He shrugged. “It’s been one of those days.” It had been one of those days all week. “I’m fine.” He eyed the table covered in food, and his stomach growled.
“As official snack table hostess, go on and help yourself. We’ve got plenty of snacks. So eat something.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” It was a good thing he’d had such a hearty lunch at his folks’ because he hadn’t had time to eat since. “You always have this much food?”
“We weren’t sure what the turnout would be like, so everyone brought something.” She nodded at one towering stack of brownies. “Astrid sent those with Halley. My sister cracks me up. Half the time she’s so nauseous she can barely move, the other half she’s trying to win stepmother-of-the-year.”
“Brownies are always a hit.” He reached for one and took a bite. “Mmm.”
“Aunt Camellia’s recipe.” Tansy grinned. “If it’s her recipe, it’s delicious.”
“That’s the truth. Those are dangerous.” He reached for a cupcake. “I’ll see what kind of dent I can make.”
Tansy chuckled. “How did it go with Rosemary?”
He licked a glob of sprinkle-covered frosting off his thumb. “Rosebud? I haven’t seen her today.” He took a huge bite of cupcake.
Tansy’s smile gave way to a frown. “Really?” Her gaze wandered. “I’m confused. She said she was going to see you.”
She had? Maybe, hopefully, that meant she was going to accept his job offer? His gaze followed Tansy’s to Rosebud. She sat among a large group of teens, nodding and talking with them, making notes on the tablet in front of her. She was entirely focused on whatever they were doing. The sleeves of her green blouse were rolled up, and she’d twisted her thick red hair up and stuck three pencils through the messy bun hanging low on the back of her head. She looked so relaxed and happy. Her smile was quick and...beautiful.
The observation didn’t sit well with him, so he shoved the rest of the cupcake in his mouth.
“Thanks for coming.” Dane clapped him on the shoulder. “You want to say a word before we officially adjourn and the snack table gets rushed?”
He nodded, his mouth too full of cupcake to answer. He took the water bottle Tansy offered him and chugged half of it as Dane led him to the podium strategically placed beneath the welcome banner.
“Remind them to sign up for projects, will you?” Dane murmured to him before stepping behind the podium. “If I can have your attention?” Dane tapped on the mic, causing the rumble of conversation to die down. “Everett Taggert, the county parks and rec director, is here to say a few words about the program. After that, snacks.”
There was a lot of clapping at that.
“I know the applause is for the snacks, so I’ll get to it.” Everett grinned. “I’m impressed by the turnout.” From where he stood, he could see everyone. Familiar faces and not so familiar. “I might be a bit biased when I say this program has become one of the best in the state. It’s true. We have educated leaders like Dane Knudson of Texas Viking Honey.” There was a smattering of applause. “And the Hill sisters from Honey Hill Farms, who’ve put our little town on the map.” Lots of applause now.
His gaze landed on Rosebud. She had the sweetest smile, proud and enthusiastic. Those green eyes of hers were vibrant beneath the fluorescent lights—downright mesmerizing.Shewas mesmerizing. He took a deep breath, fighting against the pressure in his chest.No. No. No.No being mesmerized by Rosebud. Especially not when he was standing in front of a roomful of people.
“And we have the support of the school system and the county.” He gripped the podium and forced himself to stop looking at her. “Why?” He cleared his throat.Why, what?What was he saying? He waited until his focus cleared.
“Not just because this region relies on honey for a substantial part of its income—though that’s important.” He paused while the adults chuckled. “This group goes above and beyond learning about bees and honey. They’re devoted to helping the next generation care about the environment, their community, and the world as a whole.” He shrugged. “I have every confidence that our Junior Beekeepers will be the ones making big changes in the future. Welcome to the Junior Beekeepers. It’s going to be a great year. Now, remember to sign up for projects and then, help yourself to the snacks.”
There was a surge toward the snack table—which had Astrid and Nicole running to Tansy to help.
He found himself wandering in the direction of Rosebud’s table, where a group of kids were still clustered.
“It doesn’t take up a lot of room. Or resources. There’s definitely a right way to do this. Let me do some research before we get too excited.” Rosebud scanned her list again.
“Too late.” Kerrielynn was all smiles. “I can’t believe you’d be willing to do this, Rosemary. It’s just... This is so cool.”
Rosebud sat back, her smile so bright Everett’s throat went tight. “That’s me. The cool Hill sister.” She was giggling then.
“I’m still learning, so I’m lost, but if y’all are excited, I’m excited.” Halley was staring at the list, a dubious expression on her face.
“Then get excited.” Benji Svoboda nudged her.
“Uncle Van will help sponsor this, I bet.” Oren Diaz pointed at the list. “Heck, he’ll probably sponsor the whole thing.”
“Whatareyou working on?” Everett asked, peering over her shoulder to look at her notes.
“Nothing.” Rosebud covered the paper. “Yet. Thinking out loud, is all.” But when she looked up at him, her expression shifted. “Good... Nice speech. Everett.” Her smile wavered. Her gaze fell from his. She wasdefinitelyless enthusiastic. “I’ll go help Tansy with snacks.” She stood, shoved her folded-up notes into her pocket, and headed over to her sister—a good portion of the kids she’d been talking to trailing after her.
