“Oh no.” She blinked again, a tear rolling down her cheek.
That tear almost had him pulling her close, audience be damned.
“Who? It doesn’t matter.” She took a shaky breath. “Shit.”
He stared at her. She never swore. “I think I misheard that.”
She managed an actual glare.
He shrugged. “I figure since you gave us a ride home from San Antonio, saved us from being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, prevented me from committing possible bodily harm to the Wicked Witch of the Hill Country on several occasions and assisted Thor with today’s rescue, I’d shield you from prying eyes since I owe you.”
Her green eyes searched his. “Right. Wouldn’t want me to get confused over your motivation.” She sighed. “Who says chivalry is dead.”
“Tansy...” He stopped himself before he said something he shouldn’t. He’d made the mistake of opening himself up to her before and it’d taken years to get over it.You either learn from your mistakes or you’re destined to relive them.That was a bit of wisdom from Camellia Hill. Wisdom he needed to remember when it came to Tansy. “You know me.” He smiled.
Her eye roll didn’t meet her usual fully exasperated standards. “I do. You keep popping up. Like every time I turn around, there—here you are.”
“Is that a bad thing? Are you making an observation? Filing a complaint?” He resisted the urge to wipe away another tear.Dammit all.He scratched his jaw and grinned. “Hold up.” He knew just how to lighten the mood. He waited for her to look at him. “Maybe IamThor.”
The sound of her laughter bubbled up and out to wash over him and flood him with happiness.Damn. It. All.It was official. He wanted to kiss her, yes, but there was more to it. It terrified him to admit it, but Tansy’s laugh was the sweetest thing...ever.
CHAPTER TEN
“THISISAGREATopportunity for the older Junior Beekeepers—getting to help with a hive removal.” Tansy had her phone wedged between her shoulder and her ear, scribbling down the details. “The kids will be so excited, Daisy. Thank you.”
“No, thank you for removing them from the feed barn. Daddy, and his babies, will be happy to see them go.” Daisy Granger’s sigh was edged with amusement. “And, believe me, those miniature horses are his babies.”
“Um, hello. Aunt Camellia is up to...ten animals now.” Tansy counted on her fingers. “I think? Yes, that’s right. A variety, too.”
“On second thought, I think I’ll let Daddy keep his mini horses.” Daisy laughed. “I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Thanks again.” Tansy ended the call and sent an immediate text to the high school Junior Beekeepers text chain. As enthusiastic as the younger members were, the liability was too high to chance.
Beehive removal. Grangers’ place. Meet atHoney Hill Farms, 7am, Saturday. Reply with a yes or no, please.
She hit Send and set her phone on the kitchen counter. “That will be fun.” The bees, the kids, the mini horses.Dane. She couldn’t remember a more eventful Alpine Springs Arts and Wine Festival than the one she’d had today. Shelby.And Dane. “Lots of fun.”
“What?” Astrid glanced at Tansy’s phone screen. “Oh. That will be a fun Saturday.”
“What what?” Camellia asked, stirring the beginnings of a new batch of Honey Silk Lotion. “Don’t forget the Honey Festival is weekend after next.”
As if there was even the remote chance of this happening.Tansy hurried to Camellia, slipping her arms around her aunt’s waist to hug her from behind. “I won’t.” She kissed her aunt’s cheek. “You know I won’t.Nothingis more important than that.” Everything was riding on it—everything. They would win. They had to. If they didn’t... She couldn’t think about it without feeling sick.
Camellia patted her arm.
“We’ve got the blue ribbon in the bag.” Tansy gave her another squeeze and stepped back.
“That’s right. Don’t put any negative energy out there.” Astrid was a big proponent of visualization. She said you had to see your goal to be able to reach it.
“You’re right.” Camellia smiled at Astrid. “And I appreciate the reminder.”
“Daisy Granger needs a hive removed in one of the pastures—inside one of the mini-horse shelters. The Junior Beekeepers will help with that on Saturday.” Tansy checked the forecast for next Saturday on her phone. “It’s supposed to be clear and sunny. It won’t take the whole day, I promise.”
“I imagine they’ll learn a whole lot.” Camellia went back to stirring the beginnings of her lotion.
The kitchen door flew open and Auntie Mags stormed in. She wasfuming. “Where ishe?” Each word was delivered with clipped, sharp precision and threat.
Tansy and Astrid exchanged a look but stayed silent. They’d heard thathebefore. They knew exactly who thehewas. Lord Byron was at it again.
