Page 60 of The Sweetest Thing
“What’s wrong with you?” Leif frowned, using his spoon to point at him. “Seriously. That smile? That’s not normal.”
“Coffee.” He tried to rein in the grinning. “Coffee makes me happy.”
“Uh-huh.” Leif’s brows rose. “You’veneverbeen that happy about coffee before.”
Dane chuckled. “What are you reading?” Leif shifted the book so Dane could see the title.“Practical Beekeeping, A Field Guide.”
“It’s recommended on the National Beekeepers website.” Leif shrugged.
“Haven’t read that one.” He headed back to the counter and poured himself some coffee. “I remember Birmingham made me read something? He swore by it. I can’t remember the name and it was dry as dirt, but it taught me a whole hell of a lot. So did he.”
“I’ll ask him.” Leif closed his book. “He might be old, but he knows everything about bees.”
“Some people speak bee.” Dane poured himself a cup of coffee. “That’s what Mr. Hill used to say. That man would know, too, he spoke bee more fluently than anyone I’ve ever met. Don’t tell Birmingham I said that or he’ll smack me on the back of the head.”
Leif smiled. “I’m telling him the next time I see him.”
Dane almost choked on his coffee.
Leif started laughing.
“He’ll do the same to you if I tell him you called him old.”
Leif was laughing even harder. “I’d like to see him try it. He’d need a step stool.”
“That’s two.” Dane was laughing now, so relieved. “Age and height.” He poured his coffee into an oversize travel mug. “Ready?” He’d called Jenny midweek to tell her he was going to stick it out for a while—for Leif. She’d told him to call if something came up.
So, he had a way out. Call Jenny and he’d be done with Junior Beekeepers and this mess with Tansy and life would go back to normal. But... Leif would be disappointed. That was the explanation he was allowing himself to consider.
The scenery along the drive to Honey Hill Farms was enough to remind Dane why he loved his home so much. In the years he’d been gone, he’d traveled. But nothing and nowhere touched his soul the way this region did. And this year there’d been plenty of rain so the grass was green and the blooming wildflowers rippled in waves of color.
They drove the white river rock road—near sparkling in the early-morning sun—leading to the Hills’ family home. It wound around a cluster of live oak and trailed alongside a honeysuckle-laden fence. As a boy, Dane had been convinced this place was magical. It had been the only place his father smiled after his mother died—that made it special.
Leif leaned out the window of the truck. “That’s some house.”
Dane nodded. “It’s something.”
The house was pale mint green with bright white trim. A tall turret window stuck out on the left side as if it had been added as an afterthought. The wide wraparound porch had decorative finials—he remembered finding bees carved into some of the woodwork. Like the Knudsons, beekeeping was in the Hills’ blood.
That’s why Dane had held on to such hope about his father and Camellia Hill. Not only had she made him happy, she’d understood his world—she was already a part of it. Whatever ended their relationship had caused the sort of rift that couldn’t be healed. His father wouldn’t talk about it, and the older he got, the more Dane was afraid to find out. One thing he knew, losing Camellia was one of his father’s biggest regrets. First his mother, then Camellia...his father was never the same.
Dane surveyed the vehicles already parked out front of the house. “This group believes in being on time.” Teens of all ages were gathered around Tansy’s old truck.
Leif was out and jogging toward them the moment Dane had the truck in Park.
Dane shook his head, watching his little brother. Leif ran his fingers through his shaggy hair, smoothed his shirt and headed straight for Kerrielynn. Kerrielynn was smiling ear to ear when she saw Leif.Off to a good start.
Tansy appeared, carrying a massive basket overflowing with muffins. She placed it on the tailgate and stepped aside, waving the kids forward. She was so beautiful he couldn’t take his eyes off her.Dammit all.Seeing her made him happy. He probably looked just as lovesick as Leif. His hands tightened on the steering wheel as she laughed at something Benji said. Losing Camellia might be one of his dad’s biggest regrets. He was looking at one of his.
He took a fortifying breath and made his way to Tansy. “A very good morning to you, Miss Hill.” He leaned against the truck, giving her a smile. “Ready for some beekeeping adventures? Today is likely to be a little more...hands-on for us than our painting expedition.”
Tansy’s cheeks seemed awful pink when she stared up at him. “You think so?” Her smile was slow and sweet. “You never know. Today could be downright uneventful.”
He shook his head, tossing subtlety aside. “I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.” He cleared his throat. “You’re in charge—I’m here to keep things interesting.”
“Interesting.” Tansy studied him, still smiling. “Muffin?”
So far, so good. “Thank you, Miss Hill. I think I will.”
