and approached me.
“I guess that’s how funny life works, ain’t it?”
I smiled, my attention drawn to the bouquet she was carrying. It was a bouquet of California wild calla lilies, their white petals standing out among the colorful blooms around us.
“You got an eye for flower!?” she asked, gently adjusting the stems in her hands.
1 hesitated, my gang lingering on the lilies and the other flowers. “I grew up with them”
No, Mia N
row up with the
Miller did not grow up
But for a moment, I wanted to forget who I was now
She turned to me. “Oh wow, you seem like a city girl. That surprises me.”
I let out a soft laugh. “No, I’m not, Grandma Ellen,” I answered simply, glancing outside. I felt relieved when I saw Liam was still on the phone.
“Oh, that man. Your man!”
I stiffened. “Oh, no. ile’s any boss.”
She nodded, raising an eyebrow. I could see the curiosity in her eyes. “And you two are here to buy flowers?”
“He says he wants a supplier for his hotel
“And he’s looking for
one personally, with your There was a teasing smile on her lips.
I shook my head. “Oh no, Grailina Ellen. V
We’re not like that?
1/4
Chapter 50
“If you say so, darling”
She lifted the bouquet of lilies slightly as if offering them to me “You know, these here are special”
California wild
She smiled. “Right. Some folks call them the water lilies of the West. They don’t need much to grow–just a little water and a little space. Even in the roughest conditions they find a way to bloom”
They’re beautful”
“Aren’t all Gowers!”
I nodded. “Yeah, they are.”
“But these Bowers. I’d call them survivors. Aren’t you one, too, darling?”
I was caught off guard, speechless, unsure of what to say.
I had only met her today, but it felt like she saw right through
we all survivors, Grandma?” I echoed her words when I finally found my voice.
She smiled and nodded. “Right. You really remind me of my granddaughter, though,” she said, just like she had earlier.
“Do we look alike! I always hear that I resemble someone. Guess I have a common face“
“Oh no, not like that. I just have a feeling you’re like her”
“In what way, Grandma””
“A girl with a big heart, full of dreams. But she got hurt real bad. It took a long time to find her way again.”
I turned back to the flowers, pretending to admire them, though I could feel the ache in my chest. “Did she?”
“She did,” Grandma Ellen said softly. “Took her a while, but she did.”
“Must be nice for her.. I murmured.
She reached our and squeezed my hand gently. “Flowers always find a way to bloom again, darling. Even after the harshest winter.”
She handed me the bouquet.“Take it. My gift.”
1 blinked at her. “No, I can’t take this, Grandma-
“Oh, please. Accept it. In return, give me your name.”
Tauled. Im
“Mia,” I said just as the bell jingled. Even without turning around, I knew it was Liam.
“What’s that?” he asked, referring to the flowers | was holding-
Flower
Lalmost answered sarcastically.
“Tur’s Califonda wild lilies, son, Grandma Ellen said. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Liam nodded, his gaze shifting from the flowers to my face. “It is”
“Are we still talking about Blowers here?” Grandma Ellen teased
Liam chuckled solity while I shifted uncomfortably at how Grandma Ellen assumed something was going on between Liam and me.
*I’m just kidding, Mia. Forgive this old lady for her humor.”
I shook my head and smiled at Grandma Ellen. I didn’t want her to feel offended me–because she hadn’t. I was just uncomfortable.
2/4
Chapter 30
“Anyway, Mia told me you’re her boss and that you’re looking for a flower supplier?” she said, turning her attention to Liani.
He extended his hand. Tim Liam Anderson, ma’am. I was driving when your shop caught my attention. Do you own the flower fann beside flas shop
“Yes, we grow our own flowers. It has been in the family for generations. If you’ve got time, I can take youu there. You can see for yourself. We love a beautiful view, especially now that the sun is about to set”
I swallowed hand.
No, I don’t want to. –
“That sounds nice.”
“Aren’t we going to be bar-
Before I could finish my sentence, the shop door opened again, and a young woman stepped inside, holding the hand of a small girl
“Belle, darling, you’re here.”
I stared at the woman. She had the kind of effortless beauty–wann brown eyes, tanneil skin, and a quiet grace about her
already knew she was the granddaughter Grandma Ellen had been talking about,
“Grandma,” Belle greeted, kissing Ellen’s check before gazing at us. “I see we have visitors.”
“That we do.” Grandma Ellen said warmly. “Bellisima, this here is Mia and Lian. They’re th
Bellisima smiled at me, but I was dranen to the girl beside her.
“Your daughter!”
“Yes. Her name is Ryleigh, Bell
Belle answered, looking happy to introduce her.
But her name caught me off guard, making my knees feel weak.
Ryleigh…
Sounds like you, my angel.
I composed myself quickly and smiled, feeling Liam’s gaze on me.
thinking about taking a life trip to the farm”
“Such a beautifull name. Hi, Ryleigh,” I greeted, lowering myself slightly to her
eye
level
She didn’t respond, only blinking at me with wide blue eyes
“She doesn’t speak,” Bellisima said after a pause, her voice laced with quiet understanding “She’s mule.“”
I stared at Ryleigh and smiled gently. Something about her stirred emotions deep within me
“She doesn’t need to speak,” I murmured. “Her eyes say enough”
“Thank you” Bel
Belle said, giving me a warm smile that resembled Grandma Ellen’s.
“Do you guys want me to give you a tour of the farm?“
No..
“Sure,” Liam said without hesitation
Grandma Ellen clapped her hands together. “Perfect! You go ahead, and I’ll make us a nice tea. I’ll bring it over once it’s ready”
1 swallowca hard, shifting uncomfortably. My fingers curled around the petals of the California wild lilies in my hands.
1 didn’t want to go.
I glanced at Lum, who was talking with Belle.
What is it you want!
Do you want to see me falter? Watch my reaction as I walk through a place much like the one that led Camilliana to meet a man like you—the place. where we owed for a love Lonce believed was realt
refined to give him satisfaction so I acted as if it didn’t bother me and walked with them.
Until I felt a small hand tug at me
My gaze shifted downward, meeting Ryleigh’s silent blue eyes.
She smiled at me. She didn’t speak–not with words–but something about the way she looked at me made my throat tighten.
She reminded me of a child I had lost..
My angel–ny Rylaine
A child who never got the chance to be with me and her siblings..
G
