The second table displayed amber jars of honey alongside mason jars of beeswax candles in every scent she'd perfected. Pine Forest. Vanilla Bourbon. Honeysuckle Bloom. Each product told part of her story.
The price cards slid into their copper holders. She'd hand-lettered each one during slow winter evenings, practicing her calligraphy until the numbers flowed just right. Business cards fanned across the table's corner, the little bee logo designed by Liv Bock marching across each rectangle of cardstock.
Her cash box clicked open to her touch, the sound sharp in the morning quiet. She counted the bills twice, fingers sliding across worn paper. Twenties in the back slot, tens next, fives and ones up front for easy change-making. The quarter roll cracked open between her fingers, coins cascading into their compartment with a metallic rain.
"You seem distracted." Holly appeared at her elbow, a cup of coffee extended toward her. "Everything okay?"
Joy accepted the coffee gratefully. "I'm fine. Just thinking about my hives."
"Seriously though." Holly touched her arm gently. "What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Joy glanced around. The market was filling up, but no customers had reached their corner yet. Elias was chatting with the bread vendor two booths down.
"I got matched on mate.com this morning," she whispered.
Holly's squeal could probably be heard in Portland. "Joy! Oh my god! Finally! Who is he? What's his name? Is he local? When are you meeting him?"
"Please don't." Joy pressed her fingers against her temples, but she was fighting a smile. Holly's joy was hard to resist.
"I can't help it. Do you know how long I've been waiting for this?" Holly grabbed both of Joy's hands, squeezing tight. "Tell me everything."
"His name is Andre. He's..." Joy's throat closed around the words. "He just joined Bear Patrol. He's new in town. Just moved here."
"Oh." Holly's expression shifted to understanding. "That's nice. Isn't it."
"His profile says hebelieves in keeping the people he cares about safe. Seems weird.”
Holly squeezed her hands again, realization dawning in her eyes. "So, he’s protective. That doesn't mean he's overbearing. Lots of people want to protect their families.”
Before Holly could respond, her uncle Rollo appeared at their booths. The former police chief moved with the easy confidence of someone who'd spent decades keeping the peace. His lined face creased into a warm smile.
"Morning, ladies. How's business?"
"Can't complain," Holly said, hugging her uncle. "Joy just got some wonderful news."
Joy shot her friend a warning look. "It's nothing."
Rollo's sharp eyes missed nothing. "Glad to hear things are good. Actually, I wanted to ask if either of you have noticed anything unusual lately. We're starting up a new security initiative."
Joy's stomach tightened. "My dad mentioned some problems on the ranch and at the MacAllister place."
"What kind of problems?" Rollo's expression turned serious.
"Cut fences. Missing livestock." Joy hesitated, then added, "I've had some little things too. Some beehive equipment moved around. A strange smell. I thought it was maybe just animals, but..."
"But now you're not sure." Rollo pulled out a small notebook. "When did this start?"
"A few days ago. It's really not a big deal. You should talk to my dad or Leland about the ranch issues."
"I'll report all this to the coordinator." He scribbled notes. "We're taking everything seriously, no matter how small it seems. Better safe than sorry."
Rollo headed toward the main pavilion where the market manager was setting up a microphone. Joy watched him go, unease crawling up her spine. The market manager tapped the microphone. "Good morning, everyone! Before we officially open, I have an important announcement."
Conversations died as vendors and early customers turned toward the pavilion.
"As most of you know, there have been increasing security concerns around Fate Mountain. I'm pleased to announce that Bear Patrol and our veteran law enforcement volunteers have created the Fate Mountain Security Initiative to help keep ourcommunity safe. Please welcome our new coordinator, Officer Andre Holt."
Andre Holt. Her mate’s name. Joy gripped the edge of her table as he stepped up to the microphone. Her cougar roared, and every cell in her body screamed with recognition.
