Free A Moment of Bliss by Heather McGovern Page B

know what to say. “I . . . think so. Yes.”
    Roark must’ve noted her struggle, because he got down to the reason for their visit.
    â€œWedding flowers in three weeks?” Brenda fisted her hands on her hips “Roark Bradley, have you lost your mind?”
    â€œNo, ma’am. And it’s not all me. It’s Madison’s wedding.” He thumbed toward her, trying to share the blame. “Please, Brenda. I need you to make this work. You can’t say no.”
    â€œDid I say no yet?” Brenda put one hand out, counting on each finger. “I can make it work, but I’ll need to order from my supplier by next week. Rush delivery. We’ll need to make a decision this week on what and how much, to get it in time. I’ll have to work nights to get the arrangements and bouquets done, along with what’s already on slate.”
    â€œI can make it worth your trouble,” Madison promised her.
    She had to work with Brenda, and not because of the compliments or her welcoming nature. Her conviction behind all that warmth, the obvious dedication; when Brenda said she could make it work, the statement was fact, not fluff.
    Roark was right. Brenda was the florist.
    â€œIf you’re willing to work with me on style and getting the bride what she wants, you can name your price.”
    Roark cocked an eyebrow at the both of them. “I’ll have you know, I did not get the same offer for the wedding location.”
    Brenda patted his arm. “That’s because you’re not me, honey.”
    â€œI know. I’ll owe you for this. Please say yes.”
    Brenda considered him, hands still on her hips. “You most certainly will owe me one. One meaning you’ll come into town more often. Last time I saw you was in the Italian place with that nice little teacher. What’s her name?”
    Roark lowered his chin and muttered, “Annabeth.”
    Madison gave the cut flower case another once-over.
    â€œThat’s it. Whatever happened there? If you don’t want to take Annabeth out again, take Madison here. A nice man like you should get out more.” Brenda was on a mission, but then, Roark was the one who’d said he owed her.
    He wrapped an arm around Brenda’s shoulders. “I’ll do my best, but who has time to date? Are you dating?”
    She smacked at the hand on her shoulder. “We’re not talking about me.”
    â€œI have an entire resort to run, and increasing business for me means better business for you.”
    â€œI know, I know.” She patted the hand she’d smacked. “I’m mothering you. I can’t help it.”
    Shadows suddenly passed over Roark’s eyes, a sudden despondency that was too recognizable.
    â€œI just don’t want you to die up there, all alone on that mountain,” Brenda cooed.
    Roark burst out with a laugh, the shadows chased away as quick as they came. “You do have a flair for the dramatic.”
    â€œYou bet I do.” Her hand palm up, Brenda indicated her shop.
    â€œFine. If you’ll do this job, Madison will pay you a mint and I’ll do my best not to die alone. Happy?”
    â€œEcstatic.” She took Madison’s hands again. “Now you come see me tomorrow with what you have in mind and we will make this wedding”—Brenda snapped her fingers—“fabulous.”
    * * *
    Roark fitted himself into the Audi once more. “Told you she was a handful.”
    Madison put on her seat belt and checked her mirrors before pulling out. “I like her, and she knows flowers. Thank you for the recommendation.”
    â€œNo problem.” He twisted around in the small space, trying to buckle himself in.
    At the red light, she finally shooed his hand away and clicked the buckle into place. “You be sure to date so you don’t end up on that mountain alone. And dead.”
    â€œRight?” He grinned, shifting around to