At eleven the next morning Brad came into The Shade House. Although nervous about being with him she decided to be business-like, hopefully, that would keep her relaxed as usual customers did.

“Hi,” Wendy said as he approached.

“Hi yourself.” He did a quick look around. “I never realized how enormous your nursery was…I mean, I guess we never discussed it, it’s very nice.”

He obviously didn’t realize they never discussed anything having to do with her. “Thanks.” She looked into those engaging blue eyes. “So, what kind of plant do you want?”

“I have no idea. I thought I’d leave it up to you, you’re the pro.”

“Thanks. Do you want a plant for a table, to hang, or for a patio?”

“I think a hanging one might be nice.”

They walked part way down the nursery and stopped. Wendy leaned down and picked up a Creeping Charlie plant as it hung down over a stump. “What do you think of this one?” she asked as she held it up.

He looked at it for only a second. “It’s pretty. I think my sister will like it.”

As he followed Wendy toward the front, she stopped and said, “I could plant it into a nicer container. We pot for free.”

“Sure, why not.”

Wendy showed him the pots and he selected a black one with a macramé hangar already attached. He watched as Wendy repotted the ‘Charlie. ’

“This really is a very nice nursery, Wendy. You designed this place, right?”

“Thanks, yes, I did.” She struggled not to say too much, she didn’t want to ramble. “There it is. Is it okay?” she asked wiping the sides.

He picked up the plant from the top of the hanger. “The container makes a huge difference. I like it.”

“Good.” He followed her to the counter where he paid, at a discount. As a businesswoman she wanted him to know they were friends, so a discount was a nice gesture to let him know. She placed the plant in a cardboard box.

“Thanks for this,” he said as he picked up the box. “Again, this is a great nursery. See ya at the Cove.”

“Thanks. See ya later.”

As he left the tightness in her chest relaxed. Brad admired her business. Talking to him in a different setting and listening to his words confirmed what she always thought. He wasn’t just talented, smart, and handsome, but truly kind. She basked in the thrill of Brad’s visit.