Mara Bennett arrived at her best friend Lily’s wedding expecting flowers, deadlines, and very little sleep.
She did not expect Grant Holloway.
Lily’s billionaire older brother had practically raised her after their family fell apart. When Mara dropped an expensive vase of white peonies the first time she saw him, Grant caught it before it shattered.
Their awkward introduction should have been the end of it.
Instead, they kept crossing paths.
Mara quickly discovered that Grant knew every detail of the estate and worried constantly about whether Lily was happy. Beneath the reputation of a ruthless businessman was a man who had spent nearly two decades taking care of everyone except himself.
Hours before the ceremony, part of the estate’s electrical system failed, threatening the outdoor reception.
Grant started calling contractors.
Mara started moving flowers, candles, and tables.
For nearly two hours, they worked side by side until the entire reception had been redesigned around the problem.
When they finally stood alone beneath the finished arch, Grant looked at her.
“Most people meet me and immediately want something.”
Mara wiped dirt from her hands.
“I want something.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Help me carry six flower boxes.”
Grant laughed.
After Lily’s wedding, he asked Mara to dinner.
She agreed on one condition: no private jet, no rented restaurant, and no billionaire nonsense.
Six months later, Mara expanded her floral business with her own money and refused every offer Grant made to invest.
A year after Lily’s wedding, Grant walked into Mara’s shop carrying one white peony.
This time, she didn’t drop it.
He placed a ring beside the flower.
And when Mara said yes, Grant smiled and asked:
“Should I move the dahlias before ten?”
She laughed.
“Now you’re learning.”
