Secrets of the Tulip Sisters

He pinned the brooch on her shirt, then cupped her face and kissed her. “You’re always one step ahead of me. I hope that never changes. You’re right. I would be an idiot to let you go because having you love me is a gift I don’t deserve.” He grinned. “I’m going to accept it anyway.”

His smile faded and he stared into her eyes. “Someone I know took me to task recently and got me to thinking about a lot of things. Why my marriage failed and what I could have done differently. There’s been so much going on with work and Ryan and everything else, but you’ve been the best part of me since the day you agreed to go out with me. I’m not an idiot, Kelly. I’m in love with you.”

Relief mingled with joy mingled with disbelief and a million other emotions she couldn’t name just then because he was kissing her and when Griffith kissed her it was difficult to think about anything but what the man did to her body.

“You really love me?” she asked when they came up for air.

“I do.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“I was still figuring it out.”

She rolled her eyes. “And everyone assumes men are stronger. It’s total crap.”

“You know it.” He pulled her close and nibbled on her neck. “Now about that game we were going to play...”

*

Kelly and Helen were sprawled on Kelly’s bed. Olivia appeared in the doorway wearing a light green summer dress.

“It’s pretty,” Kelly said. “But low-cut. I’m not saying it doesn’t look great. You’re always fabulous, but it’s not what you said you wanted.”

“Okay. I’ve got another option.”

“Explain this to me,” Helen said when Olivia had ducked back into her room. “She doesn’t want to be sexy?” As she spoke her gaze stayed locked on the very impressive diamond solitaire on her left hand.

“Apparently she and Sven are starting over. They’re dating now and tonight is the first date. They’re going to get to know each other before taking things to the next level.”

“I’m still confused.”

Kelly laughed. “That’s because you can’t stop staring at your engagement ring.”

Helen blushed and tucked her hand behind her back. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just so new and shiny, I can’t help myself.”

“Don’t apologize. I think it’s wonderful.”

Helen beamed.

Kelly enjoyed her friend’s happiness. Jeff had proposed two days before. They were getting married at home at the end of August, which was going to be a scramble but also a lot of fun for everyone. Olivia’s offer on her duplex had been accepted and she would close just before the wedding. She would fly down to Phoenix while Jeff and Helen were on their honeymoon and be all moved out by the time they returned.

Kelly had found a cute apartment not too far from work and even closer to Griffith. He’d wanted her to move in with him and, while she knew she would eventually, she thought it was a good idea for her to be on her own for a few months first. She fingered the pin she wore every day and smiled.

Olivia returned wearing a white dress that was relatively high at the neck and came down to her knees.

“It’s perfect,” Kelly told her. “You can’t help being sexy, but everything is covered.”

“Good. That’s what I want.” She joined them on the bed. “He’s taking me out to dinner.”

“How long are you going to make the poor man wait for sex?” Helen asked.

“Three dates.” Olivia laughed. “I’m trying to be traditional.”

“Maybe I should wait to get married,” Helen said. “We could have a triple ceremony.”

Olivia plugged her ears with her fingers. “Don’t say that. You’ll jinx everything.”

Kelly shook her head. “Helen, I love you like a sister, but I am not getting married with my dad.”

“Oh, right.” Helen stared at her ring. “I didn’t think of that.”

Olivia lowered her arms to her side. “I love you guys. Thanks for being my family.”

“I love you, too,” Kelly said.

“Me, three!”

They laughed, then hugged.

Olivia got up to finish getting ready. Helen was staying in with Jeff and Kelly was heading over to Griffith’s place.

“Look at us,” Kelly said. “We’re all so happy. This is the best day ever.”

Helen shook her head. “I hate to break it to you, but it’s only the beginning. Things are going to get a whole lot better.”

Olivia winced. “She’s already talking like a mom.”

“I know. It’s disconcerting.”

“I’m not,” Helen protested, then laughed. “Okay, maybe a little.” Her expression turned stern. “I hope you two girls are using protection.”

“Us? What about you?” Kelly asked, then shook her hands. “I meant that in a joking way. I don’t want to actually know.”

She kissed Helen’s cheek, then Olivia’s. “I’m out of here. Have fun everyone.”

As she walked to her truck, she fingered the brooch Griffith had given her. Being his girl was the best thing ever. She’d been blessed with happiness and planned to hang on with both hands.





epilogue

It turned out that the end of the year was a busy season for tulip farmers. Olivia hadn’t realized that until this year. Apparently there was tight timing what with getting the Christmas tulips shipped and the Valentine’s Day ones planted. Her fingers still hurt from pushing bulbs onto little spikes. The work had been challenging but Kelly paid well and Olivia had wanted the money.

Fortunately all the tulips were planted and thriving and they, along with the humans, had all gotten through Christmas. The holiday had been fairly low-key, what with them planning for the wedding held on the Saturday between Christmas and New Year’s.

Olivia helped Helen position the dress so Kelly could duck into it. The three of them had decided, given the huge petticoat the dress required, stepping into the gown wasn’t going to work at all.

“A princess dress,” Olivia said in a pretend grumble. “It’s so not you.”

“I know. I couldn’t help myself. It was love at first sight.”

After Griffith had proposed in October, the Murphy women, as they called themselves, had gone to Seattle for a few days to dress shop and wedding plan. With the wedding less than three months away, Kelly had needed a dress off the rack. She’d tried on elegant sheaths, a couple of mermaid styles and had finally looked at a strapless ball-gown style.

The latter had won her heart, shocking the heck out of Helen and Olivia.

The gown was white, with a modified sweetheart neckline. Beading and pearls covered the corseted bodice and were scattered across the skirt. The only flaw in an otherwise flawless outfit was the ridiculous pin Kelly insisted she wear. Olivia had gotten her to compromise by fastening it at her waist on the side that would face away from the guests during the actual wedding.

The ceremony and reception were being held at the craft mall—in the community room. Olivia had been in charge and given their dad’s generous budget, she’d made a real party out of it. She’d used the caterers from the fund-raiser and had picked beautiful linens. There were flowers, a professional band and tons of food.