It had been a long, dreary week without Dax. Brooklyn left him tons of messages and texts and even went to his house. She suspected he was home, but he wouldn’t come to the door. She’d resorted to rollerblading past his house, hoping to see him. No luck. Dax had dropped out of her life as quickly as he’d come into it, and there didn’t seem to be anything she could do about it. At first, she was so distraught about the whole thing she could barely think straight, but now she was ticked. She was at a wedding reception hall, arranging the flowers. She would have to stay for the reception, so she could take everything down afterwards. But once that was over, she was tempted to march to Dax’s house and camp out on his front doorstep until he let her in. She clenched her teeth. Yes, that’s what I’ll do.

Nicole stepped up and gave her a tentative look. “Hey, how ya holding up?”

She shrugged. “Okay, I guess.” She’d made the mistake of telling Nicole about the breakup and Nicole had gone into the mother-hen mode, watching Brooklyn’s every move. It was touching that she cared so much, but also a little annoying. Nicole acted like Brooklyn might fall apart any minute. And she just might. She wouldn’t have thought it possible, but she felt Dax’s loss even more than Justin’s. It was crazy to think how attached she’d gotten to Dax in such a short amount of time.

“I finished the centerpieces for the tables. What can I do to help?” Nicole asked.

Brooklyn was decorating an arch made of wrought iron that provided a backdrop for the reception line. She’d draped greenery over it and was adding the flowers. “You can help me stuff this with the yellow and orange roses.”

“Sure.”

Nicole tipped her head. “This is a unique color combination. I haven’t seen the yellow and orange together.”

“It is different from the norm. The bride’s maid dresses are yellow with orange sashes.”

“And didn’t you do orange and yellow for the bridal bouquet?”

“I did,” Brooklyn said absently, her mind going back to Dax. How could he just walk away like that and shut off all communication? It really was a cowardly thing to do. Maybe the tough-guy, risk-taking racecar driver was a façade. She could understand Dax being upset by the things her mother said, but he didn’t have to shut her out of his life.

“So, what do you think?”

Brooklyn gave Nicole a blank look. “About what?”

“You’re a million miles away. Thinking about Dax again.”

“Sorry.” She shook her head. “It’s just so frustrating. I can’t believe he hasn’t responded to any of my calls or texts.”

“Not a word, huh?”

“Nope.”

Nicole gave her a reassuring smile. “He’ll come around.”

“That’s just it. I’m not so sure he will.” Moisture formed in her eyes, and she blinked it away. She’d shed more than enough tears for Dax Preston this past week. She wasn’t about to break down on a job. She straightened her shoulders, tightening her jaw. “Dax is not the guy I thought he was.”

“He’s been through a lot. I think you should cut him some slack. Your mom said some harsh things, made the poor guy feel like a scumbag for entering into a relationship with you.”

“I know. My mom should’ve never said those things. But Dax won’t even have a conversation with me so we can work it out.” A hot anger surged over her as she tried to regulate her breathing. “Sorry, but this whole thing ticks me off. Anyway, I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Nicole nodded in understanding.

“What did you say to me earlier?”

“Oh, I was asking if you wanted me to go out to the van and get the carnations we brought?”

Brooklyn studied the arch critically. “I think we’re okay. Once we add the rosebuds, berries, and baby’s breath, it will look full.”

Nicole locked eyes with her. “I promise you, it will be okay.”

This time, Brooklyn couldn’t stop tears from brimming in her eyes. She nodded and looked away. A minute later, she drew in a deep breath. “Let’s just get this job taken care of.” She gave Nicole a sideways glance. “And thanks. I know I’ve been a bear this week. I appreciate you.”

Nicole put an arm around her. “That’s what friends are for.”

* * *

The reception was gorgeous. The flickering candles, the flowers, the cake. Every element added to the ambiance. Brooklyn sat back in her chair, letting her mind get lost in the upbeat music played by a live band. Since opening her flower shop, she’d attended more weddings and receptions than she could count. She always found herself getting caught up in the excitement buzzing in the air. But then came the letdown at the end, the painful knowledge that she had no one and was going home to an empty house. She scowled. Well, that used to be the case. Now she had Madison and her mom there. Thankfully, her mom was going back to California tomorrow, but she could tell Madison was settling in for the long haul. She couldn’t wait for Paula to leave so she could move into the guest room. All in all, Madison had been much better than Brooklyn thought she would. The main irritation was Madison’s messiness. They’d have to have a talk about that in the near future.

The father of the bride stepped onto the stage and took the microphone. He gave a heartfelt speech about his daughter, how proud of her he was and how he was so grateful she’d found such a wonderful husband.

Brooklyn drew her lips together in a tight line as a stab of jealousy shot through her. The bride and groom looked so happy. Why couldn’t she find that? Why wouldn’t Dax respond? She had to laugh at herself. She was pathetic—envying her clients. Had it really come to this?

The groom took the stage next and proclaimed his love for his new bride, as the young girl, who couldn’t be older than twenty, looked on with adoring eyes. Some people have all the luck. The bride and groom took their first dance and then the floor was opened up to everyone else.

Brooklyn pulled her phone from her pocket and glanced at the time—eight thirty. The reception wouldn’t get over until after ten. It would be after eleven by the time they got everything taken down and loaded. She sighed. There would be no going to Dax’s house tonight. But she could go in the morning first thing. Normally, she got a couple of seasonal employees to help with the take down and packing up. But as luck would have it, they both called in sick, leaving her and Nicole to do everything.

The groom returned to the stage. “I wanted to do a quick shout-out to our wedding planner, who orchestrated all of this.” He pointed to Heather, the middle-aged blonde standing by the food table. She smiled and waved.

“And our talented florist.” He pointed and all eyes turned to Brooklyn.

She also smiled and waved as everyone clapped. Brooklyn and Heather had worked together on several weddings, but not once had anyone publicly thanked them. That was surprising … and impressive.

The groom continued, “What I’m about to say next is a bit unusual. But I had a special request from someone that I greatly admire. He asked that I give him a minute on the stage.” He cleared his throat. “And well, I just couldn’t say no. Please welcome one of the greatest Nascar drivers ever to take the track. The great Dax Preston.”

Thunderous applause boomed through the room, but it didn’t even come close to the pounding thuds Brooklyn’s pulse was making in her ears. She held her breath as the groom helped Dax onto the stage. Where was Tucker? She looked over, shocked to see Tucker standing beside Nicole who was holding his leash.

Dax flashed a dazzling smile as he waved at the crowd. He was breathtakingly handsome in slacks, a sports coat, and a white dress shirt. The groom led him to the microphone and placed it in his hands. “Thank you, Scott.” Dax patted the groom on the shoulder like they were old friends.

“One of the blessings of my racing past is being able to connect with wonderful people like you.”

More applause.

Dax waited until it quieted down before continuing. “I appreciate Scott and Whitney allowing me to share the stage on their wedding day. I guess this means I’ll owe them VIP seats to the next Nascar race.”

Everyone laughed.

Brooklyn was still reeling from the shock of seeing Dax here. She glanced down and realized she was wringing her hands. She had to force herself to breathe. Her heart was still hammering in her chest.

Dax looked Brooklyn’s direction. For a split second, she had the uncanny impression he could see her. But then she realized, it was a trick of the light. His voice grew somber. “There’s someone here that means a great deal to me. Someone to whom I owe a very large apology.” He paused. “Brooklyn, I’m sorry I walked out on you the other night.” His voice caught. “And I’m sorry I haven’t returned your texts or calls.” He let out a sad chuckle. “Your mother’s right. You’re probably better off without me, but I can’t make myself give you up.”

Tears streamed down Brooklyn’s cheeks.

A wry smile tugged at Dax’s lips. “So, if you can forgive me for being a jerk … I would consider it the greatest honor of my life if you’d take me back.” He hesitated. “Because I love you too.”

Before Brooklyn realized what was happening, she was on her feet moving toward him. The crowd parted as she made her way to the stage. In two leaps, she bounded up the steps. “I’m here,” she said joyously.

A big smile broke over Dax’s face. “Come here,” he said, holding out his arms. They hugged in a tight embrace, then Dax leaned down and kissed her full on the lips, energy bursting over her.

Applause broke out, and then the music started again as they moved over to the side.

“I’m sorry I walked away from you,” Dax said, resting his forehead against hers.

“And I’m sorry my mom said all those horrible things.” She still couldn’t believe he was here. She felt light enough to sprout wings and fly.

“As hard as it was to hear, she did have a point.”

Brooklyn’s heart lurched, and her throat felt thick like it was filled with glue. “What do you mean?”

“I hadn’t really considered all that you’d be giving up,” his voice cracked, “by being with me.”

“No, I don’t see it that way at all,” she countered fiercely.

A pained look came over him. “I’m sorry in advance for any hardship my blindness will cause you.”

A wave of tenderness rushed through her. “You don’t have to do this.”

He put a finger to her lips. Then he gathered her in his arms and started swaying to the music. “I’m sorry I don’t have the strength to give you up. Being without you this past week has been brutal.”

“Yes, it has,” she agreed. “Don’t ever shut me out like that again.”

“I won’t.”

She looked over at Nicole, who had a whale-sized grin on her face. “So, how did you know where I’d be tonight?”

“A little birdie told me.”

“Uh, huh. I’m looking at that little birdie right now.”

Dax laughed. “Be nice. I pestered it out of her.” He leaned in and nipped her earlobe with his lips. “I can be very persuasive,” he murmured.

Tingles circled down her spine. “Really?”

“Really. I’ll prove it later, when we’re alone.”

A shiver of desire cascaded over her, making her go weak in the knees.

He pulled back, cocking his head. “Oh, I almost forgot to ask. Do you even like dogs?”

A giggle rose in her throat. “What kind of question is that?” Then she saw his expression, sensed his vulnerability. Dax was sincerely asking, and she could tell he was bracing himself, waiting for the answer.

“Of course I like dogs, especially Tucker.”

He let out a breath of relief. “Good.” They moved to the music. “You’re a good dancer,” he whispered in her ear.

“You’re not half bad yourself,” she chuckled.

“Hey now.” He stepped it up, twirling her around.

“Impressive,” she said.

A minute later, he grew serious. “I have a very important question for you.”

“What? Now you wanna know if I like cats?”

He shook his head, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest. “Good one. My brother Colton’s coming into town tomorrow. Will you come to dinner with us?”

She studied his face. “Um, are you sure the two of us can handle another family dinner? The last one didn’t end so well.”

He quirked a smile. “Well, you have to meet my family sooner or later … seeing as how the two of us are a couple.”

Bubbles of pleasure popped over her. We’re a couple! “I would love to meet your brother and go to dinner.”

“Great. It’s a date,” he said, pulling her close.