ONE SMILE TO HIS BROTHER — AND THE MAFIA BOSS LOST CONTROL, “YOU’RE LOOKING AT THE WRONG MAN.”

The sharp scent of eucalyptus mingled with roses filled my lungs as I trimmed another stem. My fingers moving with the practiced precision of someone who'd spent the last 5 years building a business from nothing. Petals and Promises wasn't much. A small storefront in the arts district with exposed brick walls and vintage wooden shelving. But

it was mine. Every early morning, every skipped meal, every sleepless night worrying about rent had led to this moment. My biggest contract yet, the Thornton wedding. I adjusted the ribbon on a sample centerpiece, stepping back to examine it critically. Blush peies cascaded over the rim of a mercury glass vase, their soft petals contrasting beautifully with

the deep burgundy dalia I'd sourced from an estate sale upstate. White renunculus filled the gaps, and trailing amaranths added that touch of drama the bride, Victoria Thornon, had specifically requested. Madison, the delivery truck is here, called Jenny, my part-time assistant from the front of the shop. Her pixie cut blonde hair was barely visible over

a tower of boxes containing votive candles. Coming. I wiped my hands on my apron, leaving faint green smudges on the cream fabric. My lower back achd from being on my feet since 6:00 this morning, but I pushed the discomfort aside. This wedding could change everything for my business. The Thornton name carried weight in this

city. Old money, connections, influence. Landing their daughter's wedding had come through a referral from another bride, and I'd nearly wept with relief when Victoria's assistant had called with the confirmation. Six figures for flowers alone, enough to finally pay off my business loan and maybe, just maybe, hire another full-time employee. I hauled boxes of supplies from the