Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Danny worries about you and the baby,” I said in defense of my oldest brother. Especially since it was the truth. “I’m sure once he sees how easily it can work, he’ll be relieved.” I placed my hand on her arm. “Are you all right, Kelly? I have never seen you get frustrated or upset.”
My sister-in-law was the calmest person I ever met. I never saw her get rattled.
She sighed and fiddled with her long, blonde braid, then cast a cautious glance around the shop before stepping to a corner where we could talk more privately.
“I think I’m getting nervous about the delivery.”
“Who wouldn’t be nervous about pushing another human out of their body,” I said and realized my mistake. The words alone conjured fear. I worked fast to correct my error. “But women have been doing it for thousands of years and before they even had drugs to ease the pain. You’ve got this, Kelly. You’ll take charge like you always do and breeze right through it. It’s the wait that’s bothering you. You probably want it over and done.”
“Do I ever,” she said with a laugh.
“You should talk with Mom,” I suggested. “She had four of us and delivered me without any drugs since I came so fast. She’ll set your mind at ease.”
“There was no stopping her, and she was the easiest birth out of the four of them.”
We both turned to see my mom standing there. She really could sneak up on people.
“Come with me, Kelly. We’ll have a nice cup of tea and talk,” my mom said, stretching her arms out to her.
Kelly didn’t hesitate to slip into her arms.
“Pepper, while I speak with Kelly, I need you to pick out some plants for your dad’s office at the police station. Manly plants like a snake plant and a fiddle leaf fig plant, something substantial.”
“Good thought, Mom, though you’re not going to put too many plants in the police station, are you?” I asked, trying to help out my dad.
“Plants find their way where needed. We’ll start slow and go from there.”
“We’ll?” I asked, wondering how I got brought into this.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Kelly said. “There is a rubber tree plant in the greenhouse marked Employees Only that would look great with the fiddle leaf fig tree and snake plant. Make sure to pick different sizes so they coordinate well.”
Kelly was still giving directions as my mom walked her away.
I shook my head, still wondering how I became part of beautifying the police station, but then I should have known better. My mom had a way of roping people into helping. My dad was right. She would make a good mayor since she would have the whole town participating in one thing or another.
I made my way out of the shop and tried not to get sidetracked by the plethora of gorgeous flowers that graced the outside areas. I was glad I brought my truck since I intended to load up on flowers and veggies to plant.
“I can’t wait for this baby to be born.”
I turned and smiled at my middle brother, Thomas. “Why aren’t you in school?”
Thomas was a math teacher at the high school and would start working at the garden center as soon as school closed. Had I missed the end of the school year? He wasn’t handsome like Josh, but he was good-looking and just shy of six feet. My only problem was his girlfriend, Lola. She was selfish and self-centered and wore so much makeup I figured she had to chisel it off at night.
“School ended last week. Danny has himself tied in knots over the impending delivery, not only of the baby but a huge delivery of trees and shrubs today and believe me when I tell you everyone here can’t wait for the baby to be born. Though many fear Danny may get worse with the birth of the baby.”
“Danny will do fine. He’ll adapt,” I said with confidence in my brother. “Lola didn’t complain about you working here to help your brother rather than be with her?” I sounded far too sarcastic.
“Okay, Pepper, you made it clear several times that you don’t like her, and, between you and me, I’m starting to question the relationship.”
My eyes went wide on their own. “Really?”
“Really,” Thomas said. “I don’t know what I was thinking. She came on so strong, I guess it flattered me and when I finally woke up—” He shook his head.
“You saw her more clearly,” I finished for him.
“You can say that again.” Thomas held up his hand. “But please don’t. I already feel the fool.”
“At least you came to your senses,” I said, more relieved than he would ever know.
Thomas was a good guy, always giving more than he had to, just like their mom. He deserved someone who would appreciate him and give as much as he gave.