A Life Without Flowers by Marci Bolden

Author:Marci Bolden [Bolden, Marci]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781950348428
Publisher: Pink Sand Press

“That’s it,” John said, setting a stack of boxes on the floor of the living room.

Caroline inhaled deeply. The scent of carpet shampoo and cleaning supplies lingered in the air. Though the older house was run-down, she and Frannie had scrubbed every corner the day before. Now that the carpets were dry, boxes had been piled in every room, ready to be unpacked.

Smiling, she turned, hugging Katie a little bit closer. “I can’t believe it,” she said to John. “Our first house.”

His face broke into a brilliant smile, the one that always warmed her heart. Crossing the room, he rested his hands on her hips and pulled her closer before putting a soft kiss to her lips. “We’re going to be so happy here, baby. Wait and see.”

“I know,” she said.

He put another kiss on Katie’s little head before turning away and clapping his hands together. “Let’s get started.”

“I think we should put Katie’s room together first,” Caroline said. She looked around at the boxes, debating how long it would take to unpack. “And then the master bedroom so we have a place…”

Her words trailed off when she heard the telltale sign of a beer can clicking open, followed by the familiar hiss of carbonation. Next, she’d hear the obnoxious sound of John chugging. “Stop,” she warned before he could get the can to his lips.

He looked at her, his blue eyes wide behind the shaggy brown hair hanging in his eyes. He was overdue for a haircut, but Caroline hadn’t had time to trim it for him. Rather than go to a barber on his own, like any normal adult would, he’d let it go until his sergeant or his wife intervened. However, his wife had been working extra shifts at the hospital to help earn enough for a down payment on this house and was too tired to worry about his hair. So, until his supervisor told him to get a cut, his bangs would continue hanging in his eyes like a rugged schoolboy. He probably thought the style was cute, but Caroline simply saw a reminder of how irresponsible he could be.

“You are not drinking right now,” she warned him.

He looked at the beer in his hand. “I’m thirsty.”

“Have some water.”

The smirk that crossed his lips let her know the battle was on. They’d had this particular one too many times in their young marriage. However, before they could get started, someone knocked on the front door. John slammed his beer on the counter and eyed his wife in a way that told her this discussion wasn’t over, merely on hold.

He opened the door, and sarcasm oozed from his words as he turned and said, “Look, honey. It’s your parents. How exciting.”

Caroline focused on the little bundle in her arms and was able to calm herself, despite the rage boiling inside her.

“Come on in, folks,” John said, his voice still sardonic. “Have a look around. I was heading out, but I’m sure Caroline would love to tell you all about our new place.

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