39| Navigating Alone

Left alone, Sophie decided to throw herself into her work at the flower shop—anything to distract herself from the loneliness of Ethan's absence.

The shop had always been her escape, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the comforting chatter of customers. It was only two days since Ethan left, but it already felt like torture.

"Don't you think you're taking on a bit too much?" Lily asked during their morning meeting. Her tone was light, but her raised eyebrow showed she was genuinely concerned.

"I don't think so," Sophie replied, glancing at the itinerary on the iPad before placing it back on the table. "I can handle it."

Lily gave her an exasperated look. "Handle it? Sophie, are you trying to work yourself into an early grave? Because honestly, your tombstone would be hilarious: 'Death by overworking because her husband went on a business trip.'"

Sophie groaned. "You're impossible, Lily."

Lily smirked but softened her tone. "I'm kidding, okay? But seriously, Soph, maybe tone it down a bit? Some of these ideas are amazing, but I don't think the two of us can pull them off alone."

Sophie sighed but smiled. "Okay, fine. What do you think we should focus on?"

Lily grinned triumphantly. "The workshop! You love those flower workshops, and people are always raving about how great you are at teaching."

Sophie's face lit up. "I do love those classes."

"And you're so good at them," Lily added. "I've already got a list of people asking when the next one is. They're obsessed with you, you know."

Sophie grinned. "Alright, let's spread the word: The Millers are hosting the best flower workshop in town. You just can't miss it."

Lily grabbed her phone, pretending to make an exaggerated announcement. "Calling all flower lovers—your dreams are coming true!"

Sophie laughed. "Thanks, Lil."

After wrapping up their plans, Sophie opened the shop for another busy day. Mrs. Jenkins was already waiting outside, her ever-cheerful smile lighting up the street.

"Mrs. Jenkins, you're here early," Sophie beamed as she unlocked the door and ushered her in.

"Of course, darling," Mrs. Jenkins said as she stepped inside. "Picking up your flowers is the highlight of my week. My daughter just had a baby, and she's so stressed and tired, but she says having your fresh flowers in the house really lifts her spirits."

"That's so sweet, Mrs. Jenkins," Sophie said, touched. "I'll make sure today's arrangement is extra special."

As Sophie worked on the bouquet, Lily popped in from the back door, greeting Mrs. Jenkins with her usual playful charm.

"Mrs. Jenkins! Look at you—absolutely glowing today. New skincare routine, I bet? Wait, let me guess... a fancy new moisturizer?"

Mrs. Jenkins flushed, a light laugh escaping her. "Oh, Lily, you do know how to flatter an old lady. But no, same old routine as always."

"Really? Well, it's clearly working," Lily replied with a wink.

Mrs. Jenkins waved her off, smiling fondly. "You girls are too kind. Speaking of which, my youngest son will be stopping by soon, and I think you should meet him, Lily."

Lily's eyes widened in mock surprise as she dramatically placed a hand over her heart. "Finally! My moment has arrived. First dibs on the eligible bachelors? It's about time. For a second there, I thought you liked Sophie more than me—you were always offering her first."

Mrs. Jenkins chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, don't be silly, Lily. I adore you both equally. It's just that..." Her gaze shifted to Sophie, and her smile softened. "Well, I couldn't help but notice that lovely ring on Sophie's finger."

Sophie's cheeks flushed as she glanced at her hand, caught off guard. "Oh, right. I did tell you I was getting married, didn't I, Mrs. Jenkins?"

Mrs. Jenkins nodded, her smile softening with warmth. "You did, dear, and I would have loved to attend, but my son and daughter-in-law were expecting their first child. You understand, don't you?"

"Of course," Sophie said, smiling.

"Now, tell me, Sophie, does he treat you well?" Mrs. Jenkins asked, her tone warm and motherly.

"Yes, he does," Sophie replied shyly.

"Mrs. Jenkins!" Lily interrupted, throwing her hands in the air. "We were talking about me, remember? I'm still standing here, very single, might I add."

The older woman chuckled, her laugh warm and genuine. "Don't you worry, Lily. I'll make sure to keep you in mind, too."

Lily grinned, nudging Sophie as Mrs. Jenkins turned back to admire the flowers. "See? Mrs. Jenkins always has my back." Sophie couldn't help but laugh, the familiar banter easing her nerves.

Mrs. Jenkins left shortly after, her flowers bundled up and a smile on her face. Not before Lily managed to snag her son's number, of course. Sophie chuckled as she watched the older woman walk down the busy street, radiating joy.

"It's days like this that make me love my job," Sophie said wistfully.

The order machine beeped, interrupting the moment and signaling an order for a dozen bouquets.

"And it's days like this that make me question all my life choices," Lily groaned, dramatically leaning against the counter.

"Come on, Lil, let's get to work!" Sophie chirped, her mood noticeably lighter.

"Right," Lily groaned, picking up her apron. "Because unfortunately, these flowers don't arrange themselves."

********

A few more days into Ethan's trip, Sophie received an invitation from Evelyn Sinclair to attend a women's luncheon. Despite her initial hesitation, Sophie decided to accept. Evelyn, although distant, had shown moments of warmth and kindness.

Sophie sensed that beneath her reserved exterior, Evelyn was a woman who, like Ethan, struggled to express her feelings. She felt like she was just an older version of Ethan—someone who would open up with a little warmth and understanding.

Sophie looked into her closet and spotted the elegant dresses Evelyn had sent her. When they first arrived, she was taken aback, but her surprise turned into appreciation when she read Evelyn's note. It was written in Evelyn's graceful handwriting:

"Men never pay attention to things like this. I picked them out myself. I just knew they would all look good on you, so I couldn't just choose one."

The dresses were gorgeous, more luxurious than anything Sophie had ever owned. She had never spent much money on fancy clothes, preferring to invest in her flower shop and save for practical needs. But she understood that this was Evelyn's way of showing love and acceptance, so she accepted the gesture gracefully.

Sophie chose a deep green dress that complemented her eyes and fit her perfectly. She took extra care in getting ready, wanting to honor the effort Evelyn had put into selecting these dresses for her. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt a mixture of nerves and determination.

Arriving at the elegant venue, Sophie was warmly greeted by Evelyn, who introduced her to the other guests. The atmosphere was sophisticated yet welcoming, with the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses creating a pleasant backdrop.

"Sophie, I'm so glad you could make it," Evelyn said, her tone genuinely warm. "I'd love for you to meet some of my friends."

"Thank you for inviting me, Evelyn," Sophie replied, offering a sincere smile. "It's a pleasure to be here."

As they moved through the room, Evelyn introduced Sophie to a group of elegantly dressed women. Across the room, Sophie noticed Claire, whose presence immediately brought dread. She took a deep breath, reminding herself to stay poised and focused on the positive aspects of the luncheon.

Sophie still remembered the harsh words Claire had said to her. She still hadn't yet told Ethan how Claire made her feel. There never seemed to be the right time—not after their last fight, and certainly not after his abrupt departure for the trip.

He had apologized about their fight, and while it had helped ease some of the tension between them, they still hadn't fully addressed everything. Those unresolved feelings weighed heavily on her.

But one thing Sophie was sure of: Ethan had feelings for her. He wouldn't have kissed her with such passion if he didn't. She could feel it in the way he looked at her, as if she were the only thing that mattered.

Her feelings for him had grown too. She couldn't deny it anymore. Despite the challenges, despite the uncertainty, she loved the way he showed her affection—even in the smallest gestures. He wasn't perfect, and neither was she, but there was something undeniable building between them.

Evelyn's voice broke through her thoughts. "Ladies, this is Sophie, my daughter-in-law," Evelyn announced proudly.

The women greeted Sophie warmly. One guest, with a genuine smile, said, "Sophie, I'm Margaret. You really are so pretty!"

"She's not only pretty, she has a flower shop," Eleanor chimed in.

"That's wonderful. I have a garden where I grow flowers at home. They all seem to be dying and I just can't figure it out."

"I told you already to give up," another friend interrupted. "I'm sorry, Sophie, it's just that she doesn't know how to do anything herself and all of a sudden she wants to grow a garden."

"Maybe they're right, I should give up," Margaret said sadly.

"You don't have to give up, Margaret. What do you say I come over and see what the problem is?" Sophie said sweetly.

"Oh, how kind of you, Sophie," Margaret replied. "That's it—you and Evelyn must tell me when you're free. I'm inviting both of you to my home." Margaret's declaration made all the ladies laugh.

Evelyn added, "Sophie's work is truly beautiful. She has a real talent for making each arrangement special. In fact, Linda, since you're hosting that party next month, you should consider hiring Sophie for the floral arrangements."

Linda's eyes lit up. "That's a wonderful idea, Evelyn. Sophie, would you be interested?"

"I'd be honored," Sophie replied, feeling a rush of gratitude.

As the conversation continued, Claire watched from across the room, her eyes narrowing as she saw Sophie smiling and fitting in with Evelyn and her friends. Her jealousy simmered, but she held her tongue for the moment, sipping her champagne.

However, some of Claire's friends weren't as discreet. "Look at her, trying to fit in," one of them sneered quietly. "That dress can't be more than a cheap knock-off."

Claire, although angry, turned sharply to her friend. "Shut up. That's obviously Oscar de la Renta," she snapped, then downed another glass of champagne, her frustration palpable.

"Why are you so upset, Claire?" her friend asked. "It's not like Ethan even likes her. You've always told us how much he's in love with you."

"Or were you lying?" another friend added slyly, trying to rattle Claire.

"The last thing you want is to see me mad," Claire whispered dangerously to that friend, which seemed to frighten her. "Now watch that pretty mouth of yours."

She finished her champagne, ruffled her hair, put on her best fake smile, and made her way to Evelyn's group.

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