Page 94 of Must Love Bees
“What?” Her smile soothed the unease churning his stomach.
“You’re beautiful.” He held out the bouquet.
Her eyes went wide. “Thank you.” She took the flowers. “Come in. Come in.” She waved him forward. “The troops have rallied. I should tell you, Aunt Camellia feels horrible.”
“Troops?” He followed her into the kitchen. “Oh, the troops.”
“Charlie, I am so sorry.” Camellia stopped short of hugging him, but the look on her face tugged at his heart. “If I’d known it would cause you any distress I never, ever would have issued the invitation.”
He took a deep breath and gave her a quick, one-armed hug. “I know. You’ve all been nothing but kind to me.” He cleared his throat. “My family isn’t quite as...” He stared around the room. Van Kettner. Dane and Tansy and Magnolia.
“Big?” Dane suggested. “Or loud?”
“Supportive.” Van cocked an eyebrow Dane’s way.
“Protective.” Magnolia stepped forward to stare up at him. “I’m actually excited about this evening. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to verbally eviscerate someone and spit them out into little, tiny pieces.”
“Let’s not assume the worst.” Astrid shook her head, but she was laughing.
“I’m not assuming. I’m preparing.” Magnolia winked at him. “Come along, Charles, I’ll let you approve the seating arrangement.”
Charlie moved the place cards around, then gave up. “I’ll leave it up to you.”
“Proximity doesn’t matter when it’s words that are weaponized.” Dane was putting silverware on all of the napkins. “If it’s any consolation, my dad and I were barely speaking three months ago. It’d been that way for years.”
“What happened?”
“Well, a fire took a good portion of our bees, my younger brother ran off and we almost lost our home to the bank.” Dane chuckled. “It was enough to knock some sense into him. Into both of us, really.”
Charlie wasn’t sure what the appropriate response was for that so he stayed quiet.
“I can tell you one thing.” Dane’s voice lowered. “If it wasn’t for Tansy and her family, I’m not sure we would have made it through. Once they decide you’re part of the family, that’s it. They’re looking after you, whether you like it or not.” He clapped a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “I hate to break it to you but...you’re now a part of that family.” He patted him on the back.
Charlie had a cat in his lap and was feeding oyster crackers to Lord Byron when there was a knock on the front door.
“I’ll get it.” Aunt Camellia went to answer it.
“You stay put.” Van pointed at him. “Petting an animal can lower your blood pressure and your stress level.”
“He’s right.” Astrid sat in the chair next to Charlie. “Why do you think we have so many animals?”
“We didn’t have pets.” Charlie kept petting the oversize cat.
“What a charming home.” Lindsay’s voice set Charlie’s teeth on edge.
“Look at me.” Astrid rested her hand on his arm. “We’re all on your side. I’m here for you. And I love you.” She stood, smoothing out her skirts, before he could respond.
Now was not the time to whip out his note cards.
He considered carrying Jammie around with him but decided against it. He set the cat in the chair and stood. Introductions were made and Charlie managed to be civil.
In a group of that size, it was easy to keep conversation flowing.
When they moved into the dining room, Charlie’s sense of dread was easing.
“You’re here to visit Charles?” Magnolia asked, passing around a platter of fresh-baked dinner rolls.
“Yes.” Lindsay glanced his way. “And my aunt’s will is being read tomorrow.”
