The Sweetest Thing, page 18
She’d probably deny it. Tansy was Tansy. But...she had kissed him. And she didn’t seem sorry about it. Neither was he.
Still, one kiss shouldn’t have him making lists or reading into anything. She wanted him. He wanted her. That was all there was to it.
He blew out a slow breath and stared up at the blue sky overhead. Moving on.
He was done here. After a quick cleanup, he could head back to Honey and the mile-long list of things he had to do there. He wasn’t even supposed to be here. But when his part-time employee had called in sick, a rare event, Dane had no choice but to step in. It hadn’t been all bad. Business had been good and if he hadn’t been here, Annie and Will wouldn’t have met Thor but Dane shook his head. Tansy got a big kick out of that. Yeah, right. He dumped his trash and glanced at Tansy again. Annie’s mom had wanted him to thank her... He’d best get to it.
He was almost at her side when he realized Tansy wasn’t talking to her aunt. This woman was too young, maybe a few years older than Tansy—and she was pushing a baby stroller. But she must be family, since her resemblance to Magnolia Hill was uncanny.
“Dane Knudson.” The voice was loud and so close he jumped—almost tripping over his own feet.
He turned to find sisters Ida Popplewell and Uma Bumgartner, and their friend Corliss Ogden. “Ladies. Good afternoon.”
“It is, it is, indeed.” Ida nodded.
“Couldn’t ask for nicer weather.” Uma Bumgartner shielded her eyes. “How were sales?”
“All sold out.” He rubbed his hands together. “About to pack up and head home.”
“I’m glad we caught you, then.” Corliss stepped forward, her mile-high hair listing slightly to the left. “You know Willadeene and Violet brought lunch out to you-all yesterday? At the barn painting.”
Dane nodded. “The cookies were good.”
“It’s my recipe.” Corliss grinned. “Of course, they were.”
Dane chuckled.
“But, to the point, we were wondering if you saw something...” Uma broke off and glanced at Ida.
“Were Violet and Willadeene snapping at one another?” Corliss pushed her thick-rimmed glasses up her nose. “Willadeene’s madder than a wet cat and Violet’s not speaking to her.”
“Corliss,” Ida hissed.
“What?” Corliss shrugged. “It’s true. What did I say?”
Dane chuckled again. “They were fine when they got there and, as far as I could tell, they were fine when they left.” Which, according to the extreme disappointment on their faces, wasn’t what they wanted to hear.
“I told you we should ask Tansy.” Corliss sighed.
“Have you seen her?” Ida asked. “Tansy, I mean.”
“I did.” He nodded. “Earlier.” Something about Tansy’s interaction with the red-haired woman said they wouldn’t appreciate any interruption. Or, given the audience, speculation. Knowing this group, there’d be all sorts of speculation. Tansy had helped him with Annie, he’d try to steer these lovely ladies as far from Tansy as possible. We can call today even.
“Oh.” Uma smiled. “How nice.” She elbowed Ida.
Ida nodded. “Isn’t it, though?”
That’s not helping, either.
Suddenly, Corliss Ogden pitched forward. Her arms pinwheeled but Dane stepped in and caught her before she face-planted in the dirt path at their feet.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” It was the red-haired woman, her stroller the cause of Corliss’s near fall. “I didn’t see you.”
“It’s fine, child.” Corliss assured her. “I don’t mind being scooped up by a big, strong man once in a while.”
The red-haired woman smiled, slightly, but her gaze darted beyond them. “I am sorry. If you’ll excuse me.” She moved on.
“Who was that?” Ida asked.
“Was it just me, or did she look exactly like Magnolia Hill?” Uma whispered.
It isn’t just you.
Corliss patted his arm as he set her on the ground. “Land sakes, Dane Knudson. You have the muscles of a Viking, that’s for certain.” She fanned herself. “I’ll have to swoon more often when you’re around. Now, where is Tansy?”
He’d managed to shift the ladies so that their backs were to Tansy—which was good since Tansy was completely oblivious to anything but the red-haired mystery woman. Even now, she was hurrying after the woman.
From the look on both women’s faces, this wasn’t a conversation Tansy would want overheard. Whatever was happening, it was important and private. If he didn’t do something, and fast, everyone would learn the Hills’ personal business. After being stuck in that public hell for the last few months, he wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy. Which, technically, was Tansy.
“Ladies, I need your advice.” They were the first words that came to mind. What he’d say next, he had no idea. The women weren’t the least bit interested. Right. Something bigger, juicier. He sighed. “Your...romantic advice,” he declared, rewarded by all three women’s round-eyed stare.
“Romantic?” Ida stepped forward, lowering her voice. “You know we’ll help, Dane.”
Great. He had their full attention, so now what?
“Who is the lucky girl?” Uma’s hands were pressed to her chest. “Does she know how you feel?”
Dane opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He’d set the trap and caught himself. A quick glance told him Tansy was still talking to the woman. Dammit. “I’m not sure she’s interested.”
“Not interested? In you?” Corliss pushed her glasses up. “I can trip her so you can catch her, if you’d like. I guarantee that’ll do the trick.”
Dane was so surprised he was laughing. “Thank you. I think?”
“Sometimes, these things call for desperate measures, Dane.” Uma nodded. “I don’t think my late Charles would have ever noticed me if I hadn’t driven into his car in the grocery parking lot. Rest his sweet soul.”
All Dane could do was stare. The woman was absolutely serious.
“And Ida would never have caught her Waylon if she hadn’t faked spraining her ankle falling down the stairs of city hall.” Uma patted her sister’s arm.
“He was there to renew his registration. I remember it like it was yesterday.” Ida smiled.
Dane wasn’t sure if he was amused or horrified. He had so many questions. Did either Charles or Waylon know about this? The fake sprained ankle was bad, but driving into a man’s car? That was concerning.
“Hush now, you two. Dane is asking for advice. You keep telling him these things and he’s liable to run the other way.” Corliss’s tone was disapproving. “Now, then, Dane. You’re not sure the girl you’re interested in returns the...interest?”
Sure, why not. Dane nodded. He chanced another look at Tansy. She was giving the red-haired woman a business card.
“Have you properly wooed this girl?” Uma glanced at her sister.
“You know, made your intentions known?” Ida went on to say, “What are your intentions?”
He ignored the last question. “No, I guess I haven’t.” He could hardly wait to hear what these women considered wooing. Honestly, he was a little afraid.
“Then you start there. Flowers.” Uma sighed. “My sweet Charles always brought me armloads of flowers.”
“Poems and chocolate, too.” Ida was ticking things off on her fingers. “Or wine.”
Beyond Ida, he saw the red-haired woman walk away. Tansy watched her go, her shoulders drooping. She looked defeated and it gutted him.
No, this was Tansy. She was strong. She was fine.
But the minute Tansy reached up to wipe the tear from her cheek, Dane was cursing himself. He wasn’t going anywhere. Because I’m a damn fool. He stepped around the women, to Tansy. He stepped close enough to shield her from prying eyes. “Tansy,” he whispered.
She sniffed, her attempt to glare pathetic. “What?”
“You have an audience. Behind me,” he murmured. “Take a minute.”
“Oh no.” She blinked again, a tear rolling down her cheek.
That tear almost had him pulling her close, audience be damned.
“Who? It doesn’t matter.” She took a shaky breath. “Shit.”
He stared at her. She never swore. “I think I misheard that.”
She managed an actual glare.
He shrugged. “I figure since you gave us a ride home from San Antonio, saved us from being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, prevented me from committing possible bodily harm to the Wicked Witch of the Hill Country on several occasions and assisted Thor with today’s rescue, I’d shield you from prying eyes since I owe you.”
Her green eyes searched his. “Right. Wouldn’t want me to get confused over your motivation.” She sighed. “Who says chivalry is dead.”
“Tansy...” He stopped himself before he said something he shouldn’t. He’d made the mistake of opening himself up to her before and it’d taken years to get over it. You either learn from your mistakes or you’re destined to relive them. That was a bit of wisdom from Camellia Hill. Wisdom he needed to remember when it came to Tansy. “You know me.” He smiled.
Her eye roll didn’t meet her usual fully exasperated standards. “I do. You keep popping up. Like every time I turn around, there—here you are.”
“Is that a bad thing? Are you making an observation? Filing a complaint?” He resisted the urge to wipe away another tear. Dammit all. He scratched his jaw and grinned. “Hold up.” He knew just how to lighten the mood. He waited for her to look at him. “Maybe I am Thor.”
The sound of her laughter bubbled up and out to wash over him and flood him with happiness. Damn. It. All. It was official. He wanted to kiss her, yes, but there was more to it. It terrified him to admit it, but Tansy’s laugh was the sweetest thing...ever.
CHAPTER TEN
“THIS IS A GREAT opportunity for the older Junior Beekeepers—getting to help with a hive removal.” Tansy had her phone wedged between her shoulder and her ear, scribbling down the details. “The kids will be so excited, Daisy. Thank you.”
“No, thank you for removing them from the feed barn. Daddy, and his babies, will be happy to see them go.” Daisy Granger’s sigh was edged with amusement. “And, believe me, those miniature horses are his babies.”
“Um, hello. Aunt Camellia is up to...ten animals now.” Tansy counted on her fingers. “I think? Yes, that’s right. A variety, too.”
“On second thought, I think I’ll let Daddy keep his mini horses.” Daisy laughed. “I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Thanks again.” Tansy ended the call and sent an immediate text to the high school Junior Beekeepers text chain. As enthusiastic as the younger members were, the liability was too high to chance.
Beehive removal. Grangers’ place. Meet at Honey Hill Farms, 7am, Saturday. Reply with a yes or no, please.
She hit Send and set her phone on the kitchen counter. “That will be fun.” The bees, the kids, the mini horses. Dane. She couldn’t remember a more eventful Alpine Springs Arts and Wine Festival than the one she’d had today. Shelby. And Dane. “Lots of fun.”
“What?” Astrid glanced at Tansy’s phone screen. “Oh. That will be a fun Saturday.”
“What what?” Camellia asked, stirring the beginnings of a new batch of Honey Silk Lotion. “Don’t forget the Honey Festival is weekend after next.”
As if there was even the remote chance of this happening. Tansy hurried to Camellia, slipping her arms around her aunt’s waist to hug her from behind. “I won’t.” She kissed her aunt’s cheek. “You know I won’t. Nothing is more important than that.” Everything was riding on it—everything. They would win. They had to. If they didn’t... She couldn’t think about it without feeling sick.
Camellia patted her arm.
“We’ve got the blue ribbon in the bag.” Tansy gave her another squeeze and stepped back.
“That’s right. Don’t put any negative energy out there.” Astrid was a big proponent of visualization. She said you had to see your goal to be able to reach it.
“You’re right.” Camellia smiled at Astrid. “And I appreciate the reminder.”
“Daisy Granger needs a hive removed in one of the pastures—inside one of the mini-horse shelters. The Junior Beekeepers will help with that on Saturday.” Tansy checked the forecast for next Saturday on her phone. “It’s supposed to be clear and sunny. It won’t take the whole day, I promise.”
“I imagine they’ll learn a whole lot.” Camellia went back to stirring the beginnings of her lotion.
The kitchen door flew open and Auntie Mags stormed in. She was fuming. “Where is he?” Each word was delivered with clipped, sharp precision and threat.
Tansy and Astrid exchanged a look but stayed silent. They’d heard that he before. They knew exactly who the he was. Lord Byron was at it again.
Camellia tapped her wooden spoon against the side of the ten-gallon bucket and glanced at her sister. “Goodness, Mags, what’s wrong?”
“What do you think? Your parrot.” Her green eyes were narrowed to slits. “That’s it. I don’t know how he’s getting in, Camellia, but enough is enough. He has to go—”
“Lord Byron was in your room again?” Camellia handed the spoon to Astrid. “I’ve made sure to keep him here and in the sunroom. At night, he’s been in his cage.”
“Then there’s two of them because he’s left me a lovely bird-poo surprise right in the middle of my vanity.” She crossed her arms over her chest, eyes flashing.
“Oh dear.” Camellia swallowed.
“Oh dear, is right.” Aunt Mags’s voice wavered as she leaned heavily against the kitchen counter. “And he took a photo.” She breathed deeply. “The photo.” Her voice broke then.
“Magnolia.” Camellia stepped forward to take her sister’s hands. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
“Don’t be sorry, get it back.” Aunt Mags’s anger gave way to anguish. “It’s all I have.”
“I will. I am,” Camellia assured her. “Girls, watch the lotion.” She hurried into the sunroom, closing the door behind her.
Aunt Mags stayed propped against the kitchen counter, her arms wrapped around her waist and her green eyes fixed on the sunroom door. Aunt Mags might appear as aloof and impeccably put together as ever, but Tansy knew better. On the inside, her Auntie Mags was lost and broken.
Like Shelby. She was in exactly the same state. Lost and scattered.
“I’ll make chamomile tea.” Tansy filled the kettle and turned on the gas stove top.
The loud crash from inside the sunroom had them all jumping. Lord Byron squawked, followed by the sounds of his wings flapping. He was agitated, his voice loud and clear. “Little thief. Little thief.”
If Aunt Mags’s lips hadn’t pressed tight, Tansy might have laughed. Aunt Camellia rarely chastised him so, when she did, the poor bird went out of his way to make it up to her. He’d follow her around and bring her things and use a baby voice until Aunt Camellia would forgive and forget the bird’s latest offense. Until the next time Lord Byron figured out a new way into Aunt Mags’s room and stole more shiny things.
After a bit, the sunroom door opened and Camellia came out. She’d turned her apron into a makeshift pouch—a pouch that was clearly full. “I have it.” She hurried to the table and upended her apron onto it. “And a few other things, as well. He keeps finding new places to hide things.”
Aunt Mags pushed off the counter and crossed to the table. She took the silver picture frame Camellia offered her and held it against her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Aunt Camellia came around the table to hug her sister. Camellia gave the best hugs. Big and strong and warm and reassuring. All things Aunt Mags desperately needed. “I’ll go clean up the mess he left.” Aunt Camellia collected disinfecting wipes, some paper towels and bleach spray. “Please turn off the burner, Astrid.” She nodded at the stove and left.
Tansy filled the teapot and carried it to the kitchen table, then brought cups and saucers. “Tea?”
Aunt Mags sat, staring down at the picture frame. She ran a finger along the edge, sighed and placed it facedown in her lap. “Thank you.”
Tansy dropped a tea bag into each cup and filled them with steaming water before sitting at the table.
Astrid set a plate of honey sugar cookies and tangerine honey tarts in the middle of the table and sat, too. “Thanks for the tea.” She raised her cup at Tansy.
“Thanks for the treats.” Tansy reached for a cookie.
It was quiet until Aunt Camellia returned. She stowed all the cleaning items away, washed her hands and joined them at the table.
It fell silent again.
“We sold out today.” Astrid drew her legs up into her seat. “And most of our new travel mugs, too.”
“Really?” Aunt Camellia’s brows rose. “That’s good, then.”
Aunt Mags took a cookie and tart, asking half-heartedly, “Anything eventful?”
“Not really.” Astrid shrugged. “Not for me. Tansy had a little adventure.”
“It wasn’t an adventure. A little girl got lost so we helped her find her mother.” Tansy shrugged. “You know I’m not much of a kid person, but she was so sweet. And she called Dane Thor and said he had to help her because he was a superhero.” And he’d been sweet and gorgeous and better than Thor could ever be.
“Dane?” Aunt Camellia frowned. “How was Dane involved?”
“Annie, the little girl, saw Thor—” Tansy used air quotes “—and ran to him. He panicked and asked me for help.” She took in their shock, then suspicion. “I know. He was surprisingly...” Handsome. Warm. Gentle. “Well-behaved and pleasant.” She paused, glancing at Auntie Mags. She had to tell her. “He also gave me a heads-up when Ida, Uma and Corliss showed up.”
