Page 24 of Lavender and Honey

Elias's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea, Lydia. What did you have in mind?"

I bit my lip, considering for a moment. "Maybe a small card or placard? Something that gives a brief description of the gift sets and mentions both of your businesses."

Finn nodded approvingly. "I like that. We could include our logos and a brief explanation of how the collaboration came about."

"And maybe mention that they're available at the farmer's market too," Elias added enthusiastically. "Cross promotion could be good for all of us."

I felt a flutter of excitement in my chest. This was more than I had initially envisioned, but the idea of cross promotion appealed to my business sense. "That sounds perfect," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I have some cardstock we could use to make a temporary sign until we can get something more professional printed."

Elias's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's a great idea! And maybe..." he paused, glancing at me almost shyly, "maybe you could design the permanent sign? With your artistic skills, I'm sure it would be beautiful."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks at his suggestion. It had been so long since I'd created art for public display. "I... I could try," I said softly, both thrilled and terrified by the idea.

Finn's warm smile was encouraging. "Only if you're comfortable.” I gave him a small smile at his words, being so considerate to my feelings.

“I think I would like to try, though I hope my art isn’t a disappointment.” I told them softly, but I just wanted to be honest. I didn’t want them to have high hopes for something I couldn’t deliver.

Elias's eyes widened at my words, his honey-sweet scent spiking with surprise and something that seemed almost like distress. "Lydia," he said softly, taking a step closer to me, "your art could never be a disappointment. From what I've seen of your eye for color and composition in this shop alone, I'm certain anything you create would be beautiful."

Finn nodded in agreement, his green eyes warm with understanding. "And remember, there's no pressure. If you decide you're not comfortable with it, we can always find another solution."

I felt a lump form in my throat at their kindness, their unwavering support. It was so different from what I was used to— this gentle encouragement without expectation or demand. "Thank you," I murmured, blinking back the unexpected sting of tears. "I... I'd like to try.”

Elias smiled warmly, his honey-sweet scent wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. "We're honored that you want to try," he said softly. "And we have complete faith in your abilities."

I nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement bubbling up inside me. "I'll start sketching some ideas tonight," I said, my mind already racing with possibilities. "Maybe we can look them over next time we meet?"

"That sounds perfect," Finn agreed, his deep voice gentle. "Speaking of which, are we still on for coffee or an early dinner to celebrate this new partnership?"

I felt a flutter in my stomach at the reminder. In the excitement of setting up the display, I had almost forgotten about their invitation. "Oh, yes," I said, glancing at the clock. "I can close up shop a little early if you'd like."

As I glanced at the clock, a flicker of nervous excitement stirred in my chest. Closing early for a meal with Elias and Finn felt like another step beyond my usual boundaries, but instead of apprehension, there was an odd sense of anticipation.

Elias grinned, his hazel eyes alight with warmth. "That sounds perfect. There's a little place just down the street— small, cozy, really good food."

Finn nodded in agreement. "It's quiet too. A good spot to wind down after a long day."

I hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let me finish up here, and we can go."

Elias's smile widened, his honey-sweet scent spiking slightly in excitement. "We’ll help clean up," he offered.

I almost refused out of habit, but something about the sincerity in his voice made me relent. "Okay," I murmured, feeling the weight of my usual isolation ease ever so slightly.

Doing my tasks as quickly as I could, I could see the other two cleaning up and putting away a few paints. It felt so domestic and was really throwing me off, but I didn’t dislike it.

Small moments like these were something I would cherish forever.

Chapter Sixteen

As I locked the front door of my shop, I felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety settle in my chest. It had been a long time since I’d shared a meal with anyone outside of Avery, let alone two people who were quickly becoming… something. Friends? Business partners? A tangled mix of both?

Elias and Finn stood nearby, waiting patiently as I adjusted my scarf, the cool evening air settling over us. Elias’s honey-warm scent mingled with Finn’s grounding, woodsy aroma, creating a heady mix that made my nerves buzz in a way I wasn’t sure how to process.

“There’s a small café just around the corner,” Elias suggested, his smile warm and reassuring. “They have great homemade soups and fresh bread— if you’re not too tired after all the set up.”

I hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “That sounds nice.” And it did. More than that, it felt… safe.

“They make the best French onion soup." Finn told me as he gave me a reassuring smile, as if he could sense my nerves, "It’s a quiet spot too. Not too crowded."

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