Happy Valentine's Day

He seemed like a great husband and dad – just the kind of guy Joanne and her son needed in their lives

- GLYNIS SCRIVENS

JOANNE couldn’t believe her eyes. Here he was again, for the third time this week, looking earnestly at the floral displays in her window.“

I hope his wife realizes how lucky she is; he’s one in a million,” said Kate, reading her thoughts. “At this rate, he’ll get into Guinness World Records. I wonder what he’ll choose today?”

“That must be his daughter with him. I wonder how she broke her leg?”

The jingle of their doorbell caused them to busy themselves quickly with the buckets of glorious wildflowers that had been delivered that morning. These would be the focal point of their Valentine’s Day display this year.

“I’m looking for some flowers for my mother,” the girl began, steadying herself on her crutches, and trying awkwardly to lean on the counter.

“These are my personal favorites,” Joanne began, indicating the display of proteas. “They’ll last for weeks if you remember to change the water.”

“Yes, those are gorgeous, but Mom’s more the roses-and-carnations type. What do you think?” she asked, turning to Mr Soon-to-be Guinness World Records Champ.

He paused thoughtfully for a moment. “You can’t go wrong with roses, Hannah.”

His voice was even deeper than Joanne remembered. The rain earlier had caused his dark hair to flop over his forehead, and when he swept it back with his hand, his eyes were a deep grey-green.

If only she’d worn her new jeans today.

Her hands trembled slightly as she carefully wrapped the flowers in cellophane and red ribbon. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she said huskily, handing him two heart-shaped chocolates. She could feel her cheeks burn as her hand grazed against his warm one.He unwrapped one and popped it into Hannah’s mouth.