Dani smiled.“I won’t need one today because I won’t disturb the bees.They’re usually happy, especially on a warm sunny day with lots of pollen nearby.”
“But you wear one sometimes?”
Dani nodded.“I do.I also have a smoker I can use when I’m working with full combs.The smoke makes the bees sleepy.”
“Do you get stung a lot?”
Dani laughed.“Not after I figured out what I’m doing.Mostly, they ignore me.”
Evelyn laughed softly.“I’m glad.”
Dani showed the apiary and the exit at the bottom of the box.She explained about the queen and how the honey developed.She even took off the lid and showed Evelyn how it was filled with frames, and the bees were using it to create their combs.
Then they headed to the new field.“Lawson and his family own an apple farm, and our properties join at the back corner.We’re going to start new hives there, where the apple trees will be the bees’ primary pollen source.It should help both the trees and the bees.”
“How does it help the trees?”
Thrilled her sister was showing interest, they chatted as they walked through the forest, talking about how the bees helped biodiversity and how the apples might change the honey.
When another phone rang in the background, Evelyn sighed.“I’m so sorry, but I have to take this.”
“That’s okay.I’m glad we had some time to talk.”
Evelyn tilted her head and ignored the other phone.“Me too.I’d love to see you set up another new colony.Can you text me in advance when you’re planning it?That way, I can clear my schedule.”
Happiness zipped through Dani.“I will.This was fun, Evelyn.Next time, maybe you can walk me through your job and what makes you happy.”
Evelyn’s smile dimmed.“It’s not nearly as interesting as what you do, but I’m happy to share.I’m sorry, but I really must go.Nice to meet you, Lawson.Goodbye, Dani.”
Dani took back the phone and ended the call.Then she threw herself into Lawson’s arms and battled back the tears.He squeezed her tightly and swayed her from side to side.“Good job.That was a good start to building a friendship with her.”
She hoped so.“It was fun.It would be amazing to have her in my life.For so many years, I believed it wasn’t possible, but now I do.Thanks to you and your family.”
Lawson grinned.“More like thanks to you and your gumption.Frannie B would be so proud.”
She blinked back more happy tears.“I think she would.I don’t think Evelyn had anything to do with the fire.If she had, there would have been a clue.She would have looked nervous or said something.I’m so glad it wasn’t connected to her.Maybe I’ll text Nathaniel tonight.Not to ask him about the fire, but just to make contact.Now let’s hurry, so we’re not late for your family.”
They arrived at the clearing to find Amber, Gray, Jolie, Ford, Knox, and Thea all there.Nash and his family had gone into Phail for the day to visit Jim and Carl.The B&B owners had helped Olivia and Ella when they first arrived.Dani didn’t know them well, but they were always friendly when she met them in town.
Charlie hated missing installing the new colony, but he could help with the next one.
Knox rubbed his hands together.“Okay, time to teach us all things bees.”
Dani laughed.“Be careful what you wish for.I can talk about my bees for days.”
They all laughed, and Lawson set the pack on the ground and dug out all the equipment.“Teach away, Bee Queen.”
As she laughed, Dani realized she’d never had an attentive audience before.Sure, she wrote about bees on her blog, but she’d never had real people interested in what she did.
Instead of making her nervous or uncomfortable, Dani felt settled.Happy.Included.Cared for.
Loved.
Lawson was amazed by Dani.She’d come out of her quiet shell with him and his family.
When they first met, she’d been cautious and extremely reserved.Now, she laughed and talked easily with an audience of seven, including him.
Not only had she let herself become a part of his family, she’d also reached out to her own.
