Page 31 of Lavender and Honey

Before I could even set my phone down it went off again.

Soren wanted to come by before you leave to officially meet you too. Would that be okay with you?

I hesitated for a moment. I knew this was the last of his pack, so I knew it was going to happen eventually…and so far I have liked the other two, Finn and Lucian.

That is fine. Will he be there the whole morning with us or just after... or did you want to stop by my store after the farmers market is over?

I waited anxiously for Elias's response, my fingers tapping nervously against my phone. Meeting Soren felt like another bigstep, one that both excited and terrified me. When my phone chimed with Elias's reply, I took a deep breath before reading it.

Soren was thinking of stopping by your shop after the market, if that's okay? He's excited to meet you but doesn't want to intrude on our planning session. Maybe around 2pm like last time?

I felt a mix of relief and nervousness at the suggestion. Meeting Soren at my shop felt safer somehow, like having him in my space would give me a sense of control.

That works for me. 2 pm at my shop sounds good.

Elias's response came quickly:

Perfect! Soren's really looking forward to meeting you! I will be with him so if you want him to leave just tell me!

I gave a smile at his words before giving a last replay.

I will. See you Saturday.

As I set my phone down, I caught sight of the sketchbook I'd left open on the coffee table. The abstract drawing I'd created last night stared back at me, a visual representation of the complex emotions swirling inside me after dinner with Elias, Finn, and Lucian.

I picked up the sketchbook, studying the warm honey-gold swirls representing Elias, the strong earthy lines for Finn, and the bold steel-grey strokes for Lucian. My fingers traced the lines gently, remembering the feelings that had inspired each stroke.

A sudden idea struck me. I flipped to a fresh page and began sketching rapidly, my pencil flying across the paper as I tried to capture the image forming in my mind. Seasonal gift boxes, each one a miniature work of art that captured the essence of a particular time of year.

For autumn, I sketched a wooden box stained a deep, rich amber color. The lid featured delicate carvings of falling leaves and acorns, with hints of warm orange and red peeking through.Inside, I imagined jars of Elias’ preserves— perhaps a spiced pumpkin butter or a cranberry orange marmalade— nestled in a bed of dried autumn leaves.

Winter's box took shape next— a cool silvery-blue stain on the wood, with intricate snowflake patterns carved into the lid. Tiny crystals of "frost" sparkled along the edges. I pictured this box holding jars of winter inspired preserves, maybe a mulled wine jelly or a spiced apple butter.

As I drew, I felt a sense of excitement building. This was more than just a business collaboration— it was a chance to create something truly beautiful.

Spring blossomed on the page as a light, airy box carved with delicate cherry blossoms. Pastel colored jars of preserves peeked out from among pressed wildflowers and sprigs of fresh herbs.

Finally, summer emerged as a golden-hued box carved with sunbursts and waves. Bright, sunny jars of preserves were arranged with dried citrus slices and sprigs of lavender.

I paused when drawing the lavender, but I pushed it away and finished the last drawing. I went back and made comments on each drawing of the ideas of the preservatives. They were just small notes, but Elias was the expert when it came to flavors and such. He would have the say in that but I couldn’t help but write my ideas down. If I didn't it would bother me until I did anyway. He could just ignore my scribbles when I show him these.

I didn’t know how long I spent on the drawing, going back with watercolor pencils to add the coloring touches for each one with great detail. I made sure to show the different angles of each box in different angles.

“Perfect” I muttered, setting down the pencil with a smile. I just about jumped out of my skin when my phone alarm went off, telling me to start getting ready to leave for work. I blinked before sighing and putting the sketchbook on the table to get ready for the day.

I glanced at the sketchbook once more, excited for Saturday to get here quickly.

Chapter Twenty-One

Saturday morning arrived with a crisp autumn chill in the air. I stood in front of my closet, deliberating over what to wear. Finally, I settled on a soft sweater in a deep purple hue, paired with my favorite jeans and comfortable boots. As I applied my scent blockers, I paused, my fingers lingering on my neck. The skin there was no longer irritated, thanks to the gentler formula. For a moment, I considered not applying it at all, but quickly dismissed the idea. Baby steps, I reminded myself.

I grabbed my sketchbook, filled with ideas for the seasonal gift boxes, and headed out. The walk to the farmer's market was short, but with each step, I felt my nervousness growing. This was more than just a business meeting— it was another step towards letting Elias and his pack into my carefully guarded world.

The farmer's market was already bustling when I arrived, the air filled with the scents of fresh produce and baked goods. I made my way through the familiar stalls, my eyes scanning forElias's booth. When I spotted him, my heart did an unexpected little flip in my chest.

Elias was arranging jars on his table, his chestnut hair catching the morning sunlight. He looked up as I approached, his face breaking into a warm smile that made my breath catch.

"Lydia!" he called out, waving me over. "Good morning! I'm so glad you could make it." I offered a small smile in return as I walked closer.

---