The Princess and the Cowboy

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Chapter Three

“I thought you were only bringing your ‘patience’ tonight,” Lily commented when she greeted Justin promptly at four-thirty that afternoon.

“I was downtown earlier and walked by a toy store. I couldn’t resist going in,” he explained. He carried a huge stuffed teddy bear under one arm; its soft plush brushed her arm as he stepped past her and into the small foyer. He handed her a bouquet of summer blooms, wrapped in green florist paper.

“Were these in the toy store, too?” She lowered her face to the flowers, closing her eyes as she inhaled.

“No, I got them at the Gazebo. That’s why I went downtown.” The bouquet was a mixture of lilies, soft pink roses, white baby’s breath and lavender, with feathery green ferns. He’d asked the florist to put together the flowers he remembered she especially liked. And without consciously planning to, he’d gone to the Gazebo because that was where they’d first met.

“Oh. That was, um…” She faltered before visibly gathering herself. “They’re lovely, thank you,” she murmured, her green eyes darkened to jade when she looked up at him.

“You’re welcome,” Justin replied, distracted by the sight of her soft lips and skin next to the lush rose petals. He’d brushed his thumb over one of the pink blooms earlier; he knew her lips and skin were just as velvety soft, just as fragrant.

“Mama!” Ava’s clear voice lifted in demand, ending the brief moment.

“Come in,” Lily said over her shoulder as she moved quickly away. “I can’t leave Ava alone for more than a couple of seconds,” she explained as he followed her. They crossed the living room and entered a family room/dining room/kitchen-combo space. Light and airy, the far end of the open room held counters, sink, stove and fridge arranged in a U-shape around a tiled island. Directly in front of them was the living space with a comfortable sofa, matching club chair with ottoman, and cherry-wood armoire that held a media center.