Rising (Anderson Special Ops Book 2)

by Melody Anne

  Joseph and Katherine stepped up to a vendor with beautiful jewelry pieces that caught Katherine’s eyes. Joseph would buy the entire cart for her if that’s what she wanted.

  “This is beautiful work,” Katherine said to the young woman running the booth.

  “Thank you,” she replied. “My grandmother, mother, and I have been doing it together for years. I learned from the best,” the woman said with a shy smile. “Each piece is unique. We want our family to become a part of all of the families purchasing from us.”

  “What do you think, darling?” Katherine asked as she pointed to a stunning necklace underneath glass, knowing that this woman’s sentiment about family already had her husband hooked.

  “It’s lovely enough to hang on your neck,” Joseph said.

  The woman smiled as she opened the case and pulled out the necklace. “This is one of my favorites. It’s been here for several months. The price is a little higher than the other pieces, but these are genuine jewels and beads. I have the GIA testing for all of the stones,” the woman said as she laid it in Katherine’s hand.

  The blues and greens shone from the lights on the counter. It was a piece that stood out without being gaudy.

  “Let me put it around your neck,” Joseph said, and Katherine gave a little giggle as she handed it over. It looked as if it had been made for her.

  “You two are beautiful together,” the woman said with a smile. “I bet your love story is one for the books.”

  Joseph beamed. “Ah, I’d be disappointed if someone doesn’t share our story because our love is eternal,” Joseph said. He fastened the clasp and straightened the necklace, then turned his wife so she could see how it looked in the mirror.

  “Oh, Joseph, I love it,” Katherine said as she ran her fingers over the jewels. Then she turned to the woman. “How much?”

  The woman squirmed a bit as she handed over the price tag: $7800.

  “We’ll take it,” Joseph said without a moment of hesitation.

  “Thank you, my love,” Katherine said with a beaming smile.

  “You know there’s nothing I’d deny you.”

  “Of course I know that,” Katherine said. She got up on her toes and gave him a short kiss. He wanted to deepen it, but was very aware they were in the middle of a crowd of onlookers.

  Joseph pulled out his black American Express that made the clerk’s eyes widen a bit. Joseph was sure this was a sale she didn’t often get.

  “What’s your name?” Joseph asked.

  “Mindy,” she said as she pulled out the case for the necklace and put it in a small bag with a bow and her contact information.

  Once he paid, adding a hefty tip as well, he pulled out a card. “Mindy, I’d like to have a matching bracelet and earrings. You can contact me when they’re ready. I’ll pay the appropriate rush fees and even more if we can get it done and to us by Christmas.”

  Mindy’s cheeks flushed as her eyes brightened. “Yes sir! I’d love to do that. I have to gather the jewels and beads, but I’ll work every night to get the pieces done perfectly and quickly.”

  “That would be wonderful, Mindy. You enjoy the rest of your day,” Joseph told her. Then he and his wife were off to the next place. Joseph looked over to his security team, gave them a quick head nod, indicating for them to come over. As they did, Joseph discreetly handed over the business card to Kevin, saying to him quietly, “Make sure you get this to Lucas. She has great pieces I think are worth investing in.”

  “Yes, sir,” his man said, tucking the card away in a pocket folder. Joseph had found many of his best suppliers by simply going out in public and looking around. He very rarely regretted a decision once he made one.

  After another hour, they made their way to a little shop that specialized in crepes. The two of them ordered. The place was full, all but one table had all seats occupied. There were two women sitting at that table and they motioned for Katherine and Joseph to sit with them. Katherine didn’t hesitate to accept the offer.

  Courteous exchanges of names were shared, and then Katherine noticed a couple of catalogs in front of the women. That kicked the conversation up, and Katherine learned the two had just begun a business and were discussing new ideas for their next run of vases. As they chatted, Joseph couldn’t have been happier to see his wife so full of life. He was also very aware she might be at this table a while, talking to the women about their new adventure.

  “I’ll be right back, love,” he said. He needed to stretch and wanted to surprise his wife.

  “Sounds good,” she told him before going right back to her conversation with the women.

  Joseph exited the shop, looking at Kevin and Paul, indicating that one of them needed to stay at the small eatery.

  On his way down the ramp, away from the diner, Joseph knew he’d have to push through a bunch of people to get back to where he’d seen a vendor selling flowers. But he’d only taken a few steps when he heard a man calling out to passersby that he had fresh flowers.

  The florist was only a few yards away from the men who made a spectacle by flying fish through the air, yelling out orders to one another, each of them echoing responses back, putting on a show so onlookers would step up and purchase the fish.

  Doing his best to ignore the controlled chaos of the fishermen, Joseph stepped up to the man selling flowers and said, “Quite a show you get to watch.”

  “Yeah, I get a lot more business than I used to when I was down at the other end. Took a lot of work but finally got approval to set up shop here. How can I help you?” asked the florist.

  “I’d like some flowers for my wife,” Joseph said.

  “Any specific kind or color?” the florist asked.

  “I want a myriad of bright colors with greens and whites thrown in, something that will look spectacular in a vase,” Joseph said.

  “I have just what you’re looking for,” the man said. He disappeared behind a tarp. Within thirty seconds he was back with a huge arrangement in his arms with both small and large flowers in all the colors of the rainbow. It was exactly what Joseph had been picturing.

  “Perfect,” Joseph said as he took the bouquet.

  “Great. This one is sixty dollars,” the man said.

  Joseph pulled out a one-hundred-dollar bill and handed it over. “Keep the change.” The man’s smile brightened.

  “That’s much appreciated. You have a wonderful day, sir,” the florist said. Joseph turned and the man instantaneously started calling out to people to come and get pretty flowers for their beautiful ladies.

  Joseph rushed back to his wife, sliding in beside her and running his hand down her back. She gave him a smile as she continued talking to the women she’d struck up a conversation with about how hand-blown glass vases were made. Katherine was fully engaged. She was happier than she’d been in a long time. He could admit he’d been wrong in isolating her. Katherine was a butterfly who needed to spread her wings and fly.

  Katherine chose a beautiful pair of matching vases, filled out an order form, and promised the women they’d talk again soon. She finally turned to Joseph as the women said their goodbyes and exited the shop.

  “They were wonderful women. They come down here each spring and summer selling these unique vases. I find the process fascin—” Katherine cut herself off as Joseph pulled out the flowers and held them in front of him.

  “Lovely flowers for my even lovelier bride,” he said.

  “Oh, Joseph, they’re beautiful. Thank you,” she said, a tear shining in her eye. It amazed him that after all of these years she could still feel joy over something as simple as flowers. He’d buy her anything, but what she often told him she wanted the most was to know how much she was loved. She leaned in and kissed him before smelling the bouquet, her smile brightening even more.

  “You’re welcome. It’s been too long since I last bought you flowers.”

  She laughed. “We have fresh flowers in our house all of the time.”

  He to
ok her hand and squeezed. “Yes we do, but it’s been too long since I went and picked out flowers. It brings me joy to personally find something for you.”

  “Joseph, this has been the most perfect day I could imagine. I’m so glad we came out, and I’m more grateful than ever to have you for my husband.”

  The two of them rose and began their way through the market again. They paused to watch the fish become high flying acts, and to listen to children laugh. Katherine took Joseph’s wallet, removed a crisp one-hundred-dollar bill, slipped his wallet back into his pocket, then walked up and put the bill into a jar on the rail. There was enough movement happening for no one to take note of the amount of money left in the jar, which was exactly the way Katherine wanted it.

  Joseph saw the day was beginning to wear on Katherine. She was happy, but she was tired. There was no way he was going to bring that up though. She’d tell him when the day was too much for her. Until then, he’d dutifully stay at her side.

  “I need to freshen up before we go anywhere else,” Katherine told him as they came to the top of the steps, which led down to the public restrooms.

  While his wife slipped into the restroom, Joseph waited outside, the flowers in one hand, and a dainty bag in the other. He got a few looks from other husbands holding similar girlie bags while they waited by his side. He loved people-watching, and glanced around, noticing a family pass by, four young girls looking as charming and happy as could be. The youngest, a brown-haired child with big, dark eyes, a twinkle in them, was staring at the flowers in his hand. She came close and looked up with a smile.

  “Those are pretty flowers, sir,” she said in a sweet voice.

  Joseph met the father’s eyes, who smiled, giving his silent approval for Joseph to communicate with his daughter. Then Joseph knelt, unable to ignore a sweet child, especially one as cute as this little one.

  “What’s your name?” he asked.

  “Eden. What’s yours?” she politely replied, holding out her hand for a shake.

  “My name’s Joseph.” He shook her hand, shocked at how proper she was at such a young age. “How old are you, Eden?”

  “I’m nine but will be ten in a couple of weeks. We came up from Oregon for an early birthday celebration. Tomorrow we’re going to the Space Needle and then—”

  “Eden.” The one word from her father stopped her immediately. She closed her mouth and waited for Joseph to speak.

  “That sounds like a wonderful birthday,” Joseph said. “Happy birthday from my wife and me,” he added as he pulled out a sunflower from the bouquet and handed it over.

  “Really? Wow. Thank you so much,” Eden exclaimed as she nearly crushed the flower while she gave it a hug. Then she looked at her father who nodded.

  “If it’s okay with him, then yes,” her father said.

  Eden held her arms wide and inviting, and Joseph’s heart swelled. He opened his own arms and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around his neck, giving him a hug. There was nothing like the innocence and love of a child who hadn’t been hardened by the world. He was also impressed with her parents who’d obviously taught her not only respect, but awareness and love. She let go and stepped back.

  “Thank you again, Mr. Joseph. It was very nice to meet you,” Eden said with a big smile.

  “You are most welcome, Eden. The pleasure has truly been mine,” Joseph replied.

  Joseph stood as Eden moved back to her father’s side, her sisters each taking a turn to look over the flower. He was not only impressed at Eden’s behavior, but also at her sisters who showed no jealousy she’d been handed a gift and they hadn’t. These children had been raised well.

  He reached out a hand to Eden’s father. “I’m Joseph Anderson. You’ve done an incredible job with your children. I have many grandchildren of my own, and the greatest gift I receive from all of them is a hug.”

  The father shook Joseph’s hand. “Alan Stephenson. This is my wife, Marie, and these are our children, Avery, Kate, Mary, and of course, Eden. Thank you for your kindness. We try to teach our daughters to be aware but polite with strangers. I’m sure she’ll keep this flower for many years to come.”

  “I have a lot of respect for amazing kids. I’ve run a lot of businesses in my years and I can see quality from a young age. I bought these flowers for my wife, and I have no doubt she’d love to share them.” He pulled out three more stems and handed each of the girls a flower. “Thank you all for bringing a bit of sunshine into my world on this lovely day.”

  Though each girl thanked him, it was their smiles of joy that gave him the biggest reward. Their father tried to say that wasn’t necessary, but Joseph waived away his protest.

  Thinking quickly about how he’d like to surprise this family, Joseph came up with the perfect idea and said to the Stephensons, “Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson, I have one final thing I’d like to offer this afternoon as a warm Seattle greeting, and I’m asking you humbly to accept the gift as you’ve truly brought me joy today.”

  Katherine stepped up beside Joseph as he spoke, a warm smile on her face. Just as he’d known, she seemed pleased he’d given a few of her flowers to some very worthy young ladies. She wrapped her arm in his and waited for him to continue.

  “Mr. Anderson, you’ve been wonderful to our girls. We couldn’t possibly accept anything else,” Marie said as she smiled at Katherine.

  Katherine stepped in. “Hello, I’m Katherine, this boisterous man’s wife. Let me save you all some time. My husband’s very determined when he wants to do something.” She handed over a card with The Anderson Corporation information on it. “Just so you know this is real. One thing that gives my husband more joy than spoiling me, is when he can do something for others. Please, give us both a bit of joy today and accept a gift from us.”

  At Katherine’s words, all of the fight went out of the couple Joseph had befriended. No one could say no to his wife, especially him.

  “It’s not easy for us to accept a gift, especially from a person we’ve known for a few minutes, but I’m also trying to teach my girls to do what’s right, and to help others when they can and to accept gifts with a thankful heart, so I’d like to thank you for your kindness,” Marie said.

  “Perfect. If you’ll give me your number, a favorite place of mine will call you with the details of a lovely dinner, with a special treat for a very special birthday girl, all on me,” Joseph said.

  Alan gave Joseph his number, and it was all finished within another minute. The girls were giddy with excitement as the husband and wife thanked both Joseph and Katherine several times. They parted ways after shaking hands, the ladies giving each other a gentle hug. Joseph’s last glimpse of the family was of little Eden popping her head behind her dad’s legs and giving a large, sweeping wave, her flower in hand, a beaming smile on her lips.

  He looked down to see his wife’s eyes sparkle with tears.

  “What is it my love?” he asked, instantly concerned. “Are you hurting?”

  “Oh you silly man,” Katherine said with a chuckle as a tear fell and she brushed it away. “I’m emotional because, though it seems impossible for me to understand, you still manage to surprise and impress me. I absolutely adore the man you are, how kind, how loving, and how giving you are. I’m very blessed to be your wife.”

  “Sweet, sweet Katherine,” he said with a sigh as he cupped her cheek, wiping away the next tear. “I don’t understand how after all of these years you don’t see that I’m the man I am because of you. I’d be a shell of a person without you in my life. You make me kind, humble, and giving. I always want to be better so I can be worthy of your love.”

  Katherine leaned in and kissed him. “I don’t think you see yourself the way the rest of the world does, love. You’re incredible. Someday I’ll have a video put together of the expressions on people’s faces as you do acts of kindness that change lives. Then maybe you’ll see just a smidgeon of what I see every time I look at you.”

  “When you see a fami
ly like the one I just met, doing an act of kindness is easy. It’s not about me, it’s about them. You should have seen how adorable the youngest girl, Eden, was. You caught a glimpse of her, but I watched for several moments as she cracked jokes with her family with obvious mischief, then bumped into a stranger and genuinely and politely apologized and asked if the person was okay. You don’t see that in a lot of the youth these days,” Joseph said.

  “You see things most don’t because you not only look around you, but you care,” Katherine said as the two of them made it to a staircase. With one arm around her, Joseph pulled out his phone with the other. “Let me set up their evening real quick, my darling.”