“Yeah, those are her favorite.”
“And you said it’s her birthday?”
I nod, looking around for a good arrangement to get her. I want to get her something more special than the last one.
He grunts before turning and walking toward the back. I assume the noise was one of acknowledgment. It’s a little hard to tell because he seems so serious.
When he returns, he’s carrying a large bouquet filled with mostly tulips that are all different shades of purple ranging from light to dark. The best part about the bouquet that really stands out is the few white lilies peeking out.
“Are you a psychic florist?” I ask in an attempt at a joke.
“What?” His face remains deadly serious, and I clear my throat awkwardly.
“Nothing, never mind. That’s perfect, I’ll take it.”
He wraps the flowers in paper as I pay. I think for a split second about getting a card, but then I think about something Lily has said before about cards being a waste of paper that people feel bad throwing away. Even the memory of her saying it has me smiling like an idiot.
I fucking love that woman. I want to tell her, but the small piece of me that’s concerned about her wanting to leave is holding back. I recognize she just got out of another relationship and despite me saying I wanted to go slow and do it right this time I don’t think we’ve gone slow.
Leaving the flower shop, I shake away the negative thoughts because it’s going to be a good day. The best birthday she’s had in a long time. Her mom is making her favorite dinner and I’m picking up her favorite dessert. Not tiramisu. I’m very familiar with her opinions on that dessert.
The local bakery has a variety of baked goods, and you really can’t go wrong with anything from there, but their cupcakes are her favorite. The flavors change all the time, but I put an order in for her favorites a couple days ago so they would be ready for today.
“Hi Parker,” the owner, Barb, greets.
“Hey.” I smile. She knows Lily and me from how often we came in when we were kids. She won’t do custom orders for just anyone but said she always will for us.
“I threw in a few extras as my own happy birthday to Lily.” She winks, handing over the box of treats.
“Thank you, I’ll let her know those are from you.”
“I’m just so happy to see you two have mended things,” she says sweetly.
“Me too,” I agree. Sometimes it can be challenging to have a whole town know so much about your business. Like the looks of pity I would get from people after Lily left. But right now, I don’t mind it because I want to share my joy of having Lily back with everyone who will listen.
“You all enjoy.” She waves as I carry the box out to my truck.
When I get to Lily’s house, Ethan lets me in. “Hey man, where’s your sister?”
“She’s out with the horses, don’t worry.”
I chuckle. He said he wanted to help setting up for her birthday, but that it has to be a surprise. The entire house smells delicious from the meal Lily’s mom is cooking. We pass her dad in the living room reading in his recliner.
“Hey, Mr. Baker.”
“Parker.” He nods his head. It’s always amazed me how the man has such little to say when the rest of his family is so outgoing. I guess that makes it easier for him to not be.
“Hi, Parker,” Mrs. Baker says brightly, her eyes dropping down to the flowers in my hand. “Oh my God, those are gorgeous. She’s going to love them.”
I smile proudly, though I already know she will, hearing her mom confirm it is nice. I also hope she likes her real present that she’s not getting in front of everyone.
“Parker,” Ethan gets my attention, and I turn to him. “Are we going to the Strawberry Festival next week?”
I forgot I told him we could do that. The annual Amity Strawberry Festival is one of the few events around town. It’s notorious for not having any strawberries. There’s a small rodeo, one that Lily, and sometimes I, would participate in when we weren’t out of practice. There’s also a small carnival with games and a few rides.
“Of course,” I agree because I’ll never fall through on a promise. “Do you think we should invite Lily?”
He scrunches his face. “Won’t she kill the vibe?”