Sunshine daisies

“What are you doing?” Anthony’s voice was warm against her ear. “Shhh!” Kate swatted blindly at his arm before grabbing the front of his shirt and tugging him down beside her behind the row of flavored syrups. “What—” She nodded toward the counter. “Greg and Lucy.” Anthony peered over the bottles. “What are they doing?” “They’ve been talking for the last seventeen minutes.” Anthony blinked at her. “You’re timing them?” “Obviously.” “I’ve been trying to find Gregory,” Anthony whispered. “I have some things I need him to do.” Kate caught the sleeve of his jacket as he started to stand. “Do not interrupt them,” she said seriously. “Kate.” “I’m serious, Anthony. They’re making progress.” “They’re discussing the pastry order.” “They’re flirting.” “You do this every time you’re pregnant.” Kate’s brow furrowed as her hand moved protectively to the small swell of her abdomen. “I’ve only been pregnant one other time.” “And it’s starting to become a bit of a pattern. First Colin and Pen, and now this.” “I love love,” she shrugged. “And this,” she pointed between the pair. “Is something. You’ll see.”

***** Over the next several months, Kate never once considered herself a matchmaker. She simply…noticed things. Gregory always seemed available to cover the Saturday market and, coincidentally, Lucy always volunteered for the coffee truck. Anthony would mention needing an extra pair of hands unloading deliveries, and Gregory would mysteriously appear five minutes before Lucy. Sunday brunch invitations at Bridgerton House expanded from family to “family and Lucy, if she’s free.” “You’re meddling,” Anthony informed as he adjusted Neddy on his hip. Kate looked up from her laptop as Neddy tugged at Anthony’s hair. “I”m creating opportunities.” “You’ve scheduled them together every Saturday this month.” “What a remarkable coincidence.” He laughed. “There are only so many coincidences our marriage can survive.” “He asked for more hours this summer, I’m simply trying to help a struggling university student,” she replied as she reached for the biscuit tin, only to discover it was empty. Her face fell. Anthony sighed the sigh of a man who had lived through six months of pregnancy cravings. “I’ll get more.” Kate smiled. “You really do love me.” “I do,” he replied as he placed a kiss on her temple while reaching for his keys. “Come on, Ned. Duty calls.”