Tabitha’s POV

We sit on the bench near the window while the bouquets are prepared. Jace shifts beside me and I notice the strange tension in his expression. I sense it in all of them as well, as if something almost melancholic is tugging at the back of their minds, far removed from the vibrant colors of the flowers being arranged in front of us. I wonder if the heavy mix of scents filling the shop is starting to wear on them.

I am about to ask until finally, Jace takes a careful breath and looks at me.

“Look…” he starts with a strained voice as if he is forcing...