Dani laughed.“No worries.We’re not very much like our parents.”
Evelyn’s cheeks flushed.“I’m learning that.And I’m learning it’s wonderful to find my own path.”
“Event planning sounds right up your alley.”
Evelyn nodded.“I love it, and I’ll get to plan more interesting things than corporate events where everyone is trying to impress everyone else.”
Dani held up her newly adorned finger.“I’m hoping you’ll help me with the wedding.”
Evelyn tossed her purse into her car and threw her arms around Dani.“Thank you.I’d love to.And I bet there won’t be a boring ballroom in your future.How about something fun in Beatrice’s field?Casual and sexy with your closest friends.”
Dani nodded.“You’ve been reading my mind.”
Evelyn laughed and clasped her hands.“My first job.I can’t wait to dig into what you and Lawson want for the day.Thanks for opening your home and your heart to me.”
“My pleasure.Drive safely and text me when you get home.”
Evelyn hugged her again, then hopped in the car and drove off.
Dani waved from the driveway until the car turned the corner at the top of the road.
Heart full, she turned to find Lawson and Bibi watching her from the front of the garage.When she reached them, Lawson wrapped his arms around her, and Bibi licked her hand.
Leaning back from the hug, she tilted her head.“A few months ago, I thought my life was full.I couldn’t even imagine feeling like this.”
He smiled.“Like what?”
She reached on tiptoe to kiss him lightly.“I never imagined I could fall in love.Or have so many friends.Having a relationship with my sister seemed impossible.Now, I have a rich life, full of joy, love, and friendship.I couldn’t be happier.”
He grinned.“Sounds like a challenge.”
She hugged him again.“Did you bring the things you need?”
He waggled his eyebrows and lowered his voice to a rumble.“I don’t need a damn thing.Just you.”
Then he looped his arm over her shoulders and turned them to the field.“But yes, I brought all the things we’ll need.Beatrice is keeping an eye on it all.”
“Is she excited?”
Lawson laughed.“I hope so.I am.Are you sure about this?”
She nodded.“I am.Beatrice is very happy where she is, but I don’t think she’ll mind a little beauty treatment here and there.”
In the field, Dani moved to check on the bees while Lawson set up his equipment, and Bibi found a sunny spot for a snooze.
While she collected some honey, Lawson pulled out his sander and turned his attention to Beatrice’s rear fender.Even from here, Dani could see the rapt attention on his face.The love he had for the process and the truck.
She thought back to the drone he’d flown over the field and how scared she’d been that someone was trying to hurt her bees.
Instead, he’d been lusting after her truck.
Laughing, Dani collected her honey and checked on her bees.
Life was amazing.The future was full of possibilities.
“Thanks, Frannie B.You’re the reason for my happiness.Thanks to your example and seed money, I’ve got everything.A growing business I love.A man I love even more.I hope you know how grateful I am for everything.Including the veto power.”Although she was glad she didn’t have to use it.Without Jeremy’s desperate need to pay off gambling debts, the company didn’t need a merger.Or a name change.Her parents had admitted to Marcus that Jeremy had been the one pushing for the change.Her parents had trusted him and hadn’t asked for details.“That veto power brought me the courage to go after everything I dreamed of.Thank you.”
Her whispered words probably didn’t even reach her bees, but she hoped they reached her great-grandmother wherever she was.
