by Ava Miles
And stock dives were bad for business. Shareholders got edgy. “Is there anything else I can do to help?”
“Just give me the best damn holiday baskets ever,” Quinn said gruffly. “Maybe they’ll help morale.”
So Merriam employees were worried about the leadership transition too. “You’ve got it. Maybe we should throw a bigger holiday party. Are you working on your speech? It’s your best opportunity to cheerlead anyone who’s worried.”
“I know that, and yes, I have both J.T. and Trevor helping with the speech. Okay, now I really have to run. I promise I’ll make it to your wedding if you can get Annie to the altar. Your soulmate… Flynn, sometimes you amaze me.”
He pressed his case. “It’s been that way with all of our other siblings, why not me? You’d better watch out.”
Quinn laughed harshly. “I already met her, and it didn’t work out. Gotta run.”
What?
Before Flynn could say anything, his brother hung up.
Who was he talking about? Flynn didn’t know anything about a woman like that in Quinn’s life, but then again, they weren’t exactly confidants. The eight-year age difference had ensured they didn’t spend much time together as kids.
Still, Quinn was nothing if not tenacious. He wasn’t the sort to give up on a woman he knew to be his soulmate. Of course, Flynn couldn’t just call him back to gab—Quinn had about a thousand things to do, and who knew if he’d even tell him. His brother was tight-lipped about his personal business. Always had been. If anyone knew the story, it was Connor, and Connor wasn’t about to gossip.
Instead, Flynn turned to important matters like what kind of flowers to bring Annie that evening and called the only flower shop in Nemo to see what they could deliver to his bed and breakfast. While on the phone, he thought about the three girls. All the women he knew liked flowers. Wouldn’t Annie’s girls like them too? He completed his order, asking if they could go the extra mile and find him a Santa hat, and hung up the phone.
If he managed to woo Annie, those girls might one day be his stepdaughters.
His chest got all tight thinking about it.
His brother and sister were right: if he and Annie got together, his life would be changing and then some. His mind started to go crazy—Where would they live? Would he need to move to Ohio?—but he stopped the errant thoughts by saying his favorite mantra: everything will work out just fine.
After repeating his mantra for five minutes with his eyes closed, breathing deeply, he felt calmer. He’d been getting ahead of himself. First, he needed to court Annie and form the connection he sensed was possible between them.
Since he had plenty to do, he decided to pour his excess energy into business. He worked with Quinn’s assistant on approving the budget memo. Then he contacted their lead merchandiser in their skincare department, and the two of them came up with a selection of baskets and spa accessories he could share with Annie tonight, plus a short list of three companies that might be able to fill the other half of the order. Tomorrow he planned to call the companies personally and see what kind of a deal he could negotiate. The best offer would win. Not a bad afternoon of work, if you asked him.
Next on his plate were the urgent space issues. First up was acquiring a few rooms at the Wingate’s, something he managed easily with a quick visit with the proprietors. In fact, the couple was delighted to hear some of his family would be joining him. And they were clearly curious about the multiple flower arrangements that had arrived for him from the shop in Nemo as well as the bright red Santa hat as he’d requested. He brought his loot back to his room, repeating his mantra once again.
Finding a large space to rent to assemble the baskets was proving more difficult. The couple of venues he’d called had claimed they were booked up until the holidays. Well, he’d have to find an innovative way to handle that challenge. There was no way Annie had enough space in her lab. Maybe he could talk with her about it tonight.
Tonight…
He couldn’t wait to see Annie again. Unable to wait to make contact, he texted to ask if six o’clock was all right for him to bring dinner, and she immediately responded it was, asking if he was sure he didn’t want to wait until the girls were in bed at eight thirty to discuss business. He looked at the flowers and didn’t hesitate. He’d already met Amelia and adored her. He was sure the other girls would be as terrific.
Then he texted the picture of him with Amelia and Carrot to his family, saying simply: Buttercup has competition. Who’s the cutest in this picture?
Trevor, the focus of Buttercup’s undying love, texted right away. One thing is for sure. It’s not you, Flynn.
Trevor’s twin, J.T., texted next. I never imagined you’d go for a unicorn, Flynn. The kid is adorable.
Then Michaela responded: Bout time you settled down. I was getting worried about you. Love the girl. The unicorn rocks!
His mom sent a trio of red hearts, but his dad surprised him by saying, Wish I’d had those kinds of business meetings when I was younger. Imagine, a unicorn and an adoring kid.
Huh. His dad had never seemed the type to go gushy over animals. Then again, he’d changed a lot in retirement.
Caitlyn texted a bunch of hearts too, saying, Excited to be there and meet Annie and her girls.
Which was when Aunt Clara opened the whole can by saying: Can’t wait to meet them either. Especially the beautiful Annie.
After that, the texts came in rapid-fire from his other siblings…
What?
Is Annie matchmaking potential?
Need more help?
Keeping his cool, he only replied, It’s early, and we’re good on help.
Then his eldest brother, Connor, the former Big Bad Wolf himself, texted, a gesture so new it still shocked him. You look happy. It’s great to see. Have fun and good luck with Annie. If you have the matchmakers coming, you’re in great hands.
Boy, Connor’s new fiancée had transformed him. Thank God.
Quinn’s text was predictable. Stop horsing around. You’re on the clock.
The family texting continued, with Trevor sending them a litany of Buttercup videos, everything from the alpaca chasing him across the Irish cliffs to her resting her head on his shoulder as the sun went down. He told his brother, It’s official. You’re an Instagram boyfriend.
At five o’clock, Penelope Wingate called to tell him his dinner would be ready to go at quarter to six. She tried chatting him up about why he was in the area, but he only said it was for business. His summers in Dare Valley had taught him a key lesson about small-town life: everyone knew everyone else’s business. He wasn’t sure Annie would want that. She seemed private. Guarded, in fact.
When he arrived at the farm sporting his Santa hat, he was filled with excitement. He spotted an older man in a dark work coat emerging from the well-lit barn. Since it was black as pitch out now, Flynn couldn’t see much else beyond that their two-story house was decorated with cheery, multicolored lights. He found himself wondering again what it was like for Annie to live on her in-laws’ land. Were they close? Was the arrangement beneficial for all of them? Losing a son must have been hard on the couple, even more so if he’d helped with the family farm. Flynn didn’t know if there were other children.
It served as a reminder that he still had a lot to learn about her—and vice versa.
When he pulled into Annie’s driveway, the front door opened and out popped Amelia. She had on her Elsa winterwear and was running toward him, illuminated by the light from the porch and the ones hanging from the eaves. Santa and the reindeer shimmied in the cold wind, snow from earlier covering them in patches.
“Flynn! I’m so glad you came back. Oh, I love your hat! What did you bring us for dinner?”
He’d gone a little overboard and selected a little of everything. Penelope Wingate’s eyes had rounded, but she’d taken the order without comment.
“How about some steak, roast chicken, mac and cheese, and hash brown casse
role, alongside some chocolate cake and brownies? You said you loved chocolate.” God, he hoped Annie let her kids eat desserts. Some moms didn’t these days. Personally, he thought that was downright sad.
“I do, I do!” She held up her hands to him, and he picked her up. Her kiss on his cheek was as enthusiastic as her hug, and he melted at her affection. God, she was so sweet, and she smelled like those flowers that had captivated his nose earlier in the house. The scent was familiar, but he couldn’t place it.
“Did you have a bath already? You smell like flowers.”
“Mom made us take our baths early since you were coming over.” She rolled her eyes dramatically, her head swaying to the side for emphasis. “She’s been so crazy today. She even got weird about your gift basket. Kept switching out products right and left. I smell like orange blossoms. It’s our favorite scent. Mom made a blend for her and one for us girls. Isn’t it wonderful? Mom says orange blossoms smell better than anything in the world. Even roses. Can you believe that?”
My God, the little girl hadn’t taken a breath. Then he wondered where Annie had come across orange blossoms. He didn’t know much about Ohio yet, but the state wasn’t known for oranges, given its climate.
Full of excitement for the future unfurling before him, he held Amelia closer. “I love orange blossoms myself. Might have to sniff you a few times to get my fix.” He stuck his nose next to her ear playfully and gave a dramatic sniff.
She squealed, wiggling in his arms. “No, no. Don’t tickle!”
But she didn’t move away, so he did it again. Her giggles had him laughing himself. He felt it again, the simple joy he’d experienced this morning, and it expanded inside of him. Oh, yes, he’d been missing this. Somehow, some way, being here felt so right.
“Amelia!” Annie called out. “Let Mr. Merriam come inside. It’s cold out.”
There was a pause, and she said, “Hello, Flynn.”
He looked toward the front door and saw Annie. Colored lights winked on her face alongside the steady glow of the porch light. God, she was so beautiful. Her blond curls made him long to run his hands through her hair, and her smile—hesitant yet warm and welcoming—invited him to smile back.
His joy rose to a higher level, like he was paragliding through the air. Yes, this was real, and yes, it felt like coming home, something he wanted to do every night. He knew his brothers would accuse him of being both impulsive and overly sentimental—although Quinn had surprised him—but he could see Annie greeting him like this in fifty years.
“Hello, Annie,” he replied, his voice lower than normal. “This might be the best greeting I’ve ever had.”
“Us too!” Amelia answered. “We’ve been on pins and needles waiting for you. Right, Mom?”
“Oh, Amelia,” Annie groaned.
Flynn laughed. “Want to help me carry in the food, Amelia? I also have a few presents.”
“More presents?” She slid down to the ground. “Yay! You really are like Santa. Can I carry the desserts? I’ll be careful with them. Promise.”
Handing Amelia the desserts, he grabbed the flowers and the remaining bags. Annie opened the door to let them inside. He smiled at her as she closed it behind him. Her shoulder-length blond hair looked freshly washed as well, damp still at the ends but curling like fishing hooks. God, she smelled delicious, another orange blossom scent but this one was alluring and sexy. Her face was as luminous as it was fair, and her blue eyes… They were wide as they stared into his—as if she felt the same things he did and didn’t know what to do with them.
“Are those amaryllis blooms?” she asked, touching a hand to her chest. “Love the hat, by the way.”
He grinned. “It’s strictly a matter of practicality. Who knew faux-fur trim could be so warm?” He extended all four bouquets in her direction. “I figured everyone should have some flowers. I got Amelia the daisies and the hydrangeas are for your twins. You struck me as a woman who’d like amaryllises and orchids, but Amelia tells me you love orange blossoms. Next time.”
Her eyes lifted, and the blue of them had turned the color of a turbulent sea. “You can’t find orange blossoms around here.”
Her whisper was barely audible to his ears, but the longing note grabbed his heart. Oh, honey. What happened to you?
“I love my flowers!” Amelia rushed to her mom. “Which ones are they?”
Annie swallowed thickly before extending the daisies to her daughter.
“Oh, they’re so happy,” she said, holding them to her nose. “I love them, but they don’t smell much, do they? Thanks, Flynn.”
“Yes, thanks, Flynn.” Annie looked up at him and clutched the remaining bouquets to her heart, and from the dreamy look in her eyes, he could tell she hadn’t registered Amelia’s use of his first name. Which was fine by him. He rather liked being Flynn to her.
Tears gathered in Annie’s eyes, and he discovered it was hard to remain where he stood. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms, but he couldn’t do that. Not yet. He held up the takeout bags instead. “My pleasure. We also have a veritable feast to choose from. I hope everyone is hungry.”
“He brought brownies and chocolate cake, Mom! Isn’t that great?” Amelia jumped up and down to punctuate her pronouncement.
“I brought veggies and protein too, don’t worry,” he whispered to Annie. “Now, where are these two other beautiful daughters of yours?”
Amelia ran out of the foyer, yelling, “Iris! Eloise! Come out and meet Flynn.”
“They’re in their room like usual. They’re ten, and it’s like they’re all grown-up suddenly,” Annie said, shaking her head.
An explanation or an apology? Flynn couldn’t tell.
Two nearly identical girls appeared in the doorway by the family room as Amelia ran back in, yelling, “Here they are, Flynn!”
“Mr. Merriam,” Annie corrected again.
“I prefer Flynn. Really.” He gave the twins a huge smile, noting their dark brown eyes and round faces, something they must have gotten from their father. Both girls had on jeans and sweaters, one electric purple and the other a rosy pink. “Hi, ladies. I’m Flynn.”
Their response was so mumbled he couldn’t make out the words. So much for wearing the jovial Santa hat as an icebreaker. They hadn’t even looked at it.
“What grade are you in?” he asked, aware of the attitude emanating from them. Although they were at least two feet shorter than Flynn, they nonetheless seemed to be staring down their noses at him.
“Fifth grade,” the one in purple finally said, although her voice sounded bored.
“Mr. Merriam brought everyone flowers,” Annie said, handing the girls their bouquets. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
Neither girl responded. The one in pink even shifted so her hip jutted out defiantly.
“Say thank you,” Annie prodded, casting a chagrined look his way.
“Thank you,” they muttered in unison, but they let the flowers hang in the direction of the floor as if completely unimpressed. Not that he’d been trying to impress them.
Okay, that wasn’t completely true. He had been. Clearly, he’d need to work harder.
He made himself smile again. “I hope you’re hungry. We’ve got some good stuff, and there’s chocolate cake and brownies for dessert.”
Neither girl smiled, and he heard Amelia say dramatically, “Oh my goodness.”
“We all love chocolate, don’t we?” Annie clutched her flowers, the plastic wrapper crinkling in the quiet.
The one in pink shrugged, and the other continued to stare at him.
“Say something to Flynn!” Amelia shouted at them. “He’s a nice man. You’re being rude.”
“You’re a baby,” the one on the right said. “What do you know?”
“I am not!” she shouted back.
“All right,” Annie called out, giving all of them the mother look. “Go wash up so we can eat. I’ll warm up the food if you’d like to sit down in the kitchen, Flynn.”
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He eyed the twins as they took each other’s hands and left the foyer. Solidarity, he thought. Man, his twin brothers, Trevor and J.T., had been like that. Still were in some ways. Growing up, he’d never felt invited to their private party.
This was worse. Annie’s twins seemed to have taken an instant dislike to him.
That could be a problem.
Chapter 5
The twins were pushing her buttons.
Annie slammed the microwave door in pure frustration. How could they be so rude to Flynn? She’d sat all three of her girls down after the twins had gotten home from school and told them who he was, why he was here, and what was going to happen for the next couple of weeks. Amelia had jumped up on the couch and cheered in response before Annie coaxed her to sit back down. The twins hadn’t said much except to stare at her and say, “Fine.”
They often acted like that when she had to work extra hours to fulfill an order. Ben had always begrudged her the time she spent in the lab, as if she were working only to spite him, and the twins seemed to have picked up on his feelings about her work. They’d always been closer to him—he’d been the one they listened to, the one they’d minded—and until Amelia, Annie had sometimes felt like she was the odd man out in her own family.
Without him, she was floundering to connect with the twins, to discipline and guide them, despite every parenting book and blog she’d read. They didn’t heed her, and their passage into middle school only seemed to be making things worse. They acted so grown-up, with strong opinions not always backed by real-life experience. When they disagreed with her—and it was always both of them as a unit—they didn’t want to hear her side of things, especially when it came to her work and the hours she spent in her lab.
