Read Online Wildflower Wedding by Luann McLane - Free Book Online Page A

didn’t deliver it, though, sugar. I would have remembered. Although the man who did was mighty fine too. I’m predicting you’ll be getting a lot of business from Whisper’s Edge.” She gave him a wink and then turned her attention to Gabby. “I think I might have a date for you for the dance!”
    â€œToo late,” Reese responded in a playful yet decidedly make-no-mistake tone that had Gabby hiding a grin. “Gabby’s going with me.”
    â€œWell, now.” Miss Patty arched an eyebrow and then tucked a lock of silver hair behind her ear. “Do tell.”
    â€œReese offered to take me to the prom.” A giddy little surge of joy at the announcement took her by surprise.
    â€œYeah, she’s making up for turning me down the first time.”
    â€œAre you crazy, child?” Miss Patty gave a low whistle and then winked again at Reese. “Just make sure to save this ol’ gal a dance. And make it a slow one.”
    Gabby wagged a finger at her friend. “Did you forget that you’re taken, Miss Patty? Clovis might not take too kindly if you dance with another man.”
    â€œHumph.” Miss Patty held up her left hand. “Do you see a ring on it?”
    Laughter bubbled up in Gabby’s throat, but then her eyes widened as a diamond caught her eye. “Yes!” She took Miss Patty’s hand. “Oh my goodness, did Clovis ask you to marry him?”
    â€œThere’s no fool like an old fool,” she answered, but her eyes glistened with tears. “But he sure as shootin’ did.”
    Gabby grabbed Miss Patty and gave her a huge hug before looking at the ring again. “Congratulations! The ring is lovely.”
    â€œGot it from Nicolina. Clovis told me he wanted a one of a kind just like me.”
    â€œFunny coming from him since he’s a twin.”
    â€œI know; I warned those two not to pull any shenanigans with me. They love fooling people, but I can tell the difference. Clovis said he wanted to ask me to marry him at the dance in front of the whole world. Well, our little world, anyway. He also said he was going to put an announcement on the front page of the
Cricket Creek Courier
now that he and Clyde own it. Silly man.”
    â€œOh, how sweet!”
    Miss Patty rolled her eyes. “Ha, because he likes to be the center of attention! But he just couldn’t wait to ask.”
    Gabby put her palms to her cheeks. “That’s so romantic!”
    â€œOh . . . he’s got game, that one. So does his doggone twin brother.” Miss Patty waved a dismissive hand through the air, but a soft glow of happiness seemed to radiate from her.
    â€œCongratulations,” Reese said.
    â€œThank you, young man. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get my dance. I’m just sayin’.”
    Reese inclined his head. “I’d be honored.”
    â€œWhy, thank you.” Miss Patty turned back to Gabby. “The other reason I stopped in was to offer to help make the corsages. Etta Mae and Joy could help out too. Even though Etta Mae can be a pain,” she added behind her hand. “Our fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be, but we’re still pretty crafty, thanks to Savannah’s craft days. Given instruction we could lend a hand, especially since you’re charging so little.”
    â€œI would like that,” Gabby admitted, and felt a wave of relief. She needed help at the shop, but she didn’t have the funds to hire anybody just yet, not even a delivery person. At times she felt overwhelmed.
    â€œAnd, well, I do have a bit of a favor to ask,” Miss Patty continued.
    â€œShoot,” Gabby urged.
    â€œJoy is a little bit down in the dumps lately. Her cat passed away.”
    â€œOh, that’s so sad.”
    â€œPoor thing was walking around Whisper’s Edge sideways. The cat, I mean, not Joy. But anyway, she really is good with crafts.