Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1246

Audrey blinked at Harden and secretly gave him a thumbs-up, letting him know she appreciated how well he handled things. Harden grinned back and gave her a little fist pump of encouragement.

When the group finally left and the greenhouse fell quiet again, Walter just kept working, totally unbothered by what had happened. In no time, he finished wrapping the bouquet. When he set it in front of Audrey, her eyes lit up like Christmas lights. The bouquet was gorgeous, every color and flower perfectly arranged. It was bold and fresh and fit the holiday mood even better than anything you’d find in a fancy flower shop.

Audrey hugged the bouquet close, unable to stop smiling as she breathed in the soft, sweet scent. “This is amazing! Your flower-arranging skills are next level. Seriously, it’s better than a professional’s.”

Walter looked proud, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I’m glad you like it.”

Audrey’s smile was so bright it was contagious. She looked up at him and said, “This is the prettiest bouquet I’ve ever gotten in my whole life.”

Walter’s eyes softened as he watched her, her happiness rubbing off on him. It was just a bunch of flowers, but she looked like a kid who’d just been given a bag of candy. He couldn’t help feeling happy too.

He stood up and said, “Come on, let’s head back. We shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.”

“Okay!” Audrey agreed right away. Still cradling her beautiful bouquet, she followed Walter out of the greenhouse and back to the main house.

When they walked into the living room, everyone was already there. Iris sat politely next to Leda, chatting with her, Josh, and Linda. She always put on her best behavior with the adults, her words and manners just right. The elders seemed to think highly of her.

As soon as Audrey and Walter came in, Iris noticed, and a flicker of pride crossed her face. She felt like she finally had an edge over Audrey. So what if Audrey got a bouquet from Walter? Iris had been to the Wilsons’ place plenty of times. She’d met all the elders, and Walter’s parents and grandma liked her. That was something Audrey couldn’t beat.

But just as she was feeling smug about it, Audrey suddenly zipped over, her steps light and quick.

“Camila, Uncle, Josh, Linda, look at this!” Audrey called out, her excitement bubbling over. “Walter made me this bouquet. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Audrey had no idea what Leda was thinking. After she finished speaking, she linked arms with Leda, looking up at her with a playful smile. “Maybe next time, I can get a bouquet from you too?”

After these past few days together, Audrey and Leda had grown close. Audrey’s open and sweet personality made it easy for Leda to accept her affection.

Leda looked at her with gentle fondness. “Of course you can.”

“For real?” Audrey’s eyes sparkled even brighter. “Thank you, Leda! You’re the best! That means I’ll have two of the most beautiful bouquets in the world.”

Her words were sweet and her tone was playful, fitting right in with the Wilson family. When she pouted or teased, there was a lively innocence about her that made people want to smile.

Leda’s gaze was warm and caring. She really liked this genuine, easygoing girl. Audrey didn’t have the arrogance or stubbornness some rich girls did. She really was the cherished princess of the Williams family, someone who deserved to be treasured.