“Asian flavor?What’s in it?”
Charlie shook his head.“We want you and Dani to guess and give us feedback.”
Charlie sprinted into the cabin for the cider, and Lawson walked to the blanket.
“Law.Law.”
He picked up the little girl for a messy hug.“Hi there, Ella Mae.I see you’re enjoying some applesauce.”
Olivia laughed.“And now you’re wearing some applesauce.”
Lawson shrugged.“I’m a mechanic.A little mess never hurt anyone.”
Which was good, because Ella placed her messy hands on his face.“Law.Applesauce.”
Or at least that’s what he thought she said.She’d been through some trauma in her life, but she was safe now, and learning new words and phrases by the day.
After chatting for a few minutes, Lawson added the thermos to his pack and headed through the trees.
He didn’t aim for Beatrice’s field yet.Instead, he headed to the small clearing where Dani was going to add a few hives.The rains from the previous few days had cleared, and this would be a good time to set up new apiaries.
Grinning at himself, Lawson figured he knew enough about bees that he could probably start his own colony.He had no interest in that, but he wanted to help Dani set up a couple of these new ones.He was curious about the process and the experience, but it was also about spending time with Dani doing something that filled her with joy.
The idea of adding new beehives closer to the property thrilled Thea and Jolie.The entire team was glad Lawson had recovered from the mistakes he’d made when he’d first met Dani.
He couldn't believe he’d known her for such a short time.He couldn’t imagine his life without her and Bibi in it.
Maybe today was the day to take a risk and kiss her.
If things didn’t work out, it would make things exceedingly difficult for Dani and his family.
Dani was a reserved person.She wasn’t necessarily shy, but liked her privacy and quiet world of bees and metalwork.
She didn’t need much of a social life, but she did need peace.
Her family hadn’t understood that.Well, except for her great-grandmother.Lawson wished he’d been able to meet Frannie B.He also wished she’d lived long enough to see what Dani had accomplished alone.
Lawson hated the thought.He’d always had his family with him and supporting him.
When the worst had happened and their parents had died, they’d come together as siblings, but they’d also had Fox to help them.
Their grandfather had loved them through the initial stages of grief and fear.He’d proven to them he’d always be there for them.They’d also had each other.Burke had probably pulled the most weight there, but they’d all done their share.
Dani hadn’t had that, and Lawson wanted to be the one to prove to her she was amazing and deserved to have people believe in her.
All after knowing her for less than a couple of weeks.
Realizing he was jumping way ahead didn’t change how he felt.He wanted her more with each day.
Maybe today.
Dani checked the angle of the sun.At midday, it would be at its peak, and she wanted the bees to take advantage of that.
This clearing wasn’t large but long and skinny, angled in the right direction.Her bees would get lots of sunshine and they’d also have the trees at their back, providing a windbreak.
There weren’t any natural ponds nearby, and that was a disadvantage.Maybe she should speak with Lawson’s sister, Jolie.She’d done a fantastic job of clearing the pond at the back of their farm.Perhaps she could help Dani figure out how to get a water source here.
And look at her, considering reaching out for help.She smiled and nodded at her Newfoundland, who snoozed in the shade.“I’m getting braver, Bibi.And I know why.”
