“No need to insult us,” Daniel adds, faking offense.
“So, no glaring signs that I’m unlovable?” she insists. To my shock, I realize she’s serious.
“Summer Bennett, you’re the most lovable person I know.”
“You say that because I’m your sister.”
“Obviously. But that doesn’t make it less true.”
Daniel nods. “If you need help vetoing any candidates in the future, I’m at your service.”
“Your Logan impression is getting scarily accurate. Come on, let’s get started with the shopping or I’ll never be done with it.”
Fifteen minutes later, the three of us head to her car, arms loaded. This is just the first round. Summer is barely halfway through the list.
“You’re really going to wear us out, huh?” I ask on the way back to the market.
“Yep. That’s why I asked you to come.”
“Ah, and I thought it was just an excuse because you were missing us,” Daniel says.
I scan the market again. Clara would love it here. Pity the market will close before she returns. Then an idea strikes me. If I can’t bring Clara to the market, I can bring the market to Clara. Sort of. I can buy her...what? I don’t know what her favorite flowers or plants are, but I know she likes them. She said something about wanting flowers on the balcony.
“Summer, do you know what plants or flowers Clara likes? She said she wants some for the balcony, but she didn’t get around to buying any.”
She cocks her head in my direction so fast I think I hear her neck give a little snap.
“You’re buying her flowers? Oh, Blake, you’re finally, finally on the right track.” She pokes my chest over the heart area. “And of course I know what her favorites are. What kind of matchmaker would I be if I didn’t? I’ve done my homework.”
“Good, because I have a plan, and I need your help.”
I miss Clara. I haven’t realized how used I am to knowing she’s next door. Somewhere at the back of my mind nags the thought that her condo building will be ready in a few weeks, but I ignore it, focusing on the now. And the now includes a truckload of flowers. I can’t wait for Clara to return and see what I’ve been up to.
More than once, I’ve been thinking about her scars. I knew she grew up in a group home, but I haven’t had a real sense of the hardships she’s been through. She’s brave and bold, and I haven’t met anyone like her. I have the overwhelming need to make sure she never goes through hardships again. Totally normal, right?
Summer talks our ears off about Clara while we shop for her, and she’s slowly reverting to her usual cheerful self.
“Shit! It’s getting late,” Summer exclaims when we carry the last load to her car. “I’m meeting Caroline later, by the way.” She wiggles her eyebrows at Daniel.
“How is she?” I ask. “Didn’t have time to talk to her too much at the wedding.”
Daniel throws me a look that says, You’re supposed to have my back.
Whenever our sisters insinuate that Daniel and Caroline should try dating again, I change the subject, even though I actually think the girls are right. Regardless, I usually have his back, twin bond and all that. But right now, I’m testing a theory. Also, payback for not having my back at the ranch.
“She’s great. She talked me into taking kickboxing lessons with her. I went twice. It’s actually fun,” Summer says. “It’s good for anger release and keeps our booty in shape. Win-win. I tried to rope Pippa into it too, but....”
“Bribe her with cupcakes,” Daniel suggests.
“Tried. Failed. But Caroline’s a pro at it. She’s been doing it for a year, and she looks better than ever.” She bats her eyelashes at Daniel. “Don’t you think?”
“She’s always looked great,” he answers. When Summer ducks in her trunk with a satisfied smile, rearranging some of the plants, Daniel holds up his hands as if saying, Need some help here.
He’s out of luck today because my theory is right. If Summer’s busy masterminding, she’s gonna stop thinking about that douchebag, for now at least. I’m going to run this tactic into the ground, even if it means throwing both Daniel and me under the bus.
“Anyway, she’s dating this gorgeous instructor,” she says. “They’re quite serious.”
Daniel has a murderous expression. “What? She was alone at the wedding. When did she start dating him? How serious can it be if she didn’t bring him to the wedding?”