Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

by Susan Mallery

  He held open the unlocked front door and followed her inside. “Not a word, which is fine by me.” He stood in the middle of the living room. “What’s up? Or did you lure me here to play escaped prisoner and the warden’s wife?”

  Here it was. The moment of truth. She could avoid it by falling into bed with him and having amazing, wonderful sex for the next few hours, or she could grow a pair—so to speak—and be self-actualized.

  The sex option was incredibly appealing, but she reminded herself she was here on a mission.

  “I’m in love with you,” she said, her voice clear. “I don’t expect you to do anything with that information, I just wanted you to know.”

  Griffith’s face was a caricature of stunned surprise. “What?”

  “I’m in love with you,” she repeated. “I have been for a while. I don’t know exactly when it happened, but here we are. I know you don’t want me to change things, that you don’t want to be in love or any of that, although I have to tell you, your reasons are really dumb. I mean you won’t love anyone because you’re not good at it? What’s up with that?”

  She pressed her lips together and told herself to stay on topic. “Anyway, I’m not going to be afraid or staid or anything else that I’ve been doing these past few years. I’m going to be my own person and that person is in love with you.”

  She noticed it was getting easier to say. Maybe it was the repetition. Maybe it was the fact that he seemed unable to speak.

  “I’m going to be living my life to the fullest, every day. I’d like that to be with you, but if not, I’ll keep moving forward.”

  She paused, hoping he would say something, but when he didn’t, she wasn’t sure what to do. Yell? Leave? Tell him he was an idiot?

  She went with the easiest. “You’re an idiot if you let me get away. I’m good for you and we’re good together. We fit and it’s fun and we have each other’s backs. That’s important. You get me and I get you.” She glared at him. “Are you going to say anything?”

  He was still another second, before telling her, “Wait right here.” Then he turned and ran up the stairs.

  What on earth? She still didn’t know what to do but decided to wait. She was scared and hopeful and determined to get this right, even if it meant walking away. She stood alone in the living room for several seconds, before he returned and held out his hand.

  There was a brooch on his palm. A bouquet of flowers. The stems were silver tone and the flowers were different colors of glass. It was obviously old and not especially attractive.

  “I found this at the craft mall,” he told her. “A few weeks ago. I was waiting for the right time to give it to you.”

  “I don’t get it.”

  “It’s a pin,” he said moving toward her. “Because you’re my girl.”

  He pinned the brooch on her shirt, then cupped her face and kissed her. “You’re always one step ahead of me. I hope that never changes. You’re right. I would be an idiot to let you go because having you love me is a gift I don’t deserve.” He grinned. “I’m going to accept it anyway.”

  His smile faded and he stared into her eyes. “Someone I know took me to task recently and got me to thinking about a lot of things. Why my marriage failed and what I could have done differently. There’s been so much going on with work and Ryan and everything else, but you’ve been the best part of me since the day you agreed to go out with me. I’m not an idiot, Kelly. I’m in love with you.”

  Relief mingled with joy mingled with disbelief and a million other emotions she couldn’t name just then because he was kissing her and when Griffith kissed her it was difficult to think about anything but what the man did to her body.

  “You really love me?” she asked when they came up for air.

  “I do.”

  “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “I was still figuring it out.”

  She rolled her eyes. “And everyone assumes men are stronger. It’s total crap.”

  “You know it.” He pulled her close and nibbled on her neck. “Now about that game we were going to play...”

  * * *

  Kelly and Helen were sprawled on Kelly’s bed. Olivia appeared in the doorway wearing a light green summer dress.

  “It’s pretty,” Kelly said. “But low-cut. I’m not saying it doesn’t look great. You’re always fabulous, but it’s not what you said you wanted.”

  “Okay. I’ve got another option.”

  “Explain this to me,” Helen said when Olivia had ducked back into her room. “She doesn’t want to be sexy?” As she spoke her gaze stayed locked on the very impressive diamond solitaire on her left hand.

  “Apparently she and Sven are starting over. They’re dating now and tonight is the first date. They’re going to get to know each other before taking things to the next level.”

  “I’m still confused.”

  Kelly laughed. “That’s because you can’t stop staring at your engagement ring.”

  Helen blushed and tucked her hand behind her back. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just so new and shiny, I can’t help myself.”

  “Don’t apologize. I think it’s wonderful.”

  Helen beamed.

  Kelly enjoyed her friend’s happiness. Jeff had proposed two days before. They were getting married at home at the end of August, which was going to be a scramble but also a lot of fun for everyone. Olivia’s offer on her duplex had been accepted and she would close just before the wedding. She would fly down to Phoenix while Jeff and Helen were on their honeymoon and be all moved out by the time they returned.

  Kelly had found a cute apartment not too far from work and even closer to Griffith. He’d wanted her to move in with him and, while she knew she would eventually, she thought it was a good idea for her to be on her own for a few months first. She fingered the pin she wore every day and smiled.

  Olivia returned wearing a white dress that was relatively high at the neck and came down to her knees.

  “It’s perfect,” Kelly told her. “You can’t help being sexy, but everything is covered.”

  “Good. That’s what I want.” She joined them on the bed. “He’s taking me out to dinner.”

  “How long are you going to make the poor man wait for sex?” Helen asked.

  “Three dates.” Olivia laughed. “I’m trying to be traditional.”

  “Maybe I should wait to get married,” Helen said. “We could have a triple ceremony.”

  Olivia plugged her ears with her fingers. “Don’t say that. You’ll jinx everything.”

  Kelly shook her head. “Helen, I love you like a sister, but I am not getting married with my dad.”

  “Oh, right.” Helen stared at her ring. “I didn’t think of that.”

  Olivia lowered her arms to her side. “I love you guys. Thanks for being my family.”

  “I love you, too,” Kelly said.

  “Me, three!”

  They laughed, then hugged.

  Olivia got up to finish getting ready. Helen was staying in with Jeff and Kelly was heading over to Griffith’s place.

  “Look at us,” Kelly said. “We’re all so happy. This is the best day ever.”

  Helen shook her head. “I hate to break it to you, but it’s only the beginning. Things are going to get a whole lot better.”

  Olivia winced. “She’s already talking like a mom.”

  “I know. It’s disconcerting.”

  “I’m not,” Helen protested, then laughed. “Okay, maybe a little.” Her expression turned stern. “I hope you two girls are using protection.”

  “Us? What about you?” Kelly asked, then shook her hands. “I meant that in a joking way. I don’t want to actually know.”

  She kissed Helen’s cheek, then Olivia’s. “I’m out of
here. Have fun everyone.”

  As she walked to her truck, she fingered the brooch Griffith had given her. Being his girl was the best thing ever. She’d been blessed with happiness and planned to hang on with both hands.

  epilogue

  It turned out that the end of the year was a busy season for tulip farmers. Olivia hadn’t realized that until this year. Apparently there was tight timing what with getting the Christmas tulips shipped and the Valentine’s Day ones planted. Her fingers still hurt from pushing bulbs onto little spikes. The work had been challenging but Kelly paid well and Olivia had wanted the money.

  Fortunately all the tulips were planted and thriving and they, along with the humans, had all gotten through Christmas. The holiday had been fairly low-key, what with them planning for the wedding held on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s.

  Olivia helped Helen position the dress so Kelly could duck into it. The three of them had decided, given the huge petticoat the dress required, stepping into the gown wasn’t going to work at all.

  “A princess dress,” Olivia said in a pretend grumble. “It’s so not you.”

  “I know. I couldn’t help myself. It was love at first sight.”

  After Griffith had proposed in October, the Murphy women, as they called themselves, had gone to Seattle for a few days to dress shop and wedding plan. With the wedding less than three months away, Kelly had needed a dress off the rack. She’d tried on elegant sheaths, a couple of mermaid styles and had finally looked at a strapless ball-gown style.

  The latter had won her heart, shocking the heck out of Helen and Olivia.

  The gown was white, with a modified sweetheart neckline. Beading and pearls covered the corseted bodice and were scattered across the skirt. The only flaw in an otherwise flawless outfit was the ridiculous pin Kelly insisted she wear. Olivia had gotten her to compromise by fastening it at her waist on the side that would face away from the guests during the actual wedding.

  The ceremony and reception were being held at the craft mall—in the community room. Olivia had been in charge and given their dad’s generous budget, she’d made a real party out of it. She’d used the caterers from the fund-raiser and had picked beautiful linens. There were flowers, a professional band and tons of food.

  Nearly the whole town was coming. Marilee had sent her regrets, which was a huge relief to everyone. Ryan had flown up to be there for Griffith. From what Olivia could tell, he was thriving in Phoenix.

  Helen reached for the veil and secured it on Kelly’s head. Olivia had already done her makeup and pinned up her hair. On the table was the bridal bouquet—white roses with exotic tulips, of course, and similar but smaller bouquets for Olivia and Helen, with peach-colored roses instead of white.

  Olivia and Helen were Kelly’s only attendants. They wore matching knee-length mint cocktail dresses that were sleeveless and empire style. Olivia would have been happy with something more fitted but with Helen nearly five months pregnant, they’d needed to go flowy.

  Jeff walked into the dressing room. “How’s it going?” he asked, walking up to Kelly. “You’re beautiful. The photographer wants to get started. Can I send her in?”

  “You can,” Olivia said. “Make sure Griffith isn’t lurking nearby. He can’t see the bride yet.”

  “I will.”

  She noticed her dad seemed a little more interested in Helen than Kelly. He was especially doting these days, what with her being pregnant and all. Plus they’d just found out the baby was a boy and Jeff was over the moon.

  Most people had assumed Helen was giving up the chance to be a mother when she married a man Jeff’s age. But he’d made it clear he was more than willing to enjoy fatherhood again.

  The photographer came in and started taking pictures. When she was done with everyone but the bride, Olivia ducked out to find Sven.

  Her sexy man looked good in his dark tux. He would stand up with Griffith, along with Ryan. The starting over and going slow thing had worked for them. Over Thanksgiving, Sven had proposed.

  Not wanting to overshadow Kelly’s upcoming wedding, Olivia and Sven had kept things quiet. They’d stolen away for a long weekend in Seattle where they’d bought their matching wedding bands and he’d given her a beautiful engagement ring she only wore when they were together. Next week, while Kelly and Griffith were honeymooning in Hawaii, Olivia and Sven were going to elope to Las Vegas. Neither of them wanted a big wedding. As busy as everything had been with her starting her various businesses and working her different jobs, they hadn’t had a whole lot of time together. She wanted to get married, then retreat to a gorgeous room for five days of being with the man she loved.

  He pulled her close and smiled at her. “You’re beautiful.”

  “So are you.”

  “We leave in less than forty-eight hours. I can’t wait to make you mine.”

  “I feel exactly the same way.”

  He kissed her palm. “Are you still planning on moving in when we get back?”

  She laughed. He’d asked her to come live with him several times, but she’d been firm about keeping her own place until they were married. Being unconventional had gotten them into trouble. She was determined to be very ordinary until they said “I do.”

  “I’m already packed.”

  “Good. I need you in my life, Olivia. For always.”

  She smiled at him. Helen stepped out of the bride’s room.

  “We’re ready to start,” she said.

  Olivia stepped back. “I’ll see you at the altar,” she told Sven.

  “Yes, you will.”

  Olivia joined Helen and her sister. She adjusted Kelly’s dress, then handed her the bouquet.

  “You’re stunning.”

  Kelly drew in a breath. “I’m nervous. What if I trip in my heels?”

  “You’ll do fine.”

  “I love you,” Kelly told her, then turned to Helen. “You, too.”

  Helen’s lower lip trembled.

  Olivia put her hands on her hips. “No crying. You’ll ruin your makeup. This is a happy day. Weddings and babies. What could be better?”

  Kelly smiled. “Having my sister and best friend with me. That’s the very best of all.”

  * * * * *

  Read on for a sneak peek of YOU SAY IT FIRST, the first book in the exciting new HAPPILY INC series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery!

  Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

  Book Club Discussion Questions and Menu Suggestion

  Book Club Discussion Questions

  In Secrets of the Tulip Sisters, everyone has a secret (or two). What secret is each character hiding at the beginning of the book? Whose secret did you think had the most potential to create problems, and why? Were you right?

  Susan Mallery is known for creating complex interpersonal relationships with characters in very true-to-life situations. Neither Kelly nor Olivia was wrong or right, but they were certainly in conflict with each other. How would you describe the conflict between the sisters? How did it start? Was it relatable for you? How do you think the sisters felt about each other when the story began, and how did their feelings change throughout the book?

  Discuss the external plot of this story—the events that moved the story along. (For example, the ailing tourism industry in Tulpen Crossing.)

  Each character is connected to the others in multiple ways, making for a multilevel storyline. Talk about the ways in which these characters’ relationships are intertwined: Kelly, Griffith, Olivia, Ryan, Jeff, Helen, Sven, and Marilee.

  What did you think of the way Jeff and Marilee raised the girls? Did their mistakes make you dislike both of them? Did you forgive them by the end of the book? Why or why not?

  What did you think of Griffith’s pla
n to have a semi-serious, committed, monogamous relationship, but not to fall in love? Do you think a relationship like that could ever work?

  Helen fell in love with Jeff long before she confessed her feelings to him. How would you feel if you found out one of your closest friends was secretly dating your father? Do you think a relationship with a significant age difference can work? Were you happy with the way this story line ended?

  Were you surprised by the way Olivia’s relationship with Sven developed? Did anyone in your group take the time to look up www.Sven-the-viking-god.com?

  How did Olivia’s life differ by not spending her adolescence in Tulpen Crossing? What experiences did she have that Kelly, who lived her entire childhood and most of her adult life with their father, never had?

  How did the characters view themselves differently by the end of the book? Were you satisfied with the ending? Why or why not?

  Book Club Menu Suggestion

  SVEN’S BLUEBERRY CHEESE BLINTZES

  These can be made ahead of time, and then just complete the final step while your book club arrives so they’re nice and fresh. These make a great breakfast, too! Makes about 12 blintzes.

  FILLING:

  1 lb cottage cheese

  8 oz cream cheese

  1 egg

  1 tsp vanilla

  BLUEBERRY SYRUP:

  16 oz blueberries, fresh or frozen

  ¾ cup water

  ½ cup sugar

  Zest and juice of half a lemon

  1 tsp corn starch

  Blend all filling ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

  Stir together the blueberries, water, sugar and lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed pan.

  Heat over low-medium heat until it reaches a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently.

  Spoon a few tablespoons of the mix into a small bowl and whisk in the corn starch. Add the corn starch mixture back to the pan and continue to simmer until the syrup thickens.