Free Holding On by Karen Stivali Page A

every flower imaginable, was nearly empty—cleaned out by last minute shoppers.
    Another worker came out from the back of the store, carrying three long rose boxes. He set them down on the counter.
    “I’ve got your order ready, Daniel.” The florist disappeared into the back room. She returned a minute later, two small boxes and one large one. “Happy anniversary. You and Marienne have big plans?”
    Daniel nodded, unable to keep from grinning. “We do indeed.”
    “Awww, that’s sweet. Well I hope you have a lovely time. And I hope she enjoys the flowers. Ella too.” She gave him a friendly wink.
    “Thanks.” Daniel carefully took the boxes from her.
    He loaded them into his car and drove home. Marienne didn’t know that they were going away overnight. She thought they were just going out to dinner. She’d arranged for Ruth to come down and watch Ella, but Daniel had called and asked Ruth if she’d mind sleeping over so they could have a night alone. Ruth had agreed without hesitation. She loved spending time with Ella, and Daniel was grateful for all the times she’d watched Ella for them. That would be a big change if we moved . Ruth would be a plane ride away if they relocated to Dartmouth. Certainly a big consideration, but not the only factor.
    Ruth already had every right to resent Daniel. He’d survived the car accident that had killed her son. He was married to Marienne. He’d taken Frank’s place in Ella’s life. She could hate him, but she didn’t seem to. She was warm and gracious. And a most loving grandmother. He couldn’t help but wonder how she’d feel when the new baby arrived.
    Ruth’s car was already in the driveway when Daniel arrived home. He grabbed the shopping bag from the backseat of his car. He maneuvered his way into the house, careful not to drop the boxes.
    “Daddy’s home!” Ella ran toward him.
    He braced himself, preparing for the impact as she flung herself against his legs. “Hi sweet girl.” He placed the boxes on the kitchen counter then set down the bag. “Where’s your mum?” He stroked Ella’s hair.
    “I’m right here.” Marienne walked into the room, struggling with the clasp on her bracelet. She was wearing a burgundy velvet dress with a deep v-neck, her belly round and full. He couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful.
    He walked straight to her and kissed her. Her warm lips were faintly sticky from lipstick but he didn’t care. He pressed his hand against the soft velvet on her back.
    “Something’s up with Ruth,” she whispered. “She’s acting all secretive.”
    Daniel laughed. “That would be my doing.”
    Marienne’s brow furrowed.
    He smiled at her expression. “I asked if she’d stay with Ella for the night, I have a surprise for you. I also have these.” He pushed the large floral box toward her on the counter.
    Marienne ran her fingers along the edges of the box, breaking the tape seals. Daniel watched her face as she lifted off the lid. Her breath caught as she looked inside.
    “Oh my God.” She reached toward the flowers, fingering the petals. Her eyes met his. “They’re just like our wedding flowers.”
    “Yes.” He reached into the shopping bag and extracted a large gold foil candy box. “And these—”
    She interrupted. “Are the chocolates we gave out as favors.” She opened the box and pulled out a heart shaped candy. She took a bite, her tongue swooping down to catch the caramel that oozed out. “Ohhhhh.”
    He loved seeing her so happy. She closed her eyes as she popped the second half into her mouth. We need to leave. Soon. I just want to be alone with her.
    ****
    The sweet creamy chocolate and buttery caramel tasted like pure pleasure. It brought with it all the wonderful memories of their wedding night. Marienne sighed. She opened her eyes to see Daniel staring at her, his eyes hungry. “Want one?” She held up a chocolate.
    “No thanks.” He pulled her into his arms. “Well, maybe just a taste.”