Where Two Hearts Meet by Carrie Turansky Read Free Book Online Page B

flowers lined the walk leading to the front door, giving their shop a fresh, inviting look.
    Tessa gave Allison a hug. “Spring has arrived!”
    Laughing, Allison squeezed her sister back. “I have to call Tyler. I can’t believe he arranged for all of these flowers without even telling me.”
    “You didn’t know?” Tessa stepped back, concern filling her eyes. “Those had to cost a fortune. Are you sure he isn’t sending us a bill?”
    “His assistant said there was no charge for the menus and business cards when she dropped them off last Friday, but she didn’t say anything about the sign or planters.”
    Old fears sent a wave of uncertainty through Allison. What was going on with Tyler? She hadn’t seen or heard from him in over a week—not since she and Peter sat in front of him at church. She’d called his office last week to thank him for the menus and business cards, but his assistant said he was in a meeting. He’d never called back.
    “You better get in touch with him.” Her sister bent and sniffed the flowers. “I suppose we might be able to keep these if they’d let us pay over several months.”
    Allison nodded. “I hope so. They’re beautiful.” As she climbed the steps and unlocked the teashop’s front door, an idea formed in her mind. She turned to her sister. “Hold down the shop. I’ll be back in a little while.”
    “Hey, where are you going?”
    Allison smiled over her shoulder. “I’ll explain later.”
    * * * *
    Tyler stepped back from his desk and crossed his arms as he studied the enlarged newspaper ad he had created for the Grounds for Sculpture anniversary celebration. Hopefully, it would draw a large crowd and help provide the funding they needed to continue their unique work for another year.
    His intercom buzzed. “Tyler, there’s a delivery for you. I think you should come sign for it.”
    “Okay.” The smile in his assistant Jolene’s voice made him curious. He strode out of his office and into the reception area. Jolene stood in front of her desk with Mr. Sheldon’s secretary Linda.
    A deliveryman in neat khaki pants and green polo shirt stepped forward, holding a basket of plants and flowers. “Tyler Lawrence?”
    He nodded and glanced at the basket brimming with shiny ivy, little daffodils, and tiny pink tulips. A miniature teacup and saucer sat on a mound of soft, green moss. His heartbeat kicked up a notch. It had to be from Allie.
    “Please sign here.” The deliveryman held out a clipboard.
    Tyler quickly jotted his signature on the line and accepted the basket.
    Jolene leaned toward Linda. “He must have a secret admirer.”
    Tyler cleared his throat. “Very funny. It’s from a client.” The women laughed softly and exchanged knowing looks. He returned to his office and set the basket on the comer of his desk, then searched through the greenery and found a card tucked in next to the tulips. When he recognized Allie’s feminine handwriting, his heart clenched. It had been a long time since he’d seen her write his name. He quickly tore it open and read the note.
    Dear Tyler,
    Thanks for giving Sweet Something a beautiful new image. I love the menus, business cards, and sign. The planters are gorgeous. What a fun surprise! Tessa and I would love to keep them, but we're not sure about the price. Please let me know. Thanks so much for using your time, talents, and resources to bless my business and me.
    I'd like to make you dinner. Can you come over tonight at seven?
    Allie
    Tyler quickly scanned the message again. She wanted to make him dinner tonight? His hopes rose, but he quickly reined them in. She probably just wanted to thank him for the free work he’d done for Sweet Something. But as he grabbed the phone and dialed her number, he couldn’t keep his hopes from rising.
    * * * *
    Tyler hustled up Allie’s front steps. He hesitated as he crossed the porch, recalling how Peter had stood in that very spot and kissed Allie. His anger flared for a