Lawson grinned at his sister as he put the suit in Beatrice’s bed.“It is.I used the smoker, checked out how they make the honey, and saw how Dani knows when to add extra frames to the supers.”
Ford grinned.“Look at you using all the bee lingo.”
Lawson laughed.“It’s been fun.We should order more suits for when we set up the new colony.I think you’d both enjoy it.”
Jolie nodded.“Definitely.I’d love to help.Now that the main pond is pretty much set, I’ve got more hours to spread around helping other areas of the farm.I’m looking forward to seeing if the apple trees help the bees make good honey.”
Dani’s smile widened.“You’re welcome anytime.I love showing people how to work with bees.And they actually don’t take up that much time.”
Ford pointed at a nearby tree.“Lawson tells me you make all the art hanging from the trees.They’re beautiful.”
Jolie grinned at him.“We should order everyone some for Christmas.”
Lawson laughed.“That’s months away.”
His sister shrugged.“That’ll give Dani time to get all the orders in.And it’ll be unique.They’ll love them.”
Damn, Lawson wished he’d thought of it first because she was entirely right.
Ford turned to Dani.“Your unwanted guest is still there, sitting in his vehicle.No sign that he’s done anything other than sit.He didn’t call out or approach us when we parked in your driveway.”
That was good.The man wasn’t there to harass anyone.“You brought the drone?”
Ford nodded and shrugged off the backpack.Putting the machine together didn’t take long, but Lawson stopped before he powered it up.“Wait.I forgot to check whether drones bother bees.When I first flew over the property, you worried about it.Did you check?”
Dani worried her lip and nodded.“I did.And yes, the buzzing can disturb them.There are even instances of bees swarming drones.I’d rather you didn’t start it up here.”
He nodded.“I’m glad you checked.We can wait until we’re at the new clearing.With no bees to disturb there, it should be fine.I’ll make sure it doesn’t come close to this area.”
Relief showed in her smile.“Thank you.”
He nodded.“Of course.”It pissed him off that she hadn’t been sure he would care, that she hadn’t mentioned it when he’d brought out the drone.He wasn’t pissed at her, but at her family, who’d taught her that her needs weren’t important.
He gave her a quick hug and a soft kiss.
He was ready to spend decades proving them wrong.
They spent a few hours at the new clearing, digging out the pond, and deciding which plants would enhance the area.
According to Jolie, adding natural barriers around the pond would deter erosion.They’d use rocks, sturdy plants with deep roots, shrubs, and wildflowers.Jolie even showed them how to make a shallow end of the pond that would encourage smaller birds and wildlife to stop and drink there.
Encouraging nature to do her thing would help all the creatures, including her bees.
They worked easily together, and it helped Dani relax.Lawson had flown the drone over her cottage several times.Each pass had shown the parked car hadn’t moved.He’d also ensured that there was no damage or sabotage to her cottage or garage.
She couldn’t imagine the courier wanting anything other than her signature, but it was good to know he hadn’t planned to do anything damaging.
What was she going to do?
It surprised her when she brought up the issue with Ford and Jolie.She’d always been intensely private, but having these friends know her business wasn’t scary.
For the first time, she was deliberately expanding her circle of friends.Look at her adulting with the best of them.
It made her grin as they made their way back to Beatrice.“Why don’t you all come back to the cottage, and we’ll make up something for lunch?Usually, I make things before I leave in the morning, but I was too nervous about the courier.”
Jolie nodded.“That sounds great.You know you can call me to chat anytime, right?It’s always more nerve-wracking to wait and worry on your own.I find it’s better to have someone to bounce ideas around with.”
Dani smiled, heart expanding.“I’ve never had that before, not until I met Lawson.I’d love to do that.”And count herself lucky to have such an incredible friend.
