“Of course it does. Albie would be proud, don’t you think?” Gramma Dot took his hands and let him pull her up. “Besides, I wasn’t going to let that woman outdo me.”
“What woman?” Everett asked, following his grandmother’s steely-eyed glare. “Willadeene?” He managed not to groan aloud. After their phone call earlier, he’d reached his Willadeene quota for the day—hell, the week. He loaded up his grandfather’s gardening box, took the gloves she handed him, and grabbed the wooden handle. “Is that everything?”
Gramma Dot took a quick look around and nodded. “Looks like it.” She hooked her arm through Everett’s, her voice lowering. “I was surprised to see her here. She’s so spiteful, I can’t imagine she could coax any living thing to grow.”
Everett was so startled he burst into laughter.
“Hush now, or you’ll get her attention.” But Gramma Dot was grinning.
“We wouldn’t want that.” He led her to the edge of the group gathering around the gazebo in the middle of the lawn, keeping a safe distance from Willadeene—and Rosebud.
From the looks of it, Rosebud had enlisted several members of the Junior Beekeepers: Leif, Kerrielynn, Felix Abraham, Halley, and Benji. And Nicole? He took a deep breath. Nicole and Willadeene in the same place at the same time? That had potential disaster written all over it. Last he’d heard, Nicole and Willadeene weren’t seeing eye to eye on much—which meant Willadeene would go out of her way to poke and prod at her daughter. But if that had happened, Gramma Dot would have told him all about it the minute he walked up.
Even after Gramma Dot had shed some light on Willadeene’s past, he didn’t have much sympathy for the woman. She had a daughter and grandson she could love and support. Instead, she chose to torment her daughter and emotionally blackmail her grandson. He’d never understand. No child should ever question the motivation behind their parents’ love or affection. It should be constant and unconditional. If and when he was lucky enough to have children of his own, he’d make sure they knew they could always count on him. Like he’d been able to count on his parents and grandparents.
“You think you’ll come back?” he asked.
“I do.” Gramma Dot smiled up at him. “Rosemary was tickled to see me, and that just about made my day. She’s so kind and patient with everyone. That girl is a gem, I tell you.”
She is.His gaze scanned the crowd until he found her. Rosebud. Her dark red hair was twisted up on the back of her head, and there was a smudge of dirt on her cheek. She was flushed and a bit windblown—and more beautiful than ever. He ignored the twist in his chest and took a deep, steadying breath.
Rosebud handed a clipboard to Nicole and climbed the steps of the gazebo. “Thank you all for your hard work tonight.” Rosebud smiled at the crowd. “I didn’t expect such a big turnout. Next time, I’ll make sure we have more plants. Take a look around you at how refreshed and vibrant the lawn looks—all because of your efforts. These fall-blooming plants are great pollinators and pretty to look at.” Rosebud paused long enough to point out each flower bed. “Thank you to our awesome Junior Beekeepers for helping out, too.”
There was a smattering of applause over this.
“I think Kerrielynn managed to get you all on video, so I’ll see if we can arrange a viewing of it once it’s finished.” Rosebud winked at Kerrielynn. “We’re all anxious to see how it turns out.” The evening breeze caught a long strand of her hair so that it brushed along her cheek and neck. She reached up, tucking it behind her ear. “Once you make sure you have all your gardening supplies, you’re free to go. And thank you again.”
“You ready?” he asked his grandmother.
“After I say good night to Rosemary.” She tugged him along with her—not that he bothered resisting. “Rosemary, I just wanted to tell you what a delightful evening it was.”
“I’m so glad you came, Gramma Dot.” Rosebud gave Gramma Dot a big hug. “I promise, next time I’ll be a little more organized.”
“Sweet girl, I don’t see how that’s possible.” Gramma Dot patted her back, then released her. “You consider tonight a success and give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve earned it.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Her smile was shy but delighted.
That smile was too much for him. Everett’s lungs emptied, making it hard to breathe.
Those green eyes settled on him now, that smile never wavering. “Everett. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Oh?” He liked hearing that too much.
“Don’t sound so surprised.” She shook her head. “I’ve decided to sell my book—partly because of you.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “And write some more.”
“Congratulations, Rosebud. That’s great news.” She looked so damn happy she was all but glowing. “But what does that have to do with me?”
“The video of you reading to Nova? There were so many DMs asking about where to buy the book I thought, why not?” She shrugged. “It could still be an epic failure, who knows.” Her gaze searched his as she said, “There were lots of questions about you, too, in case Dane or Tansy hasn’t told you.”
He rolled his eyes. “You think Dane hasn’t told me? He’s eating it up.”
Rosebud’s laugh rang out.
Everett sucked in a deep breath, ignoring the sharp tug in his chest.
“You wrote a book?” Gramma Dot was wide-eyed. “Land sakes, child, you’re full of surprises.” She smiled, stifling a yawn. “I can’t wait to read it. Everett, get me a copy won’t you?”
“Can do. I’ll buy a copy.” Everett nodded. “Make any other big decisions? What about the job? Texas A&M? Still thinking about it?” He braced himself.
