Page 13 of In Full Bloom
Dallas heads for the toolbox on the back and while I should be finding out what we’re doing here and help, all I can do is stare up at my best friend’s dream come to life.
The barn is still rustic, showing its original nature, but it’s also beautiful. Huge sliding doors seal off the inside that I’ve only seen in photos. I can imagine this place in the middle of summer, filled with people and fairy lights, joy and love.
A huge wooden sign is mounted above the doors.Wildflower Ridgeis carved into it in a simple script font. It’s almost an exact replica of the one hanging over the farm gate, which was a handmade gift from Henry to Violet on their wedding day.
Tears suddenly blur my eyes, right as Dallas stops beside me. He’s probably here to hurry me up and scold me for lagging. But I don’t care.
“I’m so proud of her.”
“It’s pretty amazing,” he says, to my surprise. I was expecting a telling off. “She does an incredible job.”
“It’s always been her dream. When we were sixteen it was all she could talk about. She wanted to get married here herself, like her mum and dad did. We’d talk about it for hours. The flowers we’d choose, the dresses we’d wear, who we’d invite.” I let out a bitter little laugh, then let my voice soften. “I can’t believe she did all this, but then, it’s Liv soof courseshe did it.” I turn to Dallas and find him looking down at me, a funny look on his face. “What’d she tell you about me?”
A crease forms between his brows at my abrupt change of subject. “Not much to be honest. Just that someone was starting.” He runs a hand through his hair. “It’s not like her. Normally I’d get a full run down of experience and often I’d meet the person at the interview, which obviously you didn’t have.”
“It’s not like her at all, you’re right,” I murmur, turning back to the building. I take a deep breath. “Are they doing okay? Livand Violet? Are they okay?” I end on a whisper, terrified of his response.
Dallas is quiet for a moment and I appreciate that he’s taking time to think about his answer instead of just throwing out the first thing that comes into his head. “I think,” he says, voice soft and smooth, “they’re okay. They’re probably doing better than expected, considering.”
Considering.
Considering the love of Violet’s life dropped dead from an aneurysm right in front of her.
Considering Olivia got nearly the full responsibility of the farm thrust upon her in a matter of moments, instead of the gradual succession over years, like had been planned.
Considering I refused to come home when it mattered.
Despite all that, they’re doing okay. I don’t think Dallas would lie to me, especially not about this.
After working with him for a day I can see he’s practical and down-to-earth. After seeing him with his daughter and the lamb, I also know he’s a bit of a softie. I have photo evidence to prove it.
It makes me wonder how much of his cocky cowboy persona from last night was an act. Or maybe now we’re co-workers I’m treated differently to how he acts around women he wants to take to bed.
It’s easier to think about Dallas’s behaviour than me letting Olivia down, but as I stare up at the sign all I feel is heartbreak and regret.
I clear my throat, sniff and swipe at a tear that’s spilled over, hoping Dallas thinks I’m simply shooing away a bug. “Righto,cowboy, what’s left to do?” I hope he can’t hear the waver in my voice.
It doesn’t take longto finish the job, repairing some of the railing fence that leads up the driveway, and head back to the farmhouse.
I climb out of the side-by-side. “Guess I’ll see ya tomorrow, cowboy,” I say over my shoulder as I head for my car to grab the bag of spare clothes I’d brought with me.
Dallas rolls his eyes and it makes me grin.
I kick my boots off at the front door and am barely inside before Olivia accosts me. “Bathroom’s all yours. I’ve just got to catch up with Dallas for a minute, then I’ll come find you.”
“Sure thing,” I say, then head straight up the stairs, turning into the massive bathroom at the top. I love this room. It’s all white tile, timber and a massive bath. I don’t know what Violet uses in here, but it always smells incredible too.
I stare longingly at the deep bathtub. Another time. Not my first night back.
I twist the shower handles to allow the water to heat, then strip, dumping my clothes in a filthy pile.
I have a quick shower, scouring off the day’s sweat and grime and am just pulling on the dress I packed to wear for dinner when the door slams open.
“Geez, Liv! Give a girl some warning.” I gasp in shock.
“You put Sadie on ahorse?” She says horse like it was some monstrous beast, not Scout.
“Just on Scout, for a walk around the arena,” I say with a shrug, wiping steam off the mirror so I can attempt to do something my hair.
