I know exactly how you feel. Even though I can see the bud in your pictures, I've had some like that and they simply have not matured into a full bloom. Maybe yours will, that would be nice as the variety you picked looks great.

This is the 1st year my peonies are blooming and what I noticed this year that was different from previous...is that the buds that will bloom were much bigger at a younger stage in this year's life cycle...and as the buds matured they also shot up higher from the rest of the plants foliage...I don't know if thats the case for all peonies.

Even if you don't have a bloom this year, you're at least off to a good start and should have some soon. Thanks for sharing.