#1 in The Clarke Trilogy. Clarke's childhood was defined by a mystery absentee father and a harsh mother. Now in her 30s, she is virtually emotionally unavailable and high strung, still trying to please her mother by finding success in the flower business. Her only comfort is in the many men she has few fleeting moments with.After a fire threatens to ruin her flower shop, she meets a carefree young man named Vince. At first, his personality irritates her, but he comes in handy when her mother shows up at the store to snoop around.