Once again, she looked Everett’s way. He was glaring at James—who was reading her book. It was oddly comforting—and had her grinning like a fool.
By the time the Q&A finished, Rosemary had reached her peopling quota for the day. She accepted Jane’s thanks for participating and her praise for the book and practically jumped off the dais to avoid any further interaction with James.
Tansy was waving her toward them, Astrid was clapping, and Kerrielynn seemed to be filming. Before she reached her cheering section, a woman stepped in her path.
“Dr. Hill? I’m Amanda Sifuentes, from Texas A&M University.” The woman held out her card.
“My alma mater. It’s nice to meet you.” Texas A&M had the best apiculture programs in the state. It’s where she, Astrid, and Tansy had all gotten their undergraduate degrees—like Poppa Tom before them.
“I was really blown away by your lecture, your thorough knowledge of genome sequencing, and your enthusiasm. It was contagious.”
Rosemary nodded, her attention fixing on the very tall, very handsome, very sweet man walking her way. Everett, smiling at her, like he was proud of her. Her poor heart didn’t stand a chance.
“I’d love to sit down with you and discuss an associate professorship opening we have—something I think you’d be a perfect fit for.”
Rosemary blinked, the woman’s words slowly registering. An associate professorship? At Texas A&M? But before she could respond, Everett was beside her, and she was struggling to concentrate. “I’m flattered,” she murmured before nodding Everett’s way. “Hey.”
“You did great, Rosebud.” He smiled down at her. “My mind is still trying to figure out exactly what you said, but I know it was impressive.”
Amanda Sifuentes laughed. “She is quite the font of bee-centric information, isn’t she?” She held out her hand. “Amanda Sifuentes. Dean for Texas A&M’s entomology department.”
“Sorry for interrupting. Everett Taggert. Lewis County parks and recreation director and Rosemary Hill’s best friend.” He shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” Amanda turned back to her. “I know we all have places to be, so I’ll keep my sales pitch short. As you know, Texas A&M is the best apiculture program in the state. Our research objectives differ slightly from the genome-mapping project, but I think you’ll find we have a lot of exciting opportunities in the coming years. I’ll be doing a presentation on some of our latest programs at two. If you’re free, it might give you a more in-depth look at what we’re working on.”
Rosemary nodded, beyond flattered. “I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful. Maybe we can get coffee afterward? Depending on what you think of the presentation, of course.” The woman laughed. “I’ll see you later this afternoon.”
Rosemary stared after the woman, taking time to steady herself before she faced Everett. For some reason, she felt close to tears. The last twenty-four hours had been a lot. James. Everett. Her book being outed. Now Amanda Sifuentes. A lot, a lot. The last thing she needed to do, especially here, was cry. She took a deep breath. “Did you hear that?”
Everett nodded. “After your presentation, I’m not surprised.” His brown eyes swept over her face. “Texas A&M is where you went to school. It sounds like a good fit. I’d think working there would be kind of like coming home, wouldn’t it?”
Except he wouldn’t be there. Neither would her sisters or aunts or Honey Hill Farms. And while she was flattered Amanda Sifuentes thought she was up for the job, Rosemary wasn’t so sure she wanted it.
EVERETTWASTRANSFIXEDby Rosebud. She was on in a way he’d never seen her before. This was what fed her and thrilled her—this was who she was. Bee expert, advocate, educator, and artist. She was all those things and so much more. And he loved who she was. She grew animated when she talked, her features fluid and absolutely captivating. Somehow she’d managed to turn thirty minutes of scientific mumbo jumbo into something relatable and inspiring.
After seeing her in action, he realized she was wrong about herself. She wasn’t just a people person, she was an inspiring leader. He didn’t know a thing about beekeeping—he wasn’t all that fond of bees—but she’d managed to impart their importance to the world, not just the audience in the room. Why was she working under someone like James Voigt when she could be guiding and encouraging her own team?
If there’d been a neon sign flashing overhead, it couldn’t have been more obvious: Rosebud had to do this—right here. Research and educate her peers. Be a leader in her industry. Follow her passion—even though that would likely take her from Honey. And him.
He’d lain awake most of the night, knowing what he had to do—this morning only confirmed his decision. Everett was her best friend, he needed to support her. He’d encourage her to consider this job with Texas A&M. If she decided to go back to the genome project, he’d find a way to muster enthusiasm—even if he wanted her as far from that leech James Voigt as possible. Whatever she wanted, whatever filled her with the joy he’d seen on her face, he’d help her find it.
He couldn’t ask her to give this up for the lifehewanted. So, he wouldn’t. He’d tell he valued her friendship too much to jeopardize it by pursuing anything romantically, even if it tore his heart in two. Considering he’d never outright lied to Rosebud before, he hoped he could pull it off.
“Are you all right?” Rosebud asked.
He would be, in time. “Yep.”
“Ohmygosh.” Kerrielynn rushed up. “That was amazing.”
“You were totally in charge up there.” Halley nodded, looking at Rosebud with a budding case of hero worship.
“As far as I’m concerned, you were the only presenter on that stage.” Astrid hugged her. “I’m so proud of you.”
Me, too, Rosebud. So damn proud.
Tansy joined in the hug, and the three of them squished together with their eyes closed and their arms holding tight. There was such love on the sisters’ faces. He knew how much Tansy and Astrid had missed having their baby sister around—and how much they’d hate to see her go. But like him, they’d smile and wave and send her off without blinking an eye. Because, like him, Rosebud’s happiness was what mattered most.
