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    COMING HOME: The Sequel to Flowers in December
    COMING HOME: The Sequel to Flowers in December
    COMING HOME: The Sequel to Flowers in December
    Ebook103 pages2 hours

    COMING HOME: The Sequel to Flowers in December

    By Jane Suen

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    About this ebook

    *** 2019 Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner, Bronze Medal - Holiday Fiction

    ***NEW...AUDIOBOOK is released!***

    SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LEAVE HOME TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK.

    One small town. One magical Christmas. 

    Connor Norton returns to his childhood home for the holidays, still grieving after his mother's recent death. Tom, her orange tabby cat, is with him. 

    He runs into Alana, the estranged daughter of his next-door neighbor Dottie who is struggling to come to terms with the devastating secret that tore her family apart.

    Mary Ann has everything she wants … except for that special someone. Now Connor's back in town, but is he too late? 

    Hope, love, and the power of forgiveness. Anything can happen—when you least expect it. During one magical holiday, their lives intersect in a way that changes them forever.

    Get Coming Home today and Second Chance, the conclusion of the trilogy! 

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJane Suen
    Release dateFeb 14, 2019
    ISBN9781732387379

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      Book preview

      COMING HOME - Jane Suen

      Chapter 1

      December 24

      TWENTY-FOUR INCHES. The width of a countertop. Mary Ann stared at Connor across the space. It seemed farther, the distance between them. She pressed against the rigid surface of the counter, a reminder that something separated them. The noise and bustle in the flower shop had diminished, the crowd thinning as they made the last purchases before the store closed for Christmas Eve. Norma’s chirpy voice floated in the air, as she cheerfully rang up sales for the old woman.

      The white lights twinkled and danced. The light scent of flowers perfumed the air. Left alone at the counter with Connor, Mary Ann couldn’t find her voice. Not the one she reserved for customers or the one she had used with Connor when he was more than just a customer and became something else—(or so it had seemed). When Connor left town four months ago, that voice became faint and distant, until something stilled it. It was replaced with questions, laced with uncertainty. She wondered why he hadn’t called or contacted her.

      Behind the facade of her pleasant smile, a lump caught in her throat. She clutched her hands behind the counter, keeping a grip on her emotions, holding back the anger.

      It seemed like an eternity, but probably only a few seconds passed.

      There was an awkward silence.

      How’ve you been? asked Connor, his voice betraying a hint of anxiety beneath the surface.

      Mary Ann nodded. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind. Why did he wait so long to come back?

      Your place is lovely—so festive, said Connor. He turned to look around the shop. Seeing the old woman departing, he gave her a smile—the one who had given Mary Ann and Connor a wink, as if she knew.

      It’s my dream come true—my own flower shop, said Mary Ann. I want to cater to every celebration—birth, love, marriage, anniversaries and holidays. For someone in the first bloom of love, the hopeful romantic, those wanting to make affirmations long after the wedding vows. The beginnings of life, the joys, hardships and illnesses that come after, and finally the end.

      You’re passionate … and you’ve done a great job with it.

      Norma was a blessing. I couldn’t have done it without her. Mary Ann gestured to her assistant, behind the cash register, grateful to have something to do with her hands, and for the chit-chat.

      Was this your idea? The holiday decorations?

      My creative side took over.

      Weren’t you an art minor in college?

      You remembered … said Mary Ann, surprised he brought up a remark she had made, months ago.

      Connor smiled. So I did. He often admitted to himself how many times he replayed their conversation that night at Manini’s restaurant—the things she had shared about her life; her story. He felt relaxed and comfortable with Mary Ann, and they talked easily then, as if they’ve been friends for a long time. No cautionary bells had rung.

      Mary Ann, said Norma, interrupting. Would you like me to stay and close up? Norma’s voice was cheerful. Mary Ann looked at her assistant. She was tall and slightly plump, with a touch of matronly grace. Her hair was cut short and streaked with gray. She had a way with customers. No matter what the customer said, she remained calm, courteous, and business-like—at times effortlessly easing into the roles of a best friend, a confidante, a psychologist, a fortune teller, or whatever fit the situation at hand.

      A quick glance confirmed the last customers were gone. It was a few minutes after closing time. No, it won’t be necessary, said Mary Ann. She reached under the counter and pulled open a drawer, taking out a box tied with a beautiful bow and a spray of rosemary tucked in it. Merry Christmas, Norma.

      Oh, thank you, said a delighted Norma. I’ll put it under the tree and open it on Christmas Day. She set it carefully on the counter. Zipping open her purse, Norma took out a small wrapped package and handed it to Mary Ann. Merry Christmas to you too.

      Mary Ann blushed as she whispered her thanks.

      Shall I lock the door? said Norma, as she walked out.

      No, you go ahead. I’ll be right behind you. Mary Ann sprinted toward the door, catching up with Norma to give her a hug. As the chime of the doorbell announced Norma’s departure, Mary Ann locked the door and flipped the ‘Closed’ sign.

      Chapter 2

      CONNOR WATCHED MARY Ann gather her coat and purse. His hopes of any reconciliation faded as he realized she was about to leave. Before his return, Connor had indulged in visions of their meeting—how she’d be whooping and jumping, then running straight into his arms. She would have a wide, drawn-out smile, her long hair flowing. In his mind, he would repeat the sequence. This time in slow motion. The bounce of her soft curls, eyes shining and bright, mouth slightly parted, with lips the color of red velvet …

      Connor, what’s wrong?

      He shook his head as the image quickly faded. Sighing, he exhaled a deep breath. Here was his chance to tell her. It was now or never. I’m sorry. He raised his eyes, meeting her square-on. I’m so sorry I didn’t call. He paused. "I was in my own funk, dealing with my life—what’s left of it."

      She remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

      After I went back to the city, I thought of you. I’ve picked up the phone. He hesitated again. You have no idea how many times I tried to call you.

      She played with the curl in her hair, twirling it as her feelings went into turmoil.

      But it wasn’t the right time. I needed time to heal. I had to mourn … I needed to find myself. Connor fidgeted, shifting the weight on his feet.

      Look, I know you had a lot to deal with, said Mary Ann. Your mother—

      Going away, I thought it would dampen the pain. But it deepened it.

      I worried about you. Didn’t know if you made it back or if you were okay. She stuck her chin out. She omitted the part where she was disappointed that he hadn’t called.

      It was wrong of me. I didn’t mean to cause you to worry. Connor shook his head.

      She fiddled with the metal pull on the zipper of her purse—feeling its smoothness; flipping it back and forth.

      "These last

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