It had been a wonderful night, there was no denying it. But would all the soft-spoken words and gentle touches continue now that the sun was out and there were other people in the mix? She didn’t know what to expect from Dane, so it was probably best to keep what had happened between them a secret for now.
“I’m glad one of us is.” Aunt Camellia was digging through boxes. “I don’t think I’ll sleep much until after this weekend is behind us.” She sighed, wiped her hands on her apron and turned—her gaze searching. “And that’s only if we win.”
“There is no if, Aunt Camellia.” Astrid sat, cocooned in cats, sipping tea.
Aunt Camellia made a noncommittal grumble.
“What’s wrong?” Tansy paused, watching her aunt closely. She was upset. “What are you looking for, Aunt Camellia?”
“Nothing.” Aunt Camellia straightened, her forehead smoothing. Tansy didn’t miss the way her gaze darted Aunt Mags’s way. “Nothing at all.”
Now Tansy was genuinely concerned. Aunt Camellia’s cheeks were flaming and she couldn’t make eye contact with any of them. She was hiding something. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely.” Aunt Camellia patted her curly hair. “I was... I was craving some of that prickly pear honey for my tea.”
“Camellia Ann.” Aunt Mags set her newspaper aside. “You are lying.”
Leave it to Aunt Mags to call her out.Tansy had to sip her tea to hide her smile.
“I am not.” Aunt Camellia turned away, washing the few dishes in the sink. “And don’t you start throwing around middle names at me, Magnolia Grace. I’m your sister. You don’t intimidate me. You shouldn’t try to.”
Aunt Mags stood, dropped her newspaper on the table and crossed the room. “I’m sorry.” She wrapped her arms around Camellia. “I’ve no right to be snippy with you. My nerves...”
Aunt Camellia immediately forgot the dishes to hug her sister. “I know, Mags, I know. It’s all right. Nothing to forgive.” She hugged her sister tight. “We’re all on edge, I suppose.”
A knot formed in Tansy’s throat. A big one. Aunt Mags wasn’t one for hugs—let alone the long, clingy type.
Aunt Mags nodded but didn’t let go of her sister. “You’re too good to me.”
“I know I am,” Aunt Camellia said, giggling, as she patted Aunt Mag’s back.
Aunt Mags started laughing, too, easing out of her sister’s arms. “Let’s find this honey.”
They all pitched in to find the elusive jar of prickly pear honey but their search turned up empty so Aunt Camellia had to settle for wildflower honey instead.
“What’s on the agenda today?” Astrid asked, washing teacups and placing them on the dish rack beside the oversize farm sink. “Settling in the new hive?”
Tansy nodded. “Eight full frames—it shouldn’t take too long.”
“Is your club coming back?” Aunt Camellia asked. “Should I make snacks?”
“I don’t know who’s coming.” Tansy knew who she hoped was coming. “But they’ll be in and out—no need for snacks. But thank you for offering, Aunt Camellia.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “I should probably head out and suit up. They’re nice enough bees but I don’t want to take chances with the kids.” She shrugged. As soon as she opened the mudroom door, the dogs came barreling inside. She stepped back to avoid tripping, and waved.
“Have fun.” Astrid waved back. “Careful, you almost look like you’re enjoying yourself.”
She closed the door right as her phone pinged.
Good morning. You’ll never guess what I dreamed about last night. Can’t wait to tell you. Finally getting to talk to my green architect about the expansion this morning so I won’t be there today. I know you’ll miss me.
Tansy stared at the text, all the warm fuzzies fizzling out.The expansion. She put her phone in her pocket, pulled her bee suit off the hook and opened the back door.
She took a deep breath. Bees could pick up on a person’s mood—they were all about the pheromones. She took another deep breath. The sky overhead was a cloudless powder blue. The air was cool and crisp, fragrant with the many flowers blooming in the flower beds and window boxes all around the house. It was a beautiful day and she had work to do. Work she loved. She should focus on that.
Kerrielynn had already texted to say they were on the way, so she decided to get everything ready for them.
Still, Dane and the expansion kept gnawing at her insides. Rationally, there was no point in being mad at him—madder, that is. It’s not like she didn’t know about the expansion. She’d gone to him and voiced her protests and concerns. Had it made a difference then?No. Had she thought that had changed? The answer stuck in her throat.
Last night had been...lovely. She swallowed, shutting down the barrage of images and sensations that slammed into her to remind her of just how lovely it had been. All the little things. Like his big hands and the way he’d smiled against her lips... Her chest grew tight.
