Violet had received many flowers in her life, but never from anyone outside her immediate family and close friends. Jeremy's gift, therefore, was a surprise.

Perhaps she was reading too much into it, but the red roses—symbols of passion, romance, and love—were significant. Surely someone as well-educated as Jeremy understood their meaning.

This, coupled with his second date request, made her wonder: did he like her? It had been a long time since a man had shown such interest. Her heart had raced when he presented the roses.

But could she find her long-awaited romance with her father's assistant? Their shared elevator mishap felt like a cliché, a fateful encounter straight out of a cheesy Christmas movie—the kind with mistletoe and a kiss.

She was getting ahead of herself. One date at a time. High expectations early in a relationship always ended badly for her.

Violet hadn't felt an instant connection with Jeremy, unlike her parents. He had been forgettable at first. But that wasn't the only path to love. Her parents' relationship had developed over years; at least, her mother's feelings had.

Her mother recounted how her father resembled the male lead in her high school romance novel, Only You. Most romance novels, however, focused on instant connections, on cosmic sparks at first glance.

While Violet longed for a cute, romantic story like her parents', she knew that what truly mattered was finding someone who made her happy and understood her.

Her parents' goofy, lovesick relationship was a model. Their adoration for each other was evident to anyone who saw them.

Only recently had she realized her mother's profound influence on her father. He was completely different around her (and their children) than around anyone else. No one loved deeper or more fully than Aaron Hale, except perhaps his wife.

Their love was the kind portrayed in romantic comedies. Was it too much to want the same?

Violet pondered this as she met Jeremy for brunch. She needed to focus on the present.

They chose a restaurant with a dual menu: healthy and indulgent. Jeremy ordered an egg and sausage croissant, while Violet opted for a sunny-side-up egg in a whole-wheat toast ring.

"I wanted to ask you more about your performance last night, but your friend was there," he said casually.

"Sorry about that. Noah can be overprotective. All the men in my life are," she replied, biting her toast.

Jeremy laughed. "I can imagine, with three brothers and your dad."

"Sometimes it feels like they're competing for my attention," Violet admitted, smiling nostalgically as she recalled a recent keychain incident.

She recounted the story, which led to others about her brothers. They had always been close. Noah was overprotective, but he never participated in the sibling rivalry when their family was involved.

As she talked, she relaxed. Jeremy listened attentively, genuinely interested. He occasionally contributed comments or childhood anecdotes, but mostly he let her speak.

Feeling embarrassed about monopolizing the conversation, she apologized. He smiled and shook his head.

"No need. Your childhood sounds far more interesting than mine. I was an only child. I played with neighborhood kids, but it's not the same as having siblings."

Violet couldn't imagine life without her siblings. Kaleb, her brother, was born minutes before her.

Were all only children alike? According to Noah, Jeremy was supposedly a mirror image of her father, who was also an only child. Her mother wasn't, but she'd lived largely as one after her brother's death at age twelve.

In Violet's experience, people with siblings were more laid-back and adaptable. Dealing with her brothers had certainly taught her that.

"You said you always wanted to be in business…did that start with the neighborhood kids?" she asked.

"Actually, yes. We had a lemonade stand shut down by the police for lacking a permit," Jeremy replied. "What about you? Always wanted to be a ballerina?"

That hadn't occurred to her until fifth grade. Before then, she'd wanted to be a singer. But she realized many people knew her last name. People always talked about Aaron Hale.

As a child, she hadn't realized her father's fame; he was just her dad. He often complained about being approached by strangers. She didn't want that for herself as a singer.

Ballerinas were on stage, but rarely famous. She preferred anonymity.

She continued with choir through high school, singing mostly in her car after college.

"I originally wanted to be a singer, but dancing seemed more practical," Violet said.

Jeremy tilted his head. "Practical how?"

This was embarrassing, but she tried a blunt, unembarrassed approach. Maintaining a neutral expression, she avoided blushing.

"Dancers typically retire before thirty-five. I wanted a career that allowed me to quit to raise a family, then return as a part-time teacher," she explained.

He didn't seem to find it odd. His expression didn't change.

"You're right, that is practical," he said.

The final paragraphs about NovelFire.net are promotional material and were removed as they are not part of the story itself.