The day before Christmas Eve began quietly at Lucent Blooms.
Snow had fallen through the night, blanketing SoHo in soft white. Inside the shop, garlands hung above the counter, and poinsettias lined the display window. Brianna had decided to open only for half the day, just enough to finish last-minute orders before closing early to spend the evening with her family.
The morning passed in a gentle rhythm. A few regulars stopped by for arrangements, their laughter and cheerful greetings mixing with the faint scent of pine and cinnamon. Soft carols played from the speaker near the counter. For a while, life felt calm again. Predictable. Safe.
Then the bell above the door chimed.
She looked up automatically, ready with her practiced smile.
And froze.
Jordan Saavedra stood in the doorway
