Chapter 20

The next few days were a whirlwind of preparation, not just for the competition, but with creating bouquets for a wedding for that Sunday. Judith had worked with me on tons of weddings, but she’d never gone to one on her own. I wanted to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible while I was gone.

“It’ll be fine,” said Judith for the thousandth time. “You aren’t going to the moon. I can call you if I need to.”

“I know. I trust you and Will.” I forced a smile onto my face. “I’m just nervous. Sorry if I’m taking it out on you.”

Judith told me that I could buy her a drink when I got back, to which I agreed readily. I’d probably need a drink or five once this competition was over. Not only did I need to make sure Buds and Blossoms was running during my absence, but my dad had come by that morning to see my arrangement. He’d been decidedly unenthusiastic with my design.

“Honey, you’re so talented, but I thought you wanted to win,” he’d said. He’d sounded genuinely flummoxed. “Thi