Floral Glossary
fillers materialusedtofillgapsoremptyspaces focal point theareaofdominanceoremphasiswheretheeyenaturallytravels foliage greenery,suchasplantleaves forage harvestingfreematerial,suchasbloomingforsythiabranches,takenfromprivateproperties(only withpermission, please!)
mechanics thehiddenfoundationthatholdsflowersinplace(suchasflowerfrogorchickenwire)
negativespace aplannedopenspacewithinadesignthatcontainsnoflowersorfoliage recipe asetofinstructionstoprepareaspecificarrangement
vessels containerstoholdarrangement(suchasvases,urns,compotebowls);allkindsofobjectscanbecomevesselsto holdflowers Masonjars,bottles,crocks
vendors sourcesforflowers(localgrowers,farmers’market,awholesaler,orinternational)
Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul
Luther Burbank
You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way Walter Hagen
JaimeHarpersteppedbacktoexaminethebridalbouquetshe’dcreatedfortheZimmerman-Blauwedding.Shehadtogetthis bouquetrighttoday Diditseembalanced?Wasanythingstickingout?Abridalbouquetwasthemostphotographedfloralpiece ofanentirewedding.Nailitdownandeverythingelsewouldfallintoplace.
Thiswasthesixthmock-up Allpreviousoneshadbeenshotdownbythemotherofthebride Thesemock-upmeetingswere criticalstepsintheplanningprocess.AndMrs.Zimmermanwasacriticalcustomer.ShehadawayofmakingJaimefeellikea roosteronedayandafeatherdusterthenext
TheZimmerman-Blauweddingwasgoingtobethehighest-profileweddingyetforEpicEvents.Sloane,theproject manager,remindedherthatitwassuchanimportantweddingthatEpic’sownerLiamMcMillanwasleavinganinitialdesign consultationwithaprospectiveclienttobeatthisflowermock-upwithMrs Zimmerman “Liamaskedmetomakelunch reservationsathisfavoriterestaurant,”Sloanesaid.“Acongratulationslunch,”sheadded,crossingherfingers.“Today’sthe day”FinalapprovalfromMrs Z,shemeant
“Let’shopeso,”Jaimesaid,butshewondered.She’dbeentinkeringwiththearrangementallmorning.Hermindkept wandering,andshehadtokeeptuggingherselfbacktothehereandnow Whenshewasdistracted,shemissedthings When shemissedthings,badthingshappened.Sheknewthatforafact.“Doyouthinkit’stoo,too...”Toomuch?Toolittle?
Sloanerolledhereyes.“Stopsoundingsopathetic.”
“Ican’thelpit,”Jaimesaid Shehadabettersenseoftheterriblethingsthatcouldhappenintheworldthanmostpeopledid “Hurryandfinishandcleanupyourworkshop!”
Jaimelookedatherandsighed “Idon’tknowwhyy’allarealwaysinarush”
Sloaneturnedfromthedoorandwinked.“MylittleSouthernbelle,haveyoustillnotrealizedwehaveonlyonespeed? Express.”
JaimelistenedtothesoundofSloane’sstaccatoheelsdoingtheirfast-walkdownthehallway.WhydidNewYorkersgo throughlifeliketheirhairwasonfire?Andforwhat?Shegotthesameresultsbytakinghertime.
Inthemirror,sheexaminedthebouquetonemoretime WasitasgoodasSloanesaid?Shehatedthatherfirstthoughtwas no,thatsheneverthoughtherworkwasgoodenough.Shedidn’tknowwhattookagreatertollonhersenseofwell-being her ownself-deprecatingthoughtsorhigh-maintenanceclientswithwaytoomuchmoney Somethingwasstillcattywampuswith thebouquet,andMrs.Zimmermanwouldnoticethatindescribable something andreject,yetagain,thedesign.
Formostweddings,flowerstookabout10to15percentofthetotalbudget.Clientsweredelightedtocutdownoncostsand wastebylettingtheceremonyflowersdodoubledutyatthereceptionspace.Thewelcomearrangementfromtheceremony couldbereusedatthetableseatingdisplay.Orthebridalbouquetcouldbeputinavaseandusedasthesweethearttable arrangement ButtherewasnosuchskimpingfortheZimmermanwedding
Flowers,Mrs.Zimmermaninsisted,weretobethemaindécorforherdaughter’swedding.Shelovedflowersandwanted lavishdisplaystofilleveryspaceinthevenue,theNewYorkBotanicalGarden abeautifuloasisinthemiddleoftheBronx Allinall,theflowerbudgetfortheZimmermanweddingcametoastaggeringsum.Thatwasthereasontherewassuch heightenedconcernatEpicEventstogetMrs.Zimmerman’sapprovalontheflowers.Sloanecouldn’tstartbillinguntilMrs.Z signedoff,andJaimecouldn’tordertheflowerswithoutpayingasizabledepositupfront Sotodaywastheday Shehadtoget themock-upbouquetrighttoday.
ShetookapictureonherphoneofthebouquetandsentittoLiam Aminuteortwolater,LiamtextedbackSubtract,andof coursehewasright.Hewasalwaysright.Jaimehadatendencytojam-packsothatbloomscompetedforspaceasthey expandedintheheatoftheday Whatlookedtobeaperfectlybalancedfloralarrangementinthecoolofthemorningwould lookstuffedandtightbyevening.Soshesubtractedbypullingstemsandremovingmaterials,untilshethoughtitthoroughly resembledLiam’srecipe.
Thatmanhadsomekindofsuperpowerinhowhecouldreadhisclients’minds Hewasabletovisualizeandarticulatewhat theclientswantedeveniftheydidn’tseemtoknowthemselves.Thiswasthesticky-floral-tapethoughtforJaime:Howtoput
intorealitythecreationLiamhadimagined.ThatwasthesecretsauceforeveryoneatEpicEvents tothinklikeLiam McMillanthinksandexecutelikeheexecutes.He was thebrand.
Shewentovertothemirroragaintoholdthebouquetlowagainstherbelly,thewayabridewould Sherotatedthebouquet toseeitateveryangle,examiningdifferentviewpointstomakesureitlookedbalanced.Photographsexaggeratedthedepthof field,soitwaswisetonotewhatevermightjutout
Everythinglookedgood.Betterthangood.Jaimeexhaledasighofrelief.Timetostop.Knowingwhentostopwascritical.
Jaimetapedthestemsandsetthebouquetinwaterinthewalk-incoolertokeepitasfreshaspossibleforthemeeting Beforeclosingthecooler,shebreathedindeeplytheperfumeoffreshflowers,lettingtheirscentcalmhernerves.Whenever shepausedtosoakupthefragranceofflowers,shewasinstantlytransportedtothesweetest,happiesttimeofherlife.Backin highschool,workingafternoonsandweekendsinRose’sFlowerShopinatinytowninNorthCarolinawithhertwobest friends,ClaireandTessa.MentoredintheartofflowerarrangingbyRoseReid,theshopowner,whohadthepatienceand kindnessandgenerousnaturetoteachthethreegirlseverythingsheknew Flowerswerethebusinessofhappiness,Rosehad oftenremindedthem.Theybroughtjoyandcomforttopeople.
RoseReidhadbeenonhermindallmorning ShewasthereasonJaimefeltasiftearskeptthreatening Thereasonshefelt emotionallywobbly.Itwashardtosqueezeshamebackintoitsbox.Evenhardertokeepitfromspillingoutagain.
WhenJaimehadarrivedatworkthismorning,aregisteredletterwaswaitingforher.Instantly,sherecognizedtheelegant handwriting,thepalepinkstationery Shehurriedtotheworkshopandsatrightdownonastool,hercheststingingwithpain HowhadRosefoundher?Itwasthefirsttimethere’dbeencontactbetweenthemsincethatterribleAugustday.Shecringedat thememoryshe’dtriedsohardtoforget Handstrembling,Jaimeskimmedtheletteronce,twice,thenreaditagainmore thoroughly. All is forgiven,Rosewrote. It’s time to come home. AndthensheoutlinedaplanforJaimetoreturntolivein NorthCarolina,torunRose’sFlowerShop.
Runalittleflowershopinthatoff-the-beaten-trackSoutherntown?WasRoseserious?Afterallthathadhappenedbetween them,thatoffertookgumption.ButdidshereallythinkJaimewouldgiveupall this ...for that?
Because this includedquiteabit Afloraldreamjobledbyaremarkablycreativeboss AndwhenitcametoLiam,there waspotentialforromancewrittenallovertheirrelationship.Well,sometimesitseemedtobewrittenalloverit.Scribbles, maybe Theyhad“moments”nowandthenthatmadeherthinksomethingwasbrewing Shehopedso Ohboy,didsheever hopeso.
Thenagain,sodidmosteveryfemalewhoworkedatEpicEvents.Sodideveryfemaleclient.
Jaimeclosedthecoolerdoor pushingwithtwohandsbecauseithadatendencytostick andgrabbedabroomtocleanup thestemsandleavesandpetalsstrewnoverthefloor.Asshegatheredtheexcessflowerstoreturntothecooler,sheglancedat thelargewallclock Anideahadbeenticklinginthebackofhermindforauniquebouquet acontemporarytakeona cascadestyle.Whynot?Shehadtime.SittinginthecoolerwereleftoverZimmermanflowers,plussomeunusualflowersshe’d pickeduponawhimthismorningattheNewYorkCityFlowerMarket
First,shebeganwithadensecenter:clustersofcolorforfocus.Theshowstoppers.CaféLatteroses,Cappuccinoroses, CaféauLaitRanunculusasbigasroses.Shebuiltintensitybyaddingpopsofcolor:BlackParrottulipsandHotChocolate callalilies Theblacktulipswerethecolorofaneggplant(MotherNaturedoesn’tmaketrulyblackflowers),petalsglossy withadarkluster,topsfringedlikefeathers hencethenameparrottulips.Thecallalilieswereadeepchocolateburgundy bloom
Shebroughtintexturewithtrailersofcreepingfigwoveninthroughtheroses.Nextcamegradients,accentflowerstobridge thecolors miniEpidendrumorchids,rufflyLisianthus Thenfoliagetofillthegaps Alighthand,though Shestoodbacktoassess.Itfeltlikeitstillneededmore,butshehesitated,thinkingofLiam’stext: Subtract!Aphrasefrom Rosepoppedintohermind: “Let the flowers speak ” SoJaimeaddedlayeruponlayer,lettingtheflowersdothetalking.She stoodinfrontofthemirror,justasshehaddonewiththeZimmermanbouquet,andfeltadeepsenseofsatisfaction
ThedooropenedandSloanestuckherheadin.Hermouthopened,closed,openedagain,thenstopped.Hereyesand attentionwereonthebouquet “Jaime,it’sanabsolutestunner”Shetookastepintotheworkshop “It’slikeanoilpainting” Addinginawarningtone,“But...that’s not thebouquetthatLiamwanted ” “No,no Don’tworry Thisisn’ttheZimmermanbouquet That’sinthecooler” SloanecrossedtheroomtoexaminethebouquetinJaime’shands.
“Sometimes...”
“What?”
“Sometimes...IwishIhadyourjob.”
Jaime’seyesnarrowedinsurprise Sloanewasaphenomenalprojectmanager Sosmart,socapable Shekepttheteamona stricttimeline.“Ithoughtyoulikeddoingwhatyoudo.”
“Ido.SureIdo.Imean,ifIwantmyowncompanyoneday,thisisthebestpath.Butthere’sjustsomethingaboutflowers.” SloanebentovertoinhaledeeplyfromthebouquetandJaimeunderstood.There was justsomethingaboutflowers.“I’lltell youwhat!AftertheZimmermanwedding,maybeIcanteachyousomeflowerbasics.”
Sloanesmiled.“I’lltell you what.”ShelikedtomockJaime’sSouthernness.“You’reon.”Shetippedherhead.“Arethose blacktulips?”
Jaimenodded “Tulipssymbolizeeternallove”
“Getapictureofthatone.Iwantitformywedding.”Sloanerolledhereyesupward.“IfCharliewillevergetoverhis allergytocommitment”They’dbeenengagedforsevenyears Shepointedtothelargeclockonthewall “Ijustheardfrom Liam.They’reontheirway.”
Morethanontheirway Throughthelargewarehousewindow,JaimecouldseeanUberpullintotheparkinglot,followed byMrs.Zimmerman’swhiteTesla.Shetookafewstepsovertothelargewindow,watchingLiam,herhearthumminglikea contentedcat.Sheenjoyedobservinghimunawares.Stolenmoments,shethoughtofthem.
“CheckingoutMrs Z’slatestensemble?”
Nothardly.Jaime’seyeswereonLiam.HehurriedovertoopenthedoorontheTeslaforMrs.Zimmerman. Such a gentleman
Sloanecameupbehindhertojoinheratthewindow.“What’sshegotontoday?”
Mrs Zimmerman,somewhereinherlatesixties,hadmemorabletasteinclothing Today,sheworeanorangepantsuit radiation,glow-in-the-darkorange andherhairwashiddenunderayellowandpurplescarf,itstailrestingonhershoulder. Sloanewhistled,longandlow.“I’mstillamazedthattheflowersfortheweddingaresubduedcolors.”
“Shewantedeverythinginpink,allshades,especiallyhotpink,untilLiamtoldherthatpinkwasrequestedallyearlong” Sloanecoughedalaugh.“He’sgotherfiguredout.Mrs.Zwantsnothingmorethantostandoutfromthecrowd.”Shegave Jaimeapatonhershoulderandstartedtowardthedoor
JaimewasbarelyawareofSloane’sdeparture.HereyeswerestillgluedonLiam.Mrs.Zimmermanwasgigglingat somethinghewastellingher.MothersofthebridesseemedespeciallyvulnerabletoLiam’scharms.Maybeitwashisthick Scottishbrogue.Therewasdefinitelysomethingmesmerizingaboutit.Ormaybeithadtodowiththewayhelookedatyou whenhespoke,asifyouwereexactlythepersonhewashopingtoseeandhejustcouldn’tbelievehowfortunatehewasto findyou ShewonderedifthatcharacteristicmightbetrueofallScotsmen orifitwasjustpartoftheLiamMcMillan magic.
Addtothatmusicalaccenthisgoodlooks finelychiseledfeatures,hisdeceptivelycasualappearance andfemales becamecaptivated.Jaime,especially.Ifheweretall,hemighthavebeenanimposingfigure,buthisbelow-averageheightfor amanonlyaddedtohisappeal.Hewassoapproachable,soinviting.Today,Liamwasdressedinablackmerinosweaterand olivetrousers,Ferragamoloafers.Jaimecaughtherselfcalculatinghowmuchmoneyhisoutfitcost easilybetweenoneand twothousanddollars.Rightintherangeofhers,thougheverythingshewaswearingtodayhadbeenpurchasedatanupscale consignmentstoreforafractionofitsoriginalcost ItwasoneoftheperksoflivinginNewYorkCity lotsofone-seasonwearcastoffs.
Withthatthought,herstomachstartedturningagain This,sheknew,wasthecoreofherinsecurity Pretendingtobesomeone shewasn’t.
Withastart,shehurriedovertothewalk-incoolertoswitchthebouquets.Shepulledatthedoorwithherfreehand,butit wouldn’topen “Stupidcooler!”Sheruedthedayshe’dboughtthiscooler Itwasasmokescreen itlookednewbutbroke downregularly.Sheyankedandyanked,butshe’dneedtwohandstoopenthestuckdoor.Shespunaroundtofindaplacetoset thecascadingbouquetandtherewereMrs ZimmermanandLiam,staringatherwithwideeyes
Flowers don’t tell, they show.
Stephanie Skeem
Assoonasthewaiterseatedthem,JaimecastashyglanceatLiam “Shelikedit Everything”Shewasgiddy Overjoyed She feltasiflightbeamswereradiatingoffherhead.Anhourearlier,whenMrs.Zimmermanhadappearedattheworkshopdoor withashocked“What’sthis?”shehadmarchedstraighttowardJaime whostoodfrozenlikeadeerinheadlights,herheart pounding,herpalmssweating.SheshotaglanceatLiam.Hissmilefellandheraisedaseriousbrow,asiftosaytoJaime, What have y’done with m ’recipe?
I can explain,shemouthedback,butsuddenlyMrs.Zimmermanwascirclingher,quietlyandcautiously,asifshewere watchingararebirdonafeeder.
“Whatis that?”
“That?It’s...aparrottulip.”
“Andthat?”
“AcallalilycalledHotChocolate.Evenitsstemsaredark.”
“Rare,aren’tthey?Thisisoneofakind,isn’tit?”
Well,yesandno.Floralarrangerscertainlyknewofblackflowers,thoughtheyweren’tcommonlyusedinwedding arrangements.ButJaimesensedwhatMrs.Zimmermanwastrulyasking.Once,afteraparticularlydifficultmock-upmeeting withher,SloanehadrolledhereyesandwhisperedtoJaime,“Nouveauriche,”asifthatexplainedeverything Jaimehadto googleit:“Newlyrich.Aderogatorytermtodescribepersonswhoacquirewealthwithintheirgenerationandspendit conspicuously”
Jaimehadneverhadanymoneyatall,notoldornew.ButshedidunderstandMrs.Zimmerman’salmostdesperateneedto “besomebody.”Soshenoddedandsaidwhatwastrue.“Mrs.Zimmerman,Ihighlydoubtanyofyourfriendswouldbe familiarwithblacktulipsorblackcallalilies”
JaimeknewthattobetruebecauseSloanehadgivenhertheinsidescooptotheZimmermans’socialcircle.Mr.Zimmerman hadwarnedhiswifethatnotasinglefriendoftheirswouldwanttoschlepintoManhattanforawedding,andthatwasthe reasonMrs.ZimmermanchosetheNewYorkBotanicalGardenforherdaughter’sweddingvenue.Theopinionofherfriends matteredtohergreatly Shehadhighhopestoimpressthemwiththiswedding
Mrs.Zimmermanwasbeaming.SheturnedonherheelstowardLiam.“Liam,yourgirlfinally,finallygotitright.” Itwaslikethesunhadcomeoutfrombehindacloud.Itwaslikeachorusofangelshadstartedtosing.
Thewaiterbroughtsomebreadandbuttertothetable Liamheldthebreadbasketouttoher Sheshookherhead,tooexcited toeat.Notonlydidthemock-upmeetinggobetterthanshecouldhaveexpected,nowshewashavingaprivatelunchwith Liam Justthetwoofthem!She’dassumedSloanewouldhavejoinedinastheprojectmanagerforthewedding Butshedidn’t AndshethoughtMrs.Zimmermanwouldalsobejoiningthem,butshehadlunchplanswithherdaughterthebride,whoseemed asdisinterestedinthisweddingashermotherseemedobsessedwithit Jaimehadmetthebrideonlyonce,attheinitial consultation,andwassurprisedathowboredshehadseemed.Bored!Byherownwedding.
“So,”Jaimesaid,runningafingeraroundthetopofherglassoficedtea,“doyouthinkIcangoaheadandputintheflower order?”Theflowersshouldhavebeenorderedweeksago
MostflowerscamefromtheNetherlands,thelandofflowers.“Suchaweecountry,”Liamoftensaid,yetitprovidedhalfof thefresh-cutflowerimportstotheUnitedStates,especiallytulips,lilies,andpeonies FromEcuadorandColombiacamelongstemmedroses,becausethestemsgrewperfectlystraightneartheequator.SouthAmericawasalsothesourcefororchidsand anthuriums,andsomanyothervarieties.
Mrs.Zimmermanhadinsistedonahard-to-sourceCaféLatterose.Vanilla-scented,withacopperbronzecolorandvery slightpinkundertone,itwasdefinitelyashowstopper.ButitwasalsobredandgrownonaflowerfarminKenya,andthere wasonlyonesuppliertotheUnitedStates Jaimewouldprobablyhavetopayexpressshippingfeestomakethedeadline Liamsmiledthoughtfullyandpickeduphisfork.“Aye,orderaway.Mrs.Zimmermansignedoffonyerhappyaccident,mo leannan”
Normally,Jaimenearlyswoonedwhenhecalledhermoleannan.ItwasScottishfor“mysweetheart,atermofendearment” (shehadgoogledit).Sadly,heuseditquitegenerouslywithwomen.Still,shelovedthesoundofit.
Butcallingherbouquetahappyaccidentpoppedhergiddy-balloon.Soshehadveeredfar,farofffromLiam’srecipe.Why wasthatsowrong?Theoriginalbouquetwaswaitinginthecooler.She’dfollowedhisinstructionstotheT.
Thewaiterinterruptedtotaketheirorder Jaimehadn’tlookedatthemenu,soLiamorderedforbothofthem Afterthe waiterleftthem,Jaimesaid,“Liam,aboutthathappyaccidentbouquet.IthoughtImight ”
Butshecouldn’tfinishhersentencebecauseLiam’swatchbuzzed,snagginghisattention
ThesecondhalftohersentencewasthatshehadthoughtshemightenterthebouquetintheNewYorkCityBloomsto Bouquetcompetition Jaimehadneverthoughtherworkwasgoodenoughforthatcontest,plustheconceptsweren’ther interpretation.TheywereLiam’sideaswiththatspecialLiamfinesse.Today’ssuccessgaveheraboostofself-confidence. Enoughtomakeherthinkaboutenteringthebouquetinthecompetition.
OrmaybeitwasRose’sletter Init,she’doutlinedaplanforJaimetoruntheflowershop butrequiredwinningoneofthe prestigiousflowercompetitionsheldaroundthecountry. Just one,shewrote. Just to prove you ’ ve still got “it.” It being passion,drive,determination
JaimehadforgottenhowRoselovedthesecontests.Roseconsideredthemtobeobjectiveaffirmationofaflorist’s imaginationandambition Sheusedtoenterregionalcontestsonanannualbasis,andshewonmanyofthem Ifshedidn’twin, shewasalmostalwaysafinalist,whichsheconsideredawin.PlasteredonthefrontwindowofRose’sFlowerShopwere sealsofherawards.Clairewouldteaseherbycallingithertrophydisplay.AndRosewouldblush,insistingitwasnothingof thesort Claire,fullofsass.AndTessa,fullofdaydreams.
Jaimehadn’tthoughtofthoselightheartedmomentsintheflowershopinaverylongtime “Sorry’boutthat,lass.Now,whatwerey’saying?”Liam’sApplewatchhadgonesilentforthetimebeing,whichmeanthis attentionwasturnedbacktoher.
MaybeJaimewasgettingaheadofherself.MaybeLiamwasright herdesigntodaywasjustahappyaccident.“Nothing,” shesaid,takingasipofhericedtea.Shestopped,mid-sip,surprisedbythetaste. Well, I’ll be. Sweettea?Heavyhandedwith simplesyrup Shedidn’tthinkanyoneinNewYorkCityknewhowtomakesweettea Justthenthewaiterbroughttheirmeals andJaimeliftedherheadandlookedaround.“Wherearewe?” Liamsnappedhisheadup,surprisedbyherquestion “SouthernComfort BestSouthernandsoulfoodinBrooklyn Havey’ nevercomehere?”
No.She’dbeeninNewYorkCityforovertwoyearsandhadneverbeentoarestaurantthatservedSoutherncuisine.She didn’tthinktherewereany.Onherplatewasaheapingpileofbiscuitsandgravy.Andpickles!Hereyesdartedtothebread basket. Corn bread. Herfavorite.LiamhadchosenarestaurantthatfeaturedSoutherncuisine.Andshehadn’tevennoticed! Justyesterday,she’dhadahankeringforarealSouthernbiscuit buttery,flaky,fluffy,softlikeacloud Howhadheknownto pickaplacelikethis? So thoughtful. Sheheldupherglassofsweetteatoclinkwithhis “AtoasttocelebrateourwinningoverofMrs Zimmerman” “Atoastt’you,lass,”hesaid,holdinghergazeinawaythatstoleherbreath.
Breathe, Jaime Breathe
Lateintheday,Jaime’smindkeptcirclingbacktotheBloomstoBouquetcompetition.Todaywasthelastdaytoenter,and theapplicationrequiredaphotographofherwork.SheaskedTodd,theintern,tocomeandtakepicturesofthebridalbouquet thatshe’dmadewiththeexcessflowersthismorning Toddhadmoretechnicalskillsthananyoneelseinthecompany,andthey allreliedheavilyonhimtoproblemsolve.“Sendthemonlytome,”shetoldhim.Twice,becauseassavvyasToddwaswith tech,asremarkableashecouldbewithdetailsthatinterestedhim,hewasequallypooratlistening
Toddwenttohiscomputertoeditthepicturesand,notthirtyminuteslater,forwardedthefinishedphotographstoJaime.She clickedthroughthem,holdingherbreath.Todd’sbacklightingenhancedthearrangement,bringingoutcertaintexturalelements thatmightbeoverlooked.Eventoherself-demeaningeye,thebouquetlookedexquisite.Dramaticandcaptivating.LikeSloane said anoilpainting.
Sheglancedatthebigclockontheworkshopwall Onehourleftbeforethedeadlineforthecompetition Couldshe,should she?Shewhisperedalittleprayer,fillingouttheentryformandpayingthefee,butherfingershoveredoverthesendbutton. Whywasshedoingthis?
Shepulledbackfromthekeyboard.Why?Well,becausefloraldesigncompetitionshadbeenexperiencingaresurgencein thelastfewyears,especiallyinthevirtualworld.Theywereawaytohavedesignworkevaluatedbythebestintheindustry, toreceivefeedbackfromrespectedjudges
Shewasn’tenteringthecompetitionbecauseshewantedtorunRose’sFlowerShop,becauseshecertainlydidn’t.Noway. Ordidshe?
No.Absolutelynot.Shehadeverythingshehadalwayswanted.Thiswasherdream toliveinNewYorkCity,toworkfor LiamMcMillan.Whywouldshewanttochangeherlife?
Because something has been left unfinished Herheadsnappedup.Wheredidthatthoughtcomefrom?
Shelookedaroundheroffice,asifshesensedsomeonewasthere Ashiverwentdownherback,thoughofcoursethe workshopwasempty.
Sheshookoffthatunnervingthought,turnedbacktohercomputer,tookinadeepbreath,andpressedsend
A flower’s appeal is in its contradictions so delicate in form yet strong in fragrance, so small in size yet big in beauty, so short in life yet long on effect
Terri Guillemets
Jaimewashopingtohitthesackearlybecauseshewantedtogettotheflowermarketwhenitopened,butherneighbor Harrisoncaughtherinthehallway.Asshewentpasthisdoor,heburstoutofhisapartment,justwaitingforhertogethome. “Jaime!Ineedyourhelp.”
Sheshouldhavetiptoedpasthisdoor.Sheusuallydid.“Heythere,Harrison.”Shesmiledandkeptwalking,hopinghe’dget thehintthatshewasbusy,buthedidn’t Heneverdid “Jaime,Ineedanotherone.”
Shestoppedandturned “AnotherApologyBouquet?”Helookeddistraught Puppy-dogsadwithdroopyeyes “Whathave youdonenow?”Or,morelikely,notdone?
“Mymother’sbeeninthehospital.Imeanttogovisit,butI ” “Youforgot?Youreighty-year-oldmotherisinthehospitalandyouforgot?”
“Iknow,Iknow.Ijustgetsoabsorbedinmyart.”Hewavedhishands.“Timebecomesirrelevant.Please,Jaime.Helpme out”
Thelookonhisface!Likehewasabouttocry.Shesoftened.“I’mheadingtothemarketinthemorning.I’llpickupsome flowersforyou”
“Actually...Istoppedatastoreandboughtflowersforyou.”Hescrunchedhisfaceup.“Iwashoping,maybe,you’dmake abouquetformetotaketomymothertonight.”
“OhHarrison,can’titwait?It’sbeenalongdayandI’mwornslapout”
“You’rewhat?Nevermind.Please,Jaime.Yourflowersalwaysdothetrick.”
Jaimeletoutasigh Shefeltlikeadrugpusher,enablinghimtokeepneglectinghislong-sufferingmother “Youhavegotto stopforgettingaboutyourmother.She’snospringchicken!You’renotgoingtohaveheraroundforever.Awomaninher eightiesdeservesason’sattention”
Harrison’sfaceblossomedintoasmile.“Don’tyouworry.I’velearnedmylesson.”Hecrossedhisheart.
That,Jaimethoughttoherself,wasastray-doglie.Poorwoman.Blessherheart.
Sheputthekeyinthedeadboltandturnedit “Gogettheflowersandbringthemtomyapartment”Hepracticallyskipped backtohisopendoor.“Bringavasethistimetoo!”Heneverreturnedhervases. Hestoppedathisdoor,hisfaceapuzzle “Avase?Ihaveanemptypicklejar”
“That’lldo.Justmakesureit’scleanedout.”That’sthekindofthingyouhadtotellHarrison.
Anhourlater,Harrisonleftherapartmentwiththepicklejarfullofarrangedflowers thejarwascompletelycoveredin satinribbon,woundandwoundarounditandtiedwithaperfectbow.Jaimecouldn’tletherworkgooutthedoorinajarwith apicklelabelonit.He’dboughttightbundlesofcheapflowersinplasticwrap,unsoldleftoversfromastreetvendor.Lotsand lotsofinexpensivecarnations,someJapaneseiriswithpetalsthatlookedalittleworseforthewear TworedGerberadaisies, yellowstock,andafeatherybunchofchamomiles,whichJaimedidn’tevenbothertoinclude.Allinall,atrulydreadful combinationofflowers
Thebouquetwasn’therbestwork,thecolorsandtexturesweredifficulttoharmonize,butshehadn’tchosentheflowers,she wantedtogettobed,andHarrison’sserialforgetfulnessofhispoormotherdidn’tdeserveanotherhourofhertime.Butheleft happywithhispicklejarofflowers.
PoorHarrison’smama.Blessherheart.
Shedidn’tminddoingafavorforHarrison
He’dbeengoodtoher Helookedoutforher,andwhenheknewshehadajampackedscheduleofevents,hewouldoffertomovehercartotheothersideofthestreetintheearlyhours(streetcleaners!)so thatshecouldsleepin Nowandthen,they’dwalktothelaundromattogether,andhewouldcarryherlaundry Allinall, Harrisonwasagoodneighbor,andeverybodyneededagoodneighbor.
Bestofall,helovedhearingstoriesaboutherhometown.AnativeNewYorker,hesaiditsoundedlikeshe’dgrownupina foreigncountry.Whenshetoldhimthatshe’dgrownupina“drytown”(ifyouhadahankeringforabeer,you’dhavetodrive
overyondertothenextcounty)andthatthenameofhertownwasSunrise,hehowledwithlaughter.
Asshelayinbed,lookingupattheceiling,shebreathedinthefreshscentleftoverfromHarrison’scarnations.Roseusedto callthemgimcrack substandardtootherchoices butJaimelovedtheirspicysmell,andascutflowers,theylastedforages Shehadenjoyedcreatingtheimpromptuflowerarrangement.Itremindedherofslowtimesattheflowershop.Rosewould emptyoutthecoolerandgivethegirlstheleftovers,andtellthemtheyhadanhourtocreatesomethingspecial “Norules!”she wouldsay.“Justhaveatit.”Afteranhour’stime,shewouldjudgethearrangementsandpickawinner.
Theirthreearrangementscouldn’thavebeenmoredifferent Rosewouldinspecteachone,offeringcomplimentsandhelpful suggestions.Itdidn’tevenmatterwhowon theyoohedandaahedovereachother’sworkandlearnedsomuch.Lookingback, JaimebenefitedfromsomeofthelessonsthatRosetaughtinthosefriendlycontests.Workingunderatimepressure.Handling flowersthatmightnotappealtoyou Findingwaystonotwasteinventory
Roseletthemtakethearrangementshome,andsomehowallthreegirlsfeltasiftheyhadwon.Butthatwasbackwhenthey werefriends BeforeRose’snephewhadchangedthat
Thiskindofamorningwasworthgettingoutofbedatthecrackofdawn.Jaimehadsetheralarmfor4:00a.m.toarriveat theNewYorkCityFlowerMarketwhenitopenedtoprofessionalsat5:30 LocatedinChelseaonWest28thStreet,between SixthandSeventhAvenue,youknewyouwereclosewhentheairstartedtosmelldifferent.Cleaner,fresher,greener.Agemin thejungle.Andifshearrivedbeforefivea.m.,shecouldactuallyfindaparkingspotonthestreet.
ThefirsttimeJaimehadgonetotheflowerdistrict,shethoughtshe’ddiedandgonetoheaven Theabundantvarietyof plantsandcutflowerswasahorticulturist’sdream.Somanydifferentsmells,blendingandmixing,thatshedidn’tevenbother separatingtheminhermind WhenshefirstmovedtoNewYork,she’dtriedtofindajobatthemarket,butwithout connections,nowholesalerwouldhireher.Twoyearslater,vendorsknewherbynameandsetasidebucketsofflowersfor her AllbecauseoftheLiamMcMillanmagic Likefairydust
Havingfoundthelilacsshe’dcomefor,shetreatedherselftoacupofcoffeeanddrovetothewarehouse.Therewasless trafficthanexpectedandshearrivedbeforeseveno’clock.Theparkinglotwasempty,soitstartledhertoopenthefrontdoor toEpicandhearthesoundofmusic Sheclosedthedoorbehindherandpaused Wasthat ?No itcouldn’tbe Butit was.HezekiahWalker!Butwhowouldbelisteningtogospelmusic?Shewalkeddownthehallwayandrealizedthesoundwas comingfromLiam’soffice Hisdoorwaspartiallyopened,andshepeekedinsidetofindhimscribblingonthelarge whiteboardonhiswall,singingatthetopofhislungsto“Better,”agospelsong.Notjustsinging,hewasrockingout!Heknew everywordtothesong Jaimestaredindisbelief Thelyricattheendofthesong,“Thingsaregoingtogetbetter’causeGodis incontrol,”rosetoacrescendo,Liamrightalongwithit.Whenitfinished,shecouldn’thelpbutclap. Liamspunaround,alookofshockonhisface.“Howlong?”
“Thewholething”Shelaughed ItwasfuntocatchLiambeing aregularguy “WhattheSamHillisaScottishlord doinglisteningtoSoutherngospel?”
Stillfrozen,hedidn’tsmileorflinch “’TisaGrammywinner,Ib’lieve” True.AndtothinkhewouldknowthemusicofKentuckianHezekiahWalkermadeherfallinlovewithhimjustalittlebit more.Wasthatevenpossible?
“Y’foundthelilacs?”
Notsofast.“Soyoulike gospelmusic?”
Shethoughtshesawhischeekscolorabit “I’mfondo’allkindso’music” Yes,but.“Gospelmusicisalittlemore...”
Hewaitedforhertofinishthesentence Whenshedidn’t,hefilleditinforher “AweebitmoreChristian”
Ah,thereitwas.Religion.AsubjectshecarefullyavoidedwithNewYorkersaftermakingsomenaiveassumptionsand gettingmockedasafarmgirlsap.Eversince,shestudiouslyavoidedassumingpeopleapprovedofatraditionalfaith.Itwas rightuptherewithhereffortstoretiresomeSouthernphrasesthatbroughtridicule,like might could for“maybe.”Or down yonder for“overthere.”Or bless your heart for“pooryou.”Liamwastheonlyoneintheofficewhodidn’tteaseher.He smiledatherhomespunsayings,amusedbutnotmocking There’sadifference Hegaveherathoughtfullook.“’Tisagoodthing,isitnot?”
Itwas ItwasaverygoodthingtobeChristian Jaimehadbeenraisedinachurchgoinghome Hermothersentheramonthly postcardwithapostscript: Have you found a church yet? Butshehadn’t.She’dlookedaroundforachurchwhenshefirst movedtoNewYork,buttheyweresobig!Overwhelming.Andthenthepandemichit.Afterthelockdownended,whenshe wasnewlyhiredbyLiam,herweekendsbecameconsumedwiththepent-updemandforweddings Sometimes,duringwedding season,dependingonthescale,Epichadtwotothreeweddingsperweekend.
Sono Shehadn’tfoundachurchyet Butshedidthinkofherselfasachurchgoer Shedid,thewayshethoughtofherselfas abrown-eyedbrunette.Itwaspartofheridentity,herDNA.Andhermothermadesuresheremembereditaswell,textingher
Bibleverses Thinkingofhermama,shefeltastabofguilt Shedidpray!Everymorningandeverynight,likeclockwork That countedforsomething,didn’tit?“It’sharderhere,inNewYorkCity,tokeepfaithfromgrowingcold,”shesaid.
“Takesabitmorework,I’llgranty’that Sonowandthen,IfindIhavet’borrowfaithfromthelyricsinasong”Helifted hisshouldersinaslightshrug.“Surelythereareseasonsinlifewhenfaithcangodormant.Butitcanspringt’lifeagain.After all,that’swhatfaithis,isitnot?Itbringsnewlife”
Startled,shedidn’tknowhowtorespond.ShehadneverthoughtofLiamasamanoffaith.Notthatheseemedlikeaman lackingamoralcompass Liamwashonorableandconscientiousinhiswork Squeakyclean,Sloanecalledhim Butheacted asskittishasacalfaboutanythingremotelypersonal.Shecertainlyneverexpectedtohaveaconversationlikethisonewith him.
Hiseyeswereintense,curious,andstaringrightather,waitingforananswer Hislookbecametoomuchallofasudden Shefelthercheeksflushandherskintingle,sosheliftedthebundlesoflilac.“Speakingoflife,I’dbettergettheseintowater.”
Jaimewalkeddownthelonghalltotheworkshop,locatedatthefarendoftheEpicEventswarehouse Shehaddesigned thisroomherselfwhenshefirststartedworkinghere.Sheconsidereditaseriousworkplaceforaseriousfloraldesigner. AfarcryfromRose’sFlowerShopinNorthCarolina
ButwouldRosethinkthiswasaplaceforthebusinessofhappiness?Orwasitjustbusiness?
Jaimepushedthatthoughtrightoutofherhead.ShehadtostopthinkingaboutRoseReid!Thatregisteredlettershe’dsent keptchurningupoldmemories,bestforgotten
WhenLiamhadofferedthejobtoJaime,hepromisedherspaceforadedicatedworkshop.She’dcometoNewYorkCity freshoutofcollegewithadegreeinhorticulture,inspiredbyaninterviewwithLiamthatshe’dreadinMartha Stewart Weddings.She’dbeenfollowingLiamonsocialmediaforayearortwo,justashewasmakingasplashintheweddingworld. Intheinterview,hesaidthatNewYorkCitywastheplacetobreakintotheflowerworld,becauseithasasumptuousfloral scene. Sumptuous.Whousedthatwordforflowers?Onlysomeonewholovedflowerslikeshedid.Soshetookthatadviceto heart,alongwithherfrom-afarcrushonhim,andmovedtoNewYorkCitywithoutknowingasoul.Hermotherthoughtshehad losthermind ThereweremanytimesduringthatfirstyearwhenJaimethoughtshe’dlosthermindtoo Shesubletasmall furnishedapartmentinBrooklynfromafriendofafriendofafriendincollege...adinkyfour-hundred-square-footapartment onthesecondfloorofafive-storybuilding Sodinkythathershowerwasinherkitchen Onthegardenlevelweretworetail shops acatadoptionagencyandashopthatsoldcrystalsandincense.(Mamawouldhavesomethingtosayaboutthat. Ironically,Jaimeneversawasinglecustomergoinoroutoftheshop)
Thatfirstnightinherdinkyapartment,JaimewantedtopackupTinLizzieandheadhome.Butshedidn’t...andshe couldn’t.ShehadscrimpedandsavedtogiveherselfayearinNewYork,andknowingshewouldwobble,shehadwritten downthatpromisetoherself,datedit,andstuckitinherBible
Anditwasagoodthingshedid,becausethewobblingonlygotworse.Shehadabsolutelynoconnectionstoanyoneflowerrelatedinthecity,norésumétospeakofotherthanworkinginaflowershopduringhighschool,andsheendedupwithnojob offers.
Thenthepandemichit.AndboydidithitNewYorkCity.She’dneverknownwhatlonelywasuntilthattime.Desperatefor somethingtotakehermindoffherloneliness,shestartedmakingflowerarrangementsinherdinkykitchen.Socialmediawas heronlymeanstoadvertise(free!),soshecreatedInstagram-worthyarrangementsandpostedthem.Shehadtenfollowers,one ofwhomwasacatfromtheadoptionagencybelow Untiloneday,wheneverythingchanged.
SharingthesecondfloorinherapartmentbuildingwasHarrisontheartist,aweird-but-nice-but-weirdmanwhopainted enigmaticoilpaintings.Dramatic,colorful,inscrutable.(Shecouldjustimaginewhathermamawouldhavetosayabout Harrison’spaintings.“Son?WhattheSamHillwereyouthinking?”)He’dseenherbringingcutflowersfromtheflowermarket upthestairwell,andonemorninghestoppedherinthehallwaytobegforabouquet.“I’vedonesomethingterrible.” “What?”Then,“No,don’ttellme.”
Buthedid “Iforgotmymom’seightiethbirthday Thedateblewrightpastme Igotallinvolved,youknow,inmywork” “Can’tyoujustadmityouforgotitandtellheryou’resorry?”
“Triedthat Didn’twork She’sreally,reallymadatme Won’tevenpickupthephonewhenIcall Jaime,Ineedyourhelp Mymotherlovesflowers.Andflowershaveawayofgettingthemessageacross.”
Wasn’tthatthegospeltruth?Flowerssaidsomuch.OfcourseJaimesaidyes.Howcouldshenot?SoshemadeHarrisona gorgeousbouquet,oneofherbest(ifshedidsaysoherself) Andhismamaforgavehim Butthestorydidn’tendthere.
TurnedoutHarrisonhadquiteafollowingonline,andhepostedthearrangement,taggingJaime,creditingtheApology Bouquetforrepairinghisrelationshipwithhismother.Thepostwentviralandsuddenlyshehadasteadystreamoforders.
SeemedlikealotofpeopleinNewYorkCityhadapologiestomake Itwasastartintheflowerworld,butitdidn’tpaythebills.NotwithNewYorkCityrent,notwithstudentloanstopayback. SoshenanniedforafewfamiliesoverinParkSlopeandBrooklynHeights Nannyjobspaidwellbutleftherwithnotimefor flowers,plusthechildrenwereincorrigible.Absolutelyappallingmanners.ComingfromtheSouth,Jaimethoughtchildren shouldshowrespectforthosewhowereolderthanthem,liketheirnanny NotthechildreninNewYorkCity Whenshetold themtocallherMissJaime,theyburstoutlaughing.Jaimestartedtoseriouslyconsiderpackingupandmovinghome.
AndalongcameLiamMcMillan
Love is like wildflowers; it’s often found in the most unlikely places
Ralph Waldo Emerson
JaimehadbeenlivinginNewYorkaboutninemonthswhenLiamMcMillansawherApologyBouquetonInstagramandsent heradirectmessage,askingtomeettodiscussajobopportunityatEpicEvents Atfirst,shethoughtsomedark-heartedfriend wasprankingher.WhensherealizedtheDMhadcomefromhim fromLiamMcMillanhimself she’dnearlypassedout. Andthen,whentheymetinperson,shehadtroubleconcentrating Inside,shewasturningcartwheels Hewaseverythingshe hadimaginedhimtobe...andmore.Morecharming,moreappealing,morecharismatic.
Astheysatdownwithhotdrinksatthecoffeeshop,heexplainedthathehadfoundtheApologyBouquettobequite touching,tothinkthatithadpromptedamothertoforgiveherson.“Ihaveatenderspotinm’heartformamsandgrannies. Theydeserveourattention.”
“Youarespot-on”AsshelaunchedintothebackstoryofHarrisonandhisweirdartwithsomanyfollowers,Liam’sface grewincreasinglyconfused.Shestopped,midsentence.Whatcouldshehavedonewrong?She’donlybeentalkingforlessthan aminute
“Wheredidy’sayyerfrom?”
“Actually,Idon’tthinkIdidsay IcomefromalittlemountaintowninwesternNorthCarolina” “Appalachia?”
Shenodded,alittlesurprisedthathewouldknowtheregion.Shewatchedhiseyescloselytoseeiftherewasanypityin them ThereoftenwasamongNewYorkers Shewasatargetformockery WashisScottishupbringingsohighfalutin? Probably,shethought.Hisgentlemanlymanners,hiscrispaccent,hiseasewithfancy-typecustomers.Forallsheknew,he mighthavebeenraisedinacastle
Hiseyestookinherface,thenquicklydroppedtothetable.Heremainedlostinthoughtforanuncomfortablylongmoment, almostwistful,beforesnappingbackintoprofessional-employerinterviewmode.“Sotellm’something,”hesaid,leaning forward.“I’venoticedy’placeanalliumineachofyerApologyBouquets.Howdoy’keepitfromsmellinglike...?” “Likeanonion?”Shecouldbarelykeepasmiletampeddown.Morecartwheels!HemustbefollowingheronInstagramif he’dseenmorethanoneApologyBouquet “AddafewdropsofCloroxbleach”Shesnappedherfingers “Takesthatonion smellaway.”ItwasatrickRosehadtaughther.Alliumsbelongedtoagenusthatincludedonionsandgarlic.Theveryname meanscultivatedgarlic Addinganallium justonetoanarrangement wasRose’stouchtoo Theyaddedadelightful surprise.Theroundpurplebloomresembledalollipoponastrongstem.Andthebloomshadalongvaselife.
“Justaddafewdropso’Clorox,”heechoed,laughingatthatsimpletrick aheartylaughwithabitofascrapingsound andshecouldn’thelpbutlaughalongwithhim.Theicehadbroken.Shattered.Theyspentthenexttwohourstalkingflowers. Hewaseasytotalkto,laughedoften,andhadawayofrepeatingthingsshesaid,whichmadeherfeelasifhewastruly listeningtoher
ThoughLiamMcMillanwasn’told(somewhereinhismidthirties,Jaimeguessed),therewassomethingkindofoldfashionedabouthim AbitofaSoutherngentleman Mamawouldswoon
LiamexplainedthathewaslookingtoexpandEpicEventsservicesandbringflowerdesigningin-house.Hewasn’talways proudofwhatavendordelivered.“Toprotecttheintegrityofourbusiness,”hesaid,“Iwantt’wrapourbrandaround everything Everydetail Bringin’theflowersin-houseisthenextstep”
Jaimecouldhardlybreathe.Shefeltasifshehadjuststeppedintoafairytale.Shehadnever,everimaginedshe’dbehaving coffeewithLiamMcMillanoneday,muchlessthathe’dbeofferingherajob Beforehefinishedsayingthere’dbeadedicated spaceforafloralworkshop,she’dsaidyestohisjobofferwithoutwaitingforhimtoofferit.
Lookingback,Jaimemightcouldhaveaskedmorequestions Like,wouldshehavethefreedomtocreateherownfloral arrangements?(Theanswerwould’vebeenno.Liam,shequicklydiscovered,wasacontrolfreak.)Anddidthisto-bedesigneddedicatedworkspacehaveagenerousbudget?(Nope.Morelikeastring-beanbudget.Itshockedhertodiscoverhow smallthemarginswereforeventplanners Razorthin)
Butshestillwould’veacceptedthejob.AllbecauseofLiamMcMillan.Themanhad style.HecombinedOldWorldflair, knownforitsmassofflowers,intoNewWorldchic withafocusonlines,simplicity,andsymbolism andhedidit
seamlessly.He’dbeennamedatopweddingvendorbyMartha Stewart Weddings, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar,and Brides magazines.Hisskillsranfromfloraldesigntocakeartisttoeventplanning.Hewasalivingwonder.
NotadaywentbywhenJaimedidn’tfeelgratefulforthisjob WhenshefirstmovedtoNewYorkCity,shethoughtshe knewjustabouteverythingtherewastoknowaboutflowers.Shemighthavehadaknackforarrangingflowers,butsheknew nothing aboutthebusinessofflowers Nothing
ShehadlearnedsomuchfromLiam.Aboutplanning,aboutcreatingrecipesforfloralarrangementsforallkindsofevents, especiallylarge-scaleweddings She’dlearnedaboutschedulingandexecution,billing(recognizingthathertimewasas valuableastheflowers),aboutbuildingabrandandcultivatinggoodlong-termrelationshipswithvendors.Andworkingwith brides!Lordhavemercy.BridescametoEpicfullofideas(hugelyimpracticalones),andLiamwouldgentlypersuadethemto handthecreativecontrolsovertohim Hisstylewasalwaysbetter,classier,morechic Brideswouldendupthankinghim profusely.
Jaime’ssalaryhaddoubled stillnotgrandiosebutatleastshecouldpayherrentonherdinkyapartmentwithouthavingto resorttoadietoframennoodlesattheendofeverymonth.
ButbestofallwasjustbeingnearLiam Ifshe’dstartedatEpicEventswithafrom-afarcrush,herfeelingshadsailedpast dangerouslysmittenandlandedonhopelesslyinlove.Asmuchassheadmiredhimasanemployer hewaskindand affirming,accessibleasaleader,instructive,willingtoshareallhe’dlearned shejustlikedhimsomuch.Enjoyedhis personality,hisoptimism,hishumor AndthatScottishbrogue!Itneverfailedtomakeherkneesturntocornmealmush JaimeandLiamspentquiteabitoftimetogether.Atfirst,toteachherthefloraldesignsandstyleshepreferred.Shecaught onquickly,buthekeptpoppingintotheworkshop Todeliverrecipesorpickupshearstohelpwhateverarrangementshewas workingon.Theytalkedandtalkedastheyworked,aboutEpic,aboutupcomingevents,aboutJaime.Helikedhearingabout herlifeinaone-stoplighttown.Shetriedtofindoutmoreabouthischildhood,butheseemeduncomfortable,deflected questions,soshestoppedasking.
SheoftenwonderedhowLiamfeltabouther.Ifthoughtsofhereverconsumedhimalldaylonglikethoughtsofhim consumedher Ifeverythinghedidandeverywherehewent,hewishedheweresharingitwithher Probablynot.
Really,herlifewouldbeperfect,acompletedreamjob wereitnotforthetypeofcustomerswhosoughtoutEpic Events.Theyweren’tlikethecustomerswhohadorderedApologyBouquetsfromInstagramposts.Theyweren’tlikethe localsinNorthCarolina.Mostofthemwereridiculouslyhighmaintenance,likeMrs.Zimmerman.TheyremindedJaimeofthe childrenshe’dnannied.Spoiled,overindulged,entitled.Thebiggertheweddingbudget,themoredemandingtheclients.
Comingfromamodestupbringing shewasraisedbyasinglemomwhoworkedinaDollarGeneralstore Jaimewas verycomfortablewithdeal-scrounging Infact,sheenjoyedthehunt She’dfoundagreatbargainonahuge,gentlyusedwalk-in cooler theveryonewiththedoorthatstucktightforMrs.Zimmerman’smock-upmeeting.Ithadalargesteeldoorandadim automaticlightandwasbigenoughfortwotostandinside
She’dbuiltshelvingfromscrapwoodtoholdeverysupplyortoolafloristcouldimagineneeding.She’dscouredtagsales tofindvasesandurnsandothervessels.She’dboughtuseddropcloths,toolbags,clippers,knives,flatirons,glueguns,drills andbits,ribbons,frogs,chickenwires,cableties Younameit,Epic’sworkshophadit Inthecenterwerelongfoldingtables ArowofcheapLEDlightingabove.Brightenoughtoworkbutwithoutgivingoffanyheatthatmighttricktheflowersinto thinkingsunshinewasoverhead She’ddonethewholething Theonlythingshedidn’tskimponwasgettingasinkinstalled withrunningwater,cold and hot.Veryimportant.Cuttingstemsunderhotwater,especiallyroses,prolongedaflower’slife.
TheworkshopbecameJaime’shappyplace whichwasgoodbecausesheworkedlong,longhours EpicEventswas housedinanoldbrickwarehouseinBrooklyn.Ithadstartedasaone-manshow(Liam!);hewouldhirehourlyworkersto handletheburdenofweekends.AsEpic’sreputationquicklyexpanded,sodidthecompany.BythetimehehadbroughtJaime inasthefloraldesigner,thestaffhadgrowntofive Six,ifyouincludedtheunpaidinternTodd
Thismorning,Jaimehadworkedontwotablearrangementsforacorporatelunch.She’djustputthelastvaseinthewalk-in cooler Thesecorporateeventsbroughtaninjectionofcash,necessarywiththeseasonalworkofweddings Butweddings werethebreadandbutter.OrasLiamwouldsay,“Theyputth’butteronth’bread.” Weddingswerehispassion Athisheart,Jaimesoonrealized,Liamwasaromantic Herememberedeverybody’sbirthday, hesurprisedtheteamwith“justbecause”treatsfromupscalebakeries,hesenteveryonehomeforChristmaswith personalized,thoughtfulgifts.(He’dgivenJaimeagenerousgiftcertificatetoalaundromatinBrooklynthatpickedupand deliveredclothes,ironedandfolded He’doverheardhercomplainaboutschleppinglaundryinthesnow Touching!Hewas such agoodlistener.)
Liam’slong-termbusinessplanwastobookonlyhigh-endweddings,especiallydestinationweddingsthatcoveredtwoto threedaysofback-to-backevents.Hewantedtobeinvolvedfromsetuptoteardown,everydetail fromthechoiceof stationeryfontontheweddinginvitationtotheribbontiedaroundtheguestfavor.Hewrappedhishandsaroundeverysingle logisticaldetailofthewedding.Eachweddingwasuniquetohim.EverybridehadherowncustomizedLiamflowerrecipes.
Heevenprovidedalisteningeartothebridalcouple,toprovidemediationtomanagetrickyfamilydynamics.Hewantedthe totalwedding,starttofinish.
Atfirst,JaimeassumedLiamwaspursuingdestinationweddingsfortheincome
Whileitwastruethathigh-endweddings providedthebestprofitmargins,hewasn’taboutlivinginhighcotton.Hewantedtohavemoretime,fewerdistractions,so thathecouldgettoknowtheclients HelikedtomakeeachbrideandgroomfeelasiftheywereEpic’sonlyclient Whenhe did,“beautifulstoriescomeout.”Hewouldfindwaystoincorporatethestoriesintothewedding,bringingaremarkable personalizationtoeachone Afterall,“aweddin’is astory,”hewouldsay “Thebestone”Hence,theLiammagic
EveryMondaymorning,Liamheldteammeetingstoreviewtheweekend’seventsandlookaheadatwhatthenewweek held.Jaimeconsideredthemtobemorelikemotivationaltalks.He’dstartwithhighpraisefortheweekendevents,specific complimentsforeachteammember Thenhe’dshiftseamlessly,subtly,intohismainmessage:“Remember,thesebigandwelldeservedwinsrackupconsistentlywhenwecontinuet’performunderpressureeasily,effortlessly,andefficiently.So, regardlessoftheclientpraisewejustearnedo’ertheweekend,aswelldeservedas’tis,asswaggeryafeelingasitmight bring,wehaveanotherhillt’climbthisweek.”Hewouldlookaroundthetableathisteam,eachonetransfixedbyLiam’s charisma,byhisrollingScottishr’s,andtheywouldfeelrenewed,recharged,readytoclimbMountEverestwithhim Jaime wasfirstinline.
AndeachMondaymorning,Jaimewouldleavethemeetingwiththesamethought:HadLiam’seyeslingeredabitlongeron herthanonotherteammembers?Hadheaskedhertositnexttohimforareason?Splitandsharedhisdonutwithherbecause heknewitwasherfavorite?
Probablynot Probablyjustafigmentofherimagination
Sometimeinthenight,atextmessagecameinfromLiam.Itwasthefirstthingshesawinthemorning.
DidyouentertheZimmermanbridalbouquetinacontest?
Sheboltedoutofbed.Whywouldheaskthat?Handsshaking,shescrolledthroughheremailuntilshecametoonefrom BloomstoBouquet Thesubjectheadread“Congratulations!Yourfloraldesignisafinalist!”
Whaaaat?Herdesignfinaled?Noway.Butthereitwas,inprint!Sheletoutasquealofjoy.
Andthenshegasped Liam!Sheshouldhaveaskedhimfirst Sheshouldhavefoundoutwhenthefinalistswouldbe announced.Sheknewnottopostanythingaheadofawedding bridesdeservedthefirstlook,thebigreveal.Theprivacy.It wasacardinalruleatEpicEvents Thebridecamefirst Butsheneverdreamedshe’dactuallybeafinalist. HowhadLiamfoundoutthatherentryhadbecomeafinalist?
ShescrolledthroughherInstagramfeed,thereitwas,plainasday.TheZimmermanbridalbouquet,withatagtoEpic Events.Italreadyhadthousandsoflikes,hundredsofcomments. Sothat’showheknew
Icanexplain. Justcometotheofficeasquicklyasyoucan.Mrs.Zisonherway.
IfMrs.ZimmermanhadalreadycaughtwindofitandwasarrivingataBrooklynwarehouseatthecrackofdawn,thiswasbad. Really,reallybad.Shewasn’tsureallthatitmeant,butJaimeknewonething:Mrs.Zimmermanwouldthrowahissyfit.
BythetimeJaimearrivedatLiam’soffice,Mrs Zimmermanwasalreadythere,gaspinglikeafishthathadjustbeenthrown fromthelake.FacingLiam,sheshookhersmartphoneintheair.“This...thisisanoutrage!” Jaimeinhaledforfortification.Thiswomanwasmadderthanawethen.AllcolorhaddrainedfromLiam’sface.Helooked likehehadn’tsleptawink hishairwasn’tcombed,hisfacewasunshaved,hisclotheswererumpled.Thiswasreally,really bad.
Timidly,shetappedonthedoor “Itakefullresponsibility” Mrs.Zimmermanswirledaround.“You!Youdidthisheinousthing!”
“I’mtrulysorry.”
“You’re sorry?”Mrs.ZimmermanturnedbacktoLiam.“Sorrydoesn’tcutitforaweddingofthismagnitude.Aprivate elementofmydaughter’sweddinghasbeenleaked Liam,accordingtomylawyers,youhavebrokenourcontract” Leaked?Lawyers?Brokencontract?Jaimefeltasifshemightthrowup. Liamnoddedslowly Jaimeknewthatnod Itgavetheillusionthathewasthinkingthingsover,butshecouldtellhismind wascompletelyblank.
“PerhapsIshouldletyoubothfinishtheconversationinprivate”Jaimebackedoutoftheroomandheadeddownthehallto theworkshop.Thewalkofshame.
WhatdidMrs.ZimmermanmeanwhenshesaidLiamhadbrokenthecontract?Whatkindofathreatwasthat?Wouldshe pulltheweddingfromEpicEventsandgiveittoanothercompany?Couldshedothat?Theweddingwasthisweekend,just daysaway!
Shehadn’tfeltthisresponsibleforsomethinggonebadasallget-outsincethatlastdayinRose’sFlowerShop That,too, happenedbecauseonethingledtoanother,whichendedinacatastrophe.She’dnever,everwantedtofeelthatsickeningshame again
Sheflickedonthelightstotheworkshopandsetherpursedown.Tyingtheapronstringsaroundher,shetriedtofocuson today’sfloralpieces.FourtablecenterpiecesforaretirementdinneratGoldmanSachs.Shelookedthroughthepaperworkfor Liam’srecipebutcouldn’tfindit Sheletoutabreath Onanormalday,shearrivedatworktofindrecipeswaitingforher On anormalday,LiamwouldhavetherecipewaitingandJaimewouldorderflowersfromawholesalertobedeliveredby midmorning That’showthingsrolledforthesesmallcorporateevents Shelookedthroughthepaperworkagain.Norecipetobefound.
Ifthiswereanormalday,shewouldwalkbacktohisofficeandaskhimwhathehadinmindfortherecipe.
Butthiswasn’tanormalday.NowaywasshegoingbacktothatofficeandfacingthewrathofMrs.Zimmerman.Shewas blowingupastormdownthere.
Whattodo?Whattodo?Theclockwasticking Thiswasahigh-valueaccountforEpicEvents Sheopenedthedoortopeek downthehall.Liam’sofficedoorwasstillclosed.Sheclosedthedoor,crossedherarms,andpaced.Whattodo?Whattodo? IfMrs Zimmermanpulledthewedding,itcouldbankruptEpicEvents Liamcouldbeleftholdingthebillforeverythingthat hadbeendone,everythingthathadbeenordered.Shesqueezedhereyesshut.Jaime’sflowerorderalonecametotensof thousandsofdollars.
Sheshookherhead,hopingtopromotetheflowofbloodandoxygentoherbrain.Shehadtodosomething. Cooler.
Shecrossedtheroomtoseewhatkindofinventoryshehadtoworkwithtoday Notmuch She’dbeentryingtoclearitoutto createroomfortheZimmermanflowerslaterthisweek.Sheglancedattheclock.Thenshegrabbedherkeysandquietly slippedoutthebackdoor
Love is the flower you ’ ve got to let grow.
John Lennon
Momentslikethismadeupforthecostlynuisanceofkeepingatruckinthecity Anditwasanuisance Everyotherday,she hadtogetupatthecrackofdawntomovehertrucktotheothersideofthestreetsothestreetcleanerscouldsweep.Bridge tollsaloneequaledaweek’sgroceries
Stillworthit.Shelovedhertruck.AnyonefromtheSouthwouldunderstandthat.Carsandtruckswerealmostafamily memberwhereshecamefrom,asdearasahuntingdog.TinLizzie,anoldFordpickup,hadoncebeenhergrandpa’s.Itbrought plentyofguffawing,butnothiefbotheredtobreakintoit.Itwasobvioustherewasnothinginsideofvalue.Eventheseatcover waswornthrough,withspringsattemptingtopopoutthroughtheducttape.
SloanesaidJaimewouldneverbearealNewYorkeruntilsheconqueredherfearofthesubway Allthosepeoplestuffed likesardinesintoacan,hurlingthroughtheearthatthespeedoflight?Andyouneverknewaboutthestations,fromwhatshe’d heard Everythingcouldbefineoneday,dangerousthenext Nothankyou,ma’am
ShedroveTinLizzieasquicklyasshecouldtotheflowerdistrict.Normally,sheonlydroveintoManhattanatfiveo’clock inthemorningtogettotheflowermarketwhenitopened.Nineo’clockinthemorning?Itwasawholedifferentcity.Crowded streets,crowdedsidewalks.Obnoxiouslyaggressivedriverswhohonkedatherwithoutmercy.Noparkingspotleft,soshe endeduppayingafortuneinaparkinggarage.
Andthen,anotherdisappointingdiscovery Theflowersshehadinmind onessheknewLiampreferred weregone, pickedoverbytheprofessionals.
Shewalkeddownonesideofthestreetandbacktheother,stillcomingupemptyofideas Distracted,too,bytheshop ownerswhoshoutedoutcongratulationstoherforbeingafinalistintheBloomstoBouquetcompetition.TheNewYorkCity FlowerMarketwasasmallcommunity everyonekneweachother.Shecouldbarelygofromonestalltotheotherwithout someonewantingdetails:WherehadshesourcedthatCaféLatterose?Howmanymini-orchidstems?Andthemostrepeated question:How’dshecomeupwiththeideaofusingblackflowers?Twowholesalersaskedfortherecipe.
Arecipe Me Me? Itastonishedhertothinkshewasbeingaskedforherrecipebythesepeople Theyhaddecadesmore experiencewithflowersthanshedid.Andherbriefcareerwasonthebrinkofending.ShefullyexpectedLiamtofireher today
OnceagainJaime’sworkneededherfullattention,andonceagainshestruggledtokeepherthoughtsoffLiamtomakethat happen.Flowers,flowers,flowers.Shehadtoreturntotheofficewithflowers.Beautiful, sumptuous flowers. WhatdidLiamhaveinmindfortheretirementparty?
Find your own style.
Shestoppedshort,soabruptlythatamanbumpedintoherfrombehind “Oh,I’msosorry,sir!”buthejustsidesteppedher, dismissingherapologywithahuff,andwentonhisway.
Find my own style ARose-ism ThoughtsofRosekeptpoppingunbiddenintohermind Thistime,shecouldn’tblameiton theregisteredletter.Asniceasitwastohavethecongratulationsofthewholesalersandvendors,thepersonshereallywanted toknowabouttheBloomstoBouquetcompetitionwasRose.Butshecouldn’t.Shecouldn’tjustcallRose,outoftheblue,after allthathadhappened,despiteherrecentletter
Find my own style.
Jaimesteppedoutofthestreamofpeoplenearsomerhododendronbushesinfullbloom Lovely,butnothinglikethesizeof bloomsfoundintheNorthCarolinawoods.Shesqueezedhereyesshut. Get your head back in the game, Jaime!Whatwould she chooseforaretirementparty?Acorporateevent,heldinarestaurant,notacozyhomesetting.Aretirementofacareerwas anend...butitwasalsoabeginning.
Newbeginnings.
Yes!Flowersthatsymbolizedanewbeginning Daffodils Daisies Callalilies
Eyesstillshut,shecrossedoffdaffodils.They’dbeenpickedoverinthestalls.She’dseenalotofdaisies,buttheyseemed toopedestrianforGoldmanSachs Andtherewasastallwithbucketsfullofivorycallalilies Sheopenedhereyes Perfect Inhermind,sheimaginedwhitewashedwoodenboxesfilledwithsingle-stemivorycallalilies.Nothingelse.Shespun aroundandhurriedbacktothewholesalerwhohadbucketsofcallalilies.“I’lltakethemall,”sheshouted.Thensherantothe
vendorwhosoldvesselsandsearchedtheshelvesuntilshefoundjusttheboxthatmatchedtheoneshehadimagined.She boughtfive,justtobesafe.Thenshehurriedbacktothewholesaler,whohadwrappedupallhercallalilies.Aftershepaid him,hecalledhissontohelphergeteverythingtohertruck ShedrovedownManhattaninheavytraffic,thenslippedslowlyontotheBrooklynBridge.Nomatterwhattimeofdayor night,therewasalwaysatrafficjamonthisbridge Forallthatwasfrustrating,shestillloveddrivinginNewYork Duringthepandemic,whenstreetswereeerilyempty,shewouldgooutforlongdrives,coveringeverynookandcrannyof thecity,fromQueenstoHarlem ItwasherwaytogettoknowNewYork Notjustthefiveboroughs,buttheneighborhoods within.Theyhadtheirownarchitecturalstyle,theirownrestaurants,theirownvibes.
Tenminuteslater,shewasintheworkshop,settingbundlesofcallaliliesinbucketsoffresh,coldwater.Shesetthewooden boxesshe’dboughtonthebenchandtookoutaruler Shetriedafewdifferentstemheightsofcallalilies,thensettledonone thatsuitedtheboxandstartedtocutstems.Happily,callaliliesrequirednopreparation.Roses,asoneexample,required strippingoffoliageandthornsbeforeafloristcouldbeginthearrangement
Whenshefinishedthefirstbox,shetookafewstepsbacktoseehowitlookedfromadistance.Shesmiled,pleased.It lookedverysophisticated,veryelegant VeryGoldmanSachs-ish “Goin’rogue?”
Jaimewhirled.Liamwasleaningagainstthedoorjamb,armsfolded.“I...Ididn’tseearecipefortoday’sevent,andI knew well ”Herwordsdrizzledtoastop Sheexpectedhimtoseemupset,buttherewasreliefonhisface Hepushedofffromthedoorjambandcrossedtheroomtoexaminethearrangementupclose. Shesteppedawaysohecouldgetabetterlook Herheartwaspounding “Callaliliesmean ” “Newbeginnings.”Hecastaglanceather.“Aye,anaptchoice.” “Ifyoudon’tlikeit,I’llstartagainwithyourrecipe.” “Nay.’Tisbonny.Perhapsaddanivoryribbon’roundtheboxtoglamitup.Nobow,o’course.” Oh,thankgoodness.Helikedwhatshe’ddone.“Liam,youdon’thavetofireme.I’llresign.IknowI’vecauseddamage.” Heheldupahandtostopher “Allissmoothedo’er” Jaime’seyeswidened.“Mrs.Zimmermandidn’tyanktheweddingfromEpic?” “Nay Infact,shelefthappy IthelpedwhenSloaneinterruptedwithanopportunephonecallfromthe New York Times ” Sheliftedhereyebrows,curious.Hopeful.
“Theweddingseditorhappenedupontheposto’thebouquetandcalledt’featuretheweddingintheSundayStylessection. Turnsoutthey’dbeenhankerin’t’haveapieceattheNewYorkBotanicalGarden.”Heliftedhishands.“Soyerbouquet combinedwiththeNYBGwaslikestrikin’gold,shesaid.”
That,Jaimeknew,wasagiftfromabove Normally,weddingplannerssteadilysubmittedinformationtowootheinterestof the New York Times weddingseditorandhoped,hoped,hopedforabite.Anibble.Butafeature? That wasamiracle.“Itakeit Mrs Zimmermanwaspleasedwiththeturnofevents?”
“Indeedshewas.’Twasatimelyboon.Itconsiderablychangedthedirectiono’thewindinm’office.”
“Blessthateditor.BlessSloanefordaringtointerruptyourmeeting.”Jaimewasn’tsureshewouldhavehadthegutstodoit. Actually,shewassure Shecouldn’thavedoneit “Didyousay hankerin’?” “DidI?”Hescratchedhisforehead.“Nay.Perhapsthat’showy’heardit.” Maybeso Itwassomethingshewouldsay
Themorninghadturnedupsidedown...orrightsideup.Sowhywasn’tLiambacktohischeeryself?Therewasalookon hisfacethatwashardtoread “Liam,I’mverysorrythatIdidn’ttellyouIhadenteredthecompetition Imadeanumberof mistakes.”
Leaningagainstthesink,hehadhishandsinhistrouserpockets.“Whydidy’enterthecontestwithouttellin’me?” Why?Thereweresomanyreasonsshedidn’tknowwheretostart Theclincher,nodoubt,wasRose’sunsettlingletterthat includedachallengetoenteracontesttotesthertalent.Jaimehadalwayslongedforvalidation.Shewantedsomeconcrete evidencethatsheshouldbeinthisbusiness
AndthentherewasLiam.Sheyearnedforhimtoseeherandvalueherasafloraldesigner,withideasofherown.She’d beenworkingforhimforoverayear,andhehadyettolethertryoutasingleoriginaldesign Shelongedformorecreative freedom,butshewishedshedidn’thavetoaskforit.Sheshouldn’thave toaskforit.Itoffendedherthathedidn’tthinkto offerit.Andthensherealizedhowpassive-aggressivethatsounded.ASouthernfemaletradition.
ThetruthwasthatMrs Zimmerman’senthusiasticreactiontoherspinonacascadingbridalbouquetgavehertheburstof confidencesheneededtofillouttheentryform.
ShewantedtotellLiamthatbecomingafinalistwasfrighteningandthrillingatthesametime Shewantedtoaskifhewas proudofher.Yetallthethingsshecouldthinkoftosaywerethingsshewasafraidwoulddrivethemapart.
Shehadtogivehimsomething,though.Hewaswaitingforananswerastowhyshehadenteredthecontestwithouttelling him.“Onawhim,”shesettledon.“Ididitonawhim.”
“Awhim,”heechoed,unconvinced.“Jaime,itmadem’wonderif ”
Hisvoicesoundedsotentativethatsheknewwhateverhewasabouttosaywastherealquestionatstake.“Itmadem’ wonderify’mightbethinkin’o’leavin’...Epic.”
“LeavingEpicEvents?Whatwouldmakeyouthinkthat?”Shecouldn’timagineleavingLiam Helockedeyesonher.“Y’llbegettingaloto’attentionnow.Offerst’workelsewhere.”
Hewasn’twrong Attheflowermarketthisverymorning,awholesalerofferedherajob “Ididn’tenterthecompetition becauseIwantedtoleaveEpic.Idon’twanttoleave.”
Hepushedofffromthesinkandwalkedclosertoher “I’mgladt’hearthat”Hetookonestepcloser,lockingeyeswithher, studyingherfromjustafewinchesofdistance.Theairbetweenthemgrewcharged.“We...makeagoodteam,y’andI.”The sentenceslowedashisfocusdroppedtoherlips.
Timespunout Jaime’sheartwasdrummingsoloudshewonderedifhecouldhearit Slowly,Liam’sheadbentdown,his lipsgrazingherswithagentle,tentativekiss.Herheadwasswimming,herbodywasfloating.Sheliftedherarmstowrap aroundhisneck
Andsuddenlyhedrewback.
Don’t pull away!
Buthedid.Hesteppedbackandgaveaslightshakeofhishead.“M’apologies.Idinnathinkthatthrough.”Herakedahand throughhishair.“’Tisbeenaneventfulday.”Hepointedtothecallalilies.“Thosewilldonicely.Perhaps...just...” “Subtract”
“Aye.Subtract.”Hisfacesoftenedinagrin.Helefttheworkshop,closingthedoorquietlybehindhim.
Sheploppeddownonastool,slightlywinded,completelyconfused Handsdown,thatwasthebestkissshehadever experiencedinherentirelife.NoonecomparedtoLiamMcMillan.Noone.
Hergazeturnedtothecallalilies.Subtract?Sheturnedthearrangementaroundandaround.Itwasbalanced,symmetrical, eye-catching.Thesleekbloomsdidn’texpandlikeotherflowers.Shereallydidn’tthinksheneededtosubtractasinglestem. Buttodaydidn’tseemlikethedaytopushit.
Jaime’sthoughtstuggedherbacktothatkisswithLiam Shewonderedifhethoughtaboutit,ifhewantedtorepeatit Orifit wasjustoneofthosethingsthathappenbetweentwopeoplewhoworktogetheralot.Justaresponseofrelieftothedramaof theday Afterall,ithadbeenquiteadramaticday Jaime’sbouquetwasafinalistintheBloomstoBouquetcontest,Epic Eventsteeteredonthebrinkofalawsuit,thenherjobwasinjeopardy...andsuddenly,itallturnedoutjustfine.Betterthan fine.
Shesighed.ReliefwasmostlikelythereasonLiamletdownhisguardandkissedJaime.Andthenheinstantlyregrettedit. Butitwaswortheverything,thatmoment.
A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it It just blooms
Zen Shin
StartingWednesday,JaimeknewshewouldhardlysleepuntilSaturdaynight,whentheZimmerman-Blauweddingwasover. FlowershipmentsstartedarrivingonWednesdayandshewastednotime HundredsofCaféLatteroseshadbeenflowninfrom Kenyaandneededfoliageandthornsstripped,stemstrimmed,beforedrinkingupwaterintheirbucketsinthecooler.Parrot tulipsandHotChocolatecallaliliescameinfromHolland Shestayedlateinthenightattheworkshoptopreptheflowersand wokeupearlythenextmorningtoheadtotheflowermarkettopurchasefillersandfoliage.AlldayThursday,sheworkedon someoftheheartierfoliagedisplays vinesthatwoulddrapeoverthewindowsandmirrors OnFriday,hourlyhelpwould arrivetogetstartedonalltheotherfloralarrangements.
AfteronemoretriptotheflowermarketearlyFridayformorefoliage,shehurriedbacktotheworkshoptoproviderecipes forthehelpers Shesetthemuptoworkondifferentelementswhileshestartedonthebridalbouquet Mercy,itwaswarminhere.WheneverabeadofsweattrickleddownJaime’sback,shefeltherworryspikeupafew notches StillApril,buttheairwassothickwithheat,you’dhavethoughtitwassummer Theweathershouldn’tbethiswarm.Itshouldn’tbethishumid.
Heatcoulddevastatemostflowerarrangements Imaginesettingavaseoflong-stemmedrosesinthehotsun Wilting, drooping,sagging.Devastating.
Shetookabreak,handsonherhips,stretchingherback.Hergazewentupanddownthelongtable,assessingeachhelper’s progress Mentally,shewentdownthechecklistofpiecesthatweregettingworkedon:bridalandbridesmaids’bouquets, flowergirls’nosegays,daisdecorations,corsagesforthemothersandgrandmothers,groomandgroomsmenboutonnieres, largetriangularreceptionarrangements,tablecenterpieces,chairflowers,escortcardtablearrangement Stilltogo:the chuppah.She’dsavedthelargefloralarchforlast,forSaturdaymorning,becauseitwouldbetoolargetokeepinthecooler. Asbigasitwas,thecoolerwasstuffedtotherafterswithflowers.Theywereuponshelves,downinbuckets,pushedinthe back;theyoccupiedeverysquareinch.Sheglancedatthelargeclockonthewall.Itwasnearlymidnight.
ThedooropenedandincameLiam.HiseyessearchedtheworkshopuntiltheylandedonJaime,thenhestrodetowardher,a bigsmileonhishandsomeface,andshefeltherinsidesturntomush Itwasgettingtowhereshecouldn’tkeepathoughtinher headwhenLiamwasaround.
“JustcamefromtheBotanicalGarden,lass,andweareontrackforanotherepicevent”His r’srolledwithadramatic flourishwhenhewasespeciallyenthusiastic.
“Whatabouttheweather?”
“What’boutit?”
Whataboutit?Washeserious?“Theheat.TheBotanicalGarden’sair-conditioningisworking,right?”
“O’course!’Tisnotsoveryhot Fretnoty’self,Jaime”
Shefrowned.Indeeditwas soveryhotforflowers!Howcouldshenotworryabouttheselavishdisplays,expectedtohold upforhoursandhoursinsuchunexpectedlywarmweather?Liamknewthat Shehadtohandittohimforkeepinganupbeat attitude.Oncehehadtoldher,“Yououghtnott’beinthislineofworkifyernotanoptimist.”
Slowly,hewalkeduponesideofthetableanddowntheother,complimentingthehelpersontheirworkwhilegivingthem advice Thenhewentinsidethewalk-incoolerandassessedthefinishedpieces Sheknewhewasmentallycheckingoffevery recipehe’dmadeforthiswedding otherthanthebridalbouquet.Whenhereemergedfromthecooler,hefoundJaimeatthe sink,clippingrosestemsatanangle “Everythinglookswonderful But,ah,whereisthechuppah?”
“IthoughtI’dtrytogetafewhoursofsleeptonight,thencomebackearlytodoit.Itwon’tfitinthecoolerandIwantto keeptheflowersaschilledaspossible” “Buty’cannadoitalone,lass.” Butshecould.“I’llmanage.”Shelikedworkingalone.Infact,shemuchpreferredit. ButLiamwasn’thavingit Shecouldtellhedidn’tliketheideaofleavingthearchuntilmorning Heturnedaroundtoface thehelpers,manyofwhomwerepackinguptoheadhome.“Whomightb’willin’t’staylatet’helpJaimebuildupthearch?” Twoguysinthebackstuckuptheirhands
“Excellent.Problemsolved.”
Butshehadn’tseenthearchasaproblem.Theonlyproblemshecouldforeseehadtodowithtomorrow’sheatwave. “Todd,”Liamsaid,“willbringthetruckfortheflowersat ” “Seveno’clockinthemorning.We’vegoneoverthis.”
Henodded “Andlet’snotforgetthattheZimmermanweddingisEpic’sgrandestevent”Hegavethe r in“grandest”a distinctiveroll.
“Yes,Iknow,Liam HowcouldInotknow?”Shesoundedsnappish,butshewastired,withhoursofworkaheadofher,and hewasn’treallyhelpingmattersbyremindingherofthepressure.
“I’llbeoff,then.BacktotheBotanicalGardentooverseeafewthings.”Hegrinnedandgaveheraslightsalute. Shefeltbadafterheleft Ifshefeltpressure,imaginehowmuchmorepressurehewasunder Mrs Zimmermanwasoneof thoseclientswhodrainedthelifeoutofothers.ButJaimestillplannedtoleavethearchuntilmorning,whenshewasrested andtheflowerswerechilled Shetoldthetwoguyswho’dvolunteeredtostaytogoonhome,andtheywereoutthedoorina flash.Awaveofexhaustionhither.Sheneededtogetsomesleeptobereadyfortomorrow.Astheworkshopemptiedout,she madesurethecoolerdoorwasclosedtight,andshedroveTinLizziebacktoherdinkyapartment
Jaimesleptdeeply,thenwoketothepingingsoundofatextonherphone.
Liam
Istoppedbytheworkshopintheweehours andsaw you’dleft Decideditwouldsavetimetoarrangethe chuppahatthevenue.IhadToddbringover buckets offlowers andyour toolbox,sogostraighttothe NYBG
Squeezinghereyesshut,shecoveredherfacewithherhands Argh!Whycouldn’tLiamtrusthertogetthejobdone?Hehad justmadethisarchsomuchmoredifficult.Theworkshophadsuchavarietyoftools,somanymechanics,resources,tricksof thetrade rightatherdisposal
Sheblewoutapuffofair,pushedbackhercovers,andmadeherselfgetoutofbed.Afteraquickshower(cold!thehot waterwasonthefritzagain),shestaredatthemirrorandgroaned Shelookedastiredasshefelt SinceWednesday,whenthe firstflowersarrivedfortheZimmerman-Blauwedding,she’dhardlyhadmorethanacoupleofhoursofsleep.
Justafewmorehoursandthisweddingwouldbehistory forher,anyway.Assoonastheflowerarrangementsweresafely deliveredandsetupatthevenue,herworkwouldbedone Everythingelseintheweddingandreceptionwouldbehandledby Liamandtheteam.Shecouldcomebacktoherdinky,noisyapartment,putonherthreesoundmachinestodrownoutthemolarrattlingstreetnoise,andcatchuponhersleep
AfterarrivingattheNYBG,sheparkedandtookasmallredchild’swagonoutofthebackseatofTinLizzie.Init,she placedhertoolboxfromhome drillandbits,hammer,someweights,alongwithfloraltoolslikeglovesandclippers She hurriedcarefully,asitwasstilldark,butsheknewthisplacewell.The250-acresgroundswasaNationalHistorical LandmarkintheBronx,establishedinthelate1800sbybotanistNathanielLordBritton.IfJaimerememberedcorrectly,he’d visitedLondon’sRoyalBotanicGardenandreturnedinspiredtoreplicatesomethingsimilarinNewYorkCity
WhenJaimefirstmovedtothecity,shespentmanyafternoonswanderingthroughthegardensandconservatory.Allkindsof varietiesofplantsandtreeswerespreadoutoverthegrounds,evenanold-growthforestsplitbytheBronxRiver theonly freshwaterriverintheentirecity.Anenormouslibrarysatonthenorthside.Somewhereonthegroundswasalaboratoryfor scientificbotanicalresearchprojects HerfavoritewanderingplacewasthestunningHauptConservatoryonthewestend But todayshewasheadedtotheGardenTerraceRoom.
Itdidn’tcompletelysurpriseJaimethatMrs.ZimmermanhadchosenasiteliketheNewYorkBotanicalGardenforheronly daughter’swedding itwas,toquoteSloane,anabsolutestunner ButtheGardenTerraceRoomdidstrikeherasoddforthe venue.JaimewouldhaveheldtheweddingceremonyrightinthemiddleoftheOldGrowthForest,soyoucouldlookupand seethemajestyoftheancienttrees OrneartheOldStoneMill,withthesoundofrushingwatertodrownoutanycitynoise Or onthestepsoftheHauptConservatory,withthelargeglasshousebehindthem.
NotthattherewasanythingwrongwiththeGardenTerraceRoom.Itwasalovelyballroomwitharchedwindowsand doors,anditflowedoutintoatentforcocktailhour.Butonceyouwereinside,youcouldhavebeenanywhere.Eventhe cateringcompany,asgoodasitwas,camewiththeNYBG.
MaybeMrs Zimmermandidn’tcaresomuchaboutthefood,ortheoutdoors,butshedidcareabouttheflowers Shewanted theinterioroftheGardenTerracetobecoveredinfoliage.Overthetallmirrors,JaimeplannedtodrapegarlandswithItalian Ruscus,aversatile,hardyvinethatcouldholdupforhourswithoutwater Thevineshadbeenassembledandtiedtogether
yesterdayandwerereadytobedrapedthismorning.ShehopedLiamhadthoughttobringthemoverwiththeflowersforthe arch.Itstillirkedherthathehadinterferedwithherplansforthemorning.Shewonderediftherewassomeresiduallackof trustinherovertheBloomstoBouquetmisstep Orcoulditbethatheregrettedkissingherthatday?Maybehewastryingto recalibratetheirrelationshipbyremindingherthathewastheboss.
Shesighed Probably He’dcertainlyactedentirelyprofessionalanddisappointinglydistanttowardhersincethatkiss BythetimeshereachedthewoodenWELCOMETO THEWEDDINGsigntotheGardenTerraceRoom,dawnwasbreaking.She pausedforamomenttoswitchhandsonthewagonpullandnoticedforthefirsttimehowwarmthedayalreadywas Too warm.Worrisomewarm.Shewipedsomesweatoffherforehead.ItfeltlikeamorninginJuly.Thiswasterriblefortheblack tulips.Terrible!Otherflowerscouldhandletheheat,somelovedthehumidity,aslongasthey’dbeenproperlypreparedand hadplentyofwaterintheirvesselsormechanics Buttulipsdroopedattheslightestprovocation AsRoseusedtosay,flowers needwaterlikeweneedair.
AnotherRose-ism Theywerecomingbacktoheronadailybasis Shecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutRose,aboutClaireand Tessa,aboutlifebackintheNorthCarolinaflowershop.Howhappythey’doncebeen.
WasitlikethisforRose?Dealingwithdifficultcustomers,withimpossibledemands?Ifso,Jaimedidn’trememberstressin theflowershop.Therewerecertainlytimeswhentheywereunderpressuretogetarrangementsdoneintime Valentine’sDay, Mother’sDay,weddings,andfunerals.MaybeJaimewasrevisinghistory,butsherememberedcustomerswhoappreciatedthe flowers,whocamebytheshoptothankRoseandletherknowhowthoseflowerstouchedthem Jaimecouldn’trememberasinglecustomerreturningtoEpictothankherforherefforts.
NewYorkersweredifferent Thankscameindifferentways Recommendationstoothers,forexample
Buteachclientfeltanalmostdesperateneedtobethenextbestthing,tohavethedisplaythatnooneelsehadthoughtof.The mosteccentricflowers,themostunusualarrangements.AsmuchasJaimelongedformorecreativefreedom,itwastheflowers shewantedtocelebrate.Theydeservedtheirownglory.
Mercy,shewasreallygoingdownarabbitholeofnegativitythismorning.Sheshookoffthosethoughtsasshereachedthe archeddoortotheGardenTerraceballroom,andwhensheopenedit,shegaspedoutloud Liamhadtransformedthisballroom venueintoabotanicalparadise.Diaphanousdrapescoveredinfairylightshungfromthecornersoftheceilingtothe chandelierinthecenteroftheroom Shefoundhimonaladder,hangingherItalianRuscusvinesoverthetopsofthemirrors, trailingdownthesides.Shelookedupathim.“YourememberedtheRuscus.”
Hegazeddownatherwithafondsmile.“O’course,moleannan.We’reateam.”Helookedsotired.Jaimewasprettysure hehadn’tsleptallnight.“Everythingforthearchissetinthecocktailtent.ToddandIalreadydidthebasicconstruction.”
Shewentintothetentroomwheretheceremonywasgoingtobeheld.AnotheroddrequestofMrs.Zimmerman.Whynot havetheweddingoutdoorsinoneofthegardens?Toomanypests,shesaid Jaimewasn’tsureifshewasreferringto mosquitosorgawkers.
Jaimedraggedherlittlewagontothecocktailtentandunpackedhertools Liamhadbroughthalfofherworkshop She shouldn’thavedoubtedhim.Hewasmoredetailmindedthanshewas.Shesettoworkwiringolivebranchesoverthearchto actasthefoundationforflowers.Theyhadalovelysilveryundertonethatshowedinphotographs.Next,shestartedtoattach theflowers,stembystem,runningdownthearchlikeawaterfall Thesunrose,warmingthetent,causinghertoworryabout theflowersholdingupuntiltonight.Shemistedthemeachtimeshestoppedtoreachintoanewbucketofflowers.Whenthe archwasabouthalfwaydone,shehadtotakeabreak Shestretched,yawned,andcheckedherphone,wonderingifToddhad broughttherestoftheflowersyet.Bynow,thefinishedarrangementsfromtheworkshopshouldbeintheballroom.Sheshould havethoughttobringabananaorabottleofwater Something Shebentdowntogothroughherpursetoseeifshecouldfinda forgottengranolabarwhenahorriblecaterwaulcamefromthedirectionoftheballroom.Thebalefulyowlofamother elephantwhohasjustwatchedhercalfgetshotdownbyapoacher.Itwentonandonandon.
