"Roy," Susan said softly. "Let's talk a walk around the shop. Just because I made this in mind for weddings doesn't mean that none of them might be suitable. If not, I can create something brand new for you, okay?"
"If it's not too much trouble."
"Of course not," she assured him.
Susan pointed out different arrangements she thought would be perfect. As they walked around, Roy noticed how much love and care went into each flower arrangement. Some were simple with just a few carnations or daisies while others were intricate with multiple sorts of flowers tucked together in an artful display. She also pointed out some handmade cards that went along with each bouquet.
With so many options, it was hard to choose one but eventually, Roy settled on a bright yellow mixture of lilies, daisies and roses arranged elegantly in a tall vase.
"Would you like a card to go with it?"
"No," Roy said. "I can just explain to her everything."
"Of course. Just speak from your heart," Susan said. "She's sure to accept your apology... with or without the flowers even," Susan said, giving him a look that suggested she understood just how much all of this meant to Roy.
He paid for the flowers. Roy was too worried that his comments would affect her sleep. Sure, he could wait until tomorrow toggle her the flowers, but he didn't want to do that.
Which meant he needed to go to Beverly's house tonight.
Thankfully, when they had signed the contract for the job, she had to give her address. Maybe it was a little much that he had snapped a pic of her address before he'd left the orchard, but he really wanted to make things up to her.
Her address wasn't too far from the flower shop, but he missed the turn and it took him five extra minutes to reach it. Roy exhaled several times after he parked, and then he came around to the passenger seat to unbuckle the vase. He hadn't wanted to risk the flowers tipping over on the drive here.
Feeling more nervous than he probably should, Roy carried the vase to the front door and knocked.
Was there a doorbell? He saw it just as the door opened, and a woman who looked like she could be Beverly's older sister opened the door.
Roy fumbled a bit, surprised Beverly hadn't answered the door. "Ah, you must be Mrs. Young."
"That I am. You are?" She eyed Roy above the tall flowers.
He cleared his throat. "I'm Roy—"
"You're the one from Hidden Creek Orchard, the one who hired my daughter."
"Yes, I am."
"And those flowers?"
"They're for Beverly."
"Do you often buy flowers for your workers?"
"This is the first time," he said. "Er, it's the first time I have a worker. And yes, the first time buying flowers for a worker."
Mrs. Young chuckled and shook her head. "I'm afraid Beverly isn't here right now."
"Oh." Roy hated how much that stung. "Do you know when she'll be back."
"I'm not certain, actually. If you want to come in and wait a bit for her—"
"I don't want to intrude."
"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it, and maybe I wouldn't mind the company. You are working with my daughter for long hours. Maybe I want to judge your character for myself."
"If you truly don't mind—"
"Again, I wouldn't have offered if I did. Now, come in already so I can shut the door. You can put the flowers on the coffee table."