And it was all because of Lawson’s drone.At the time, she’d realized her fears were ridiculous, but part of her had still believed in them.
With Lawson’s quiet support, she’d grown up more in the past weeks than in the past few years.
She’d never be an outgoing extrovert who loved to be in large groups, but she wasn’t hiding out anymore.
Maybe she’d reach out to Lorraine to arrange a playdate for Bibi and Lorraine’s troop.
She could go into Phail and do more than grocery shop and pick up packages.
Or maybe she’d call Jolie and talk about her pond.She needed a decision about that soon.
She knew from Lawson that his entire family approved of her setting up new hives nearer the orchard.Jolie loved working with the land.Before she could second-guess her impulse, Dani pulled out her phone and texted Jolie.When there had been dangerous men after some people on the farm, Knox insisted that all the neighbors exchange phone numbers in case anyone needed help.
Which made her smile.Knox and Lawson were a lot alike.
It wasn’t even a minute before Jolie answered her text.I’d love to help.I’m at the duck clearing and can be at your hives in about twenty minutes.Does that work?
A thrill ran through Dani as she replied in the affirmative.Maybe being a secure adult wasn’t as far out of reach as she thought.
“Come on, Bibi.Let’s fill the wheelbarrow with the tools I might need, and we’ll head to the backfield.”
She also filled up a few reusable mugs with water and added sandwiches and some of her honey bakes to other containers.She and Lawson had been meeting for lunch in Beatrice’s meadow, so she’d already prepared the food.Now, she added a bit more of everything with a smile she couldn’t contain.
Jolie walked through the trees shortly after Dani arrived with her wheelbarrow full of tools.“Thanks so much for coming.”
Jolie grinned.“Are you kidding?I’m so excited to help you out.This is going to be fun.”
Dani laughed at her enthusiasm.“I think so, too.”
Jolie rubbed down Bibi as she looked around.“I know a bit about what bees need, but I’m not an expert like you.Why don’t you walk me through this setup, and then we can head to the new clearing?”
Jolie was a quick study, and her knowledge of how the Vermont climate affected the land was stellar.By the time they arrived at the new clearing, Dani knew much more about the land, and she figured the same was true for Jolie’s bee knowledge.
Better yet, they were having fun.Instead of a friendly acquaintance, Dani now had a friend.
Jolie studied the small clearing and nodded.“It’s a good area.A small pond isn’t going to go wrong here.In fact, I’m betting there was once a pond over here.And maybe a small creek heading that way into the forest.”
Dani sighed.“Climate change probably affected that.”
Jolie nodded.“Probably.Sometimes, the land just changes of its own accord.If we follow the land’s lead, we should be able to get the pond going.We may have to help it along for a bit, but hopefully it’ll thrive on its own in a season or two.”
Jolie staked out an area, imitating the natural flow of the land, and then they got to work with shovels.
An hour later, Bibi alerted them with a happy bark.Her wagging tail was further proof that no danger approached.Hemsworth, Jolie’s Australian shepherd, loped through the trees, and the dogs went into their sniffing routine.
Male voices preceded Lawson and Ford entering the clearing.Even hearing his voice had Dani’s body reacting.They’d only been kissing for a few days, but those kisses filled her mind most of the time.
They filled her heart as well.
The more she got to know Lawson, the better she liked him.His easy-going attitude, flexibility, work ethic, and positive nature were incredibly enticing.
She wanted to rush across the clearing to kiss him, but they hadn’t discussed their budding relationship or whether they would be open about it in front of others.Dani’s world rarely included others, so she hadn’t even thought of it until now.
Would Lawson want to keep their relationship private?
Unsure of what she should do, Dani smiled at both the men and turned her attention to the area for the new pond.If Bibi hadn’t been playing with Hemsworth, she would have buried her hands in her fur.That always grounded her.
Nerves bounced through her as she felt Lawson approach.When he was close, she looked up to find him watching her with a slight smile.“Hey.I like today’s dress.”
