Page 91 of The Sweetest Thing
“You’re doing it.” Dane nodded at his brother. “I’ll let Leif fill you in on the details.”
“Is it okay if I help out, too?” Kerrielynn asked, taking Leif’s hand.
Leif’s expression was conflicted. He was mad at Dane and he wanted Dane to know it. But he really wanted Kerrielynn to stay—which was up to Dane.
“More hands are always welcome.” Dane smiled. “I appreciate it.”
Leif gave Dane a grudging smile, then forgot all about him as Kerrielynn rested her head against Leif’s shoulder.
At least things were looking up for Leif. Dane waved and headed for the honey contest registration.
Instead of the usual no-frills folding table and clipboards setup, there were green and white balloons, speakers playing “Sugar, Sugar” by the Archies and a whole group of people wearing green-and-white Healthy & Wholesome Markets shirts and caps.
“Lots of competition this year.” Camellia Hill stepped in line behind him. “Entering anything special?”
“Clover honey. Same as always.”
“It’s an exceptional honey and recipe,” Camellia huffed, hugging the basket close.
“Dad’s pretty proud of it.” Dane shrugged.
Camellia studied his face, a sad smile forming as she rested a hand on his arm. “Dane, I am so sorry about the fire last night.”
He nodded, his throat tightening. She’d always been so kind to him. After the insults and hostility of this morning, her kindness meant more than he could say. “Thank you.”
“Is there anything I can do?” Camellia patted his arm.
“I’m still figuring that out.” Dane shook his head. “Is Tansy here? I really need to talk to her.”
Camellia looked concerned. “She’s a mite upset with you, Dane.”
“She has every right to be.” Dane faced the older woman. Once upon a time, he’d thought this woman would be his stepmother. She had a big heart and a level head and he could use her guidance right about now. “I messed up.”
Camellia instantly softened. “I’m sure, whatever it is, you can straighten it out.”
“I’m hoping so.” He ran a hand along the back of his neck.
“You look tired. And a bit worse for wear.” She shook her head. “Didn’t get much sleep, I’ll wager? So much weighing on you.”
“More than I bargained for.” He shook his head. In the last twenty-four hours, his whole world had been flipped upside down. Nothing he’d planned for still existed. Since he’d set eyes on Tansy, carrying hives in the fire, he’d struggled to hold it together. But now, he was so close to the edge, he feared he’d go over.
“You need to take care of yourself, Dane. I know it’s not easy to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. I want you to know I see what you’re doing. For Leif and your father and your home. And so does Tansy.” Camellia paused, as if she wasn’t sure she should say what she said next. “Tansy’s home taking a nap. Said her head was hurting.”
Without thinking, he hugged her close. “You’re an amazing woman, Camellia Hill.” She’d always given the best hugs—and it turned out, that hadn’t changed.
“Next.” A woman in a green-and-white shirt waved him forward, took his honey entry and the recipe card, and had him sign off on his entry form. “Good luck.”
“I’m going to need it.” He winked at Camellia and ran for his truck.
The whole drive to Honey Hill Farms, he was working through what he should say. When he parked, every idea he’d come up with evaporated at the sight of Tansy, Magnolia and the red-haired mystery woman sitting on the porch.
He took the steps two at a time and paused as all three women, still seated, turned to look at him.
“Good morning.” He smiled and held out his hand, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “Dane Knudson.”
“Shelby Dunholm.” She shook his hand.
“Good morning.” Magnolia darted a look at Tansy.
