"Two weeks, three days and . . ." Rachel checked her watch. "Sixteen hours ago. Oh, I wish I had more time, but I have to get the book and run or I'll be late." She hugged Emma again. "I'll call and we'll talk flowers and cakes and, oh God, everything. Bye! Bye, Mrs. Grant. I'll see you soon."
"Rachel Monning's getting married."
"Yes." Lucia patted Emma's shoulder. "She is."
"I used to babysit for her. I used to French braid her hair and let her stay up past her bedtime. Now I'm going to do her wedding flowers. Good God, Mama."
"There there," Lucia said and didn't bother to mask a chuckle. "Aren't you about to spend the evening with a wonderful man?"
"Yes. Right. I get it. Everyone takes different directions. But . . . Good God."
She managed to put babysitting and weddings aside to finish her shopping. She'd barely stepped out of the market before being hailed again.
"Buenos tardes, bonita!"
"Rico." Instead of a hug she had both cheeks affectionately kissed. "How are you?"
"Better for seeing you."
"Why aren't you flying somewhere fabulous?"
"Just back from a run to Italy. The owner took his family to Tuscany for a little R and R."
"Ah, the hard life of the private pilot. And how's Brenna?"
"We broke up a couple of months ago."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I hadn't heard."
"The way it goes." He shrugged. "Let me carry those for you." He took her grocery bags, peeked in as he walked her to her car. "Looks like good eating, and a lot better than the Hungry Man dinner I have on tap."
"Oh, poor thing." She laughed at him then unlocked the passenger side door. "Just in here. I'm already pretty loaded in the back."
"So I see," he said as he glanced at the plants and bags in the backseat. "It looks like you've got a busy evening planned, but if you want to change your mind, I'll take you to dinner." He trailed a flirtatious finger down her arm. "Or better yet, give you that flying lesson we used to talk about."
"Thanks, Rico, but I'm seeing someone."
"It ought to be me. Feel free to change your mind about that, too-anytime-and give me a call."
"If I do you'll be the first." She brushed her lips over his cheek before rounding the hood to her door. "Do you remember Jill Burke?"
"Ah . . . little blonde, big laugh."
"Yes. She's single again, too."
"Is that so?"
"You should call her. I bet she'd love a flying lesson."
His grin flashed adding a sparkle to his eyes and reminding her why she'd enjoyed spending time with him. She got in, and sent him a wave as she drove away.
Considering the planters, plants, groceries, Emma parked in the back of Jack's building and as close to the steps as she could manage. She angled her head as she studied the little kitchen deck, then nodded. The planters would do very well there, very well indeed.
Eager to get started, she walked around to the front of the building to use the main entrance. The beveled glass in the door and the tall front windows brought in pretty light, adding a sense of style and comfort to the reception area. He'd been right to keep it cozy rather than sleek, she thought. It projected calm and quiet dignity, while she knew in the individual offices and planning rooms chaos often reigned.
"Hi, Michelle."
"Emma." The woman working on a computer at a ruthlessly organized desk stopped to shift her chair. "How are you?"
"I'm great. How are you feeling?"
"Twenty-nine weeks and counting." Michelle patted her baby belly. "We're perfect. I love your sandals."
"Me, too. I just bought them."
"They're great. Monday night date, right?"
"Exactly."
"You're a little early, aren't you?"
"New plan. Is Jack busy? I haven't actually told him the new plan."
"He's not back yet. Running late, glitch on a site. Not very happy with the subs or the new county inspector, or, well, anything just at the moment."
"Oh." Emma winced. "Well, my new plan is either very good or very bad under those circumstances."
"Can you share?"
"Sure. I thought I'd cook dinner, surprise him with that and some planters for his little deck. Dinner and a movie at home, instead of going out."
"If you want my opinion, it's inspired. I think he'd be thrilled to have a home-cooked meal after the day he's put in. You can call and check, but he may be in round three with the building inspector."