Dani didn’t know who Mitch was, but it didn’t matter.
Lawson had disappeared into the trees, following Bibi.Dani spotted a small fire in the grass between two of the apiaries.
She grabbed one of the pots she’d planned to use for more wildflowers, ran to the pond on the far side, and hurried back with the water.The fire hadn’t reached either of the apiaries yet.
They could still save them.
She was on her second trip when Lawson returned.He grabbed another pot and helped.Then Nash appeared through the woods and added his aid.
It wasn’t long before the fire was out, but they kept moving, ensuring that no embers remained simmering in the area.
They spread water over the entire space, turning the wildflowers and grass into a sodden mess.
A safe, sodden mess.
Flashlights and voices warned of more people coming.Dani jerked toward the sound, ready to defend her bees and property.
Lawson’s soft voice reached her.“It’s okay.Knox and the others are here.”
“Are you sure?”
He moved in front of her and cupped her face.“I’m sure.We’re safe.”
He brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, making her realize she’d been crying.
Then he tugged her into his arms and held her.“It’s okay, Dani.The fire’s out.Your friends are safe.”
“Bibi.Where’s Bibi?”
He kissed her hair.“I’m not sure.She was too far ahead for me to catch her, and I couldn’t leave you alone to deal with the fire.”
Her heart ached.“I have to find her.”
“We will.Let’s catch everyone up first, and then we’ll follow her trail.”
Everyone arrived except Olivia, who’d stayed back with the kids.
Lawson lowered Beatrice’s tailgate and boosted Dani up to sit on the edge.He sat beside her and tucked her under his arm.
Her entire body shook, and she realized he was worried she’d collapse.“I need to find Bibi.”
Barks sounded from the other side of the clearing, and her heart soared.She leaped off Beatrice, Lawson at her side.
She followed the sound, and then Bibi broke through the trees with Fox, the Great Pyrenees, at her side.
Dani dropped to her knees, and Bibi kept coming.If Lawson hadn’t supported her back, she’d have ended up on the ground under her massive girl.Instead, she hugged her tightly.“Are you okay, Bibi?Did anyone try to hurt you?”
Bibi licked her face and rested her massive head on Dani’s shoulder.
Lawson crouched beside them and hugged them both.“Good job, Bibi.You let us know in time, and the bees are safe.And you scared away the asshole who tried to hurt them.Good girl.”
Lawson’s voice trembled, and Dani leaned into them both.For a moment, she breathed in the safety of the two she loved most in the world.They were safe.
She heard the voices behind her, but couldn’t focus yet.They were safe people too, friends and family.
Finally, she drew in a deep breath and hugged Bibi again.“Thanks, my friend.”
Then Lawson helped her to her feet, and they moved back to where the crowd had gathered around Beatrice.
