Chapter 1
Tuesday, December 18th, One week until Christmas
Marie stood in the back of her flower shop, scowling. Her mother called to remind her not to be late for their holiday party.
“Marie, honey, are you bringing a date this year?”
“No, Mom.”
“What about Reggie? He is a nice man.” Marie rolled her eyes.
“And gay, mom.” Her mother, Noelle, tsked.
“Shame. You’re not getting any younger. You might want to go light on the food this year, honey. Maybe losing a few pounds would help you attract a man. Both your younger sisters are married with babies. Don’t you want that?” Of course, Marie wanted a husband and children. She wouldn’t settle for a man who didn’t adore her.
“See you Saturday, Mom.” Marie hung up and turned to see her assistant, Reggie, giving her a sad look. “I’m fine, Reg. Let’s get this arrangement done. Only seven days until Christmas.” She went to the ribbon table and pulled red, green, and gold ribbons. Marie knew she would always be considered cute. She was short and carried a bit of extra weight. Both her younger sisters were tall, thin, and vain. Marie had her mother’s height but her father’s build. Every pound she put on made her even rounder. She tried hard to eat right and exercise. Nothing worked for long. Her mother’s favorite pastime was to call, ask about a boyfriend, and pick on her weight.
“Why do you answer? She always ruins your day.” Reggie clipped thorns off red and white roses.
“If I don’t, she guilts me about not loving her. Both Joy and Valerie call her daily.”
“They stay home while their kids go to daycare. Of course, they can call your mom.”
“Doesn’t matter to Noelle Kriton.”
“I’m sorry.” Reggie handed her the roses, and she put them into twelve bunches with a few small white flowers to add depth.
“Marie, we have a customer needing help with a table setting,” her other assistant, Trisha, called into the back.
“Not sure we’ll be able to squeeze them in.” Marie took the phone. “Hello, Kriton Florist.”
“Hi, I’m desperately in need of a table piece,” a deep voice said through the phone, making a shiver pass down Marie’s spine.
“It depends on how big. We are almost booked solid.
“It just has to be something a mom who loves Christmas would appreciate. I don’t usually wait this long to order.”
“I have an opening today at six-thirty. The shop closes at seven.”
“Thank you, see you then,” Marie hung up and sighed. Secretly, she hoped the man was hot and single. His voice alone ruined her panties. A late night with her battery-operated boyfriend might be needed.
“You did a one-eighty. Did someone call to ask you out?” Reggie gave her a sly smile.
“No, but his voice sent shivers across my body.” Reggie laughed and finished another bouquet. “I hope his body matches his voice. Tall, handsome, single.” She gave him a smile of her own.
“If he is, honey, snatch him up and use him as your holiday date.”
“I will not. No poor man needs to be subjected to my family.” She couldn’t do that to someone. Lately, Marie had begun to hate holidays. Every year was the same. Get a husband, and stop being fat. You’re not getting any younger. She was thirty-three, not dead. Both her sisters married their college sweethearts and had children. Marie loved her nieces and nephews. The problem was they reminded everyone she was single and childless.
“Marie, I need you!” Trisha called, sending her to the front of the shop. She spent the rest of her day helping others and making arrangements. She didn’t have a chance to have lunch as one needy customer after another took her time. If the shop did well this season, she’d consider bringing on one more person. She enjoyed arranging flowers more than working the front.
“Marie, your sixty-thirty appointment is here,” Trisha announced. Without looking up from her arrangement, Marie replied.
“Tell them I’ll be a minute. You can take them to the consulting room.” Marie wanted to finish the centerpiece before her meeting. The only thing left was to add the filler flowers.
“Marie, go. I caught a glimpse and think he might be your prince charming.” Reggie nudged her out of the way to take over. Rolling her eyes, Marie took off her apron. Smoothing her frizzy hair, she went to the consult room. She saw Trisha give her a thumbs up. Walking into the room, Marie’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat. Fuck! He did match his voice. He had honey-blond hair and grass-green eyes. He stood looking at some of her award-winning arrangements. Her toys at home were going to get a workout tonight. This man in his three-piece suit melted her panties.
“Hello, I’m Marie Kriton. I’m sorry I didn’t get your name over the phone.” She held out a hand. When he shook it, her knees went weak.
“I’m Holton Bell. Thank you for squeezing me in. It has been a busy work season, and I forgot to order ahead.” Marie tried to place the familiar name.
“Usually your assistant comes,” she replied, remembering a beautiful brunette with similar green eyes.
“My sister. She quit about a year ago. I don’t know how this works. Ruby always helped me.” Marie smiled and tried not to laugh. This huge man, probably a foot plus taller than her, was asking for her help.
“Okay, sit, and we’ll see what we can put together.” She pointed to the table and opened her sample books. Visuals always helped people make up their minds. “Here are our most popular choices.” She flipped through, letting him look at each photo.
“Hmm, do you have anything more wintery and less Christmas? I want her to enjoy the peace after the holiday.”
“Not in here, but I can show you options and piece a sample together.” Holton gave her a big smile, one that made her heart race.
“That would be nice.” Marie stood as did he. She looked up and up. The man towered over her but didn’t make her feel unsafe. Holton held open the door for her as they left the room.
“Thank you, Mr. Bell.” She gave him a shy smile.
“Holton, please. Mr. Bell is my father.” She laughed and led him to the backroom. Reggie winked and put the arrangement she’d been doing in the refrigerator before leaving.
