CHAPTER ONE
Abilene
Saturday
“Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Sweet Haven Honey!”
I wave enthusiastically as I settle behind my counter, trying to shake off the jitters. The market’s busier than usual today, with families and tourists milling about, drawn in by the honey-sweet scent of my booth.
I take a deep breath, pushing the nerves down. It’s fine. I’ve done this a hundred times before.
I’ve got my display, jars of honey lined up in neat rows, each one lovingly labeled with names such as Golden Meadow, Morning Sun, and Wildfire Bloom. Each one tells a little story, and I’m more than happy to share them with anyone who asks.
I spot a couple walking toward my table.
“Have you tried our signature honey? Golden Meadow is a personal favorite. It’s perfect for tea or just drizzling over fresh fruit.”
The woman picks up a jar and inspects the label.
“It sounds lovely,” she says, but her attention shifts to her phone, and she walks away without another word.
I glance over at the next customer, who’s half-eyeing the beeswax candles. Maybe he’s more interested in the soaps.
I start to tell him all about my handcrafted products, butwhoops, I knock over a jar of Morning Sun thanks to my need to talk with my hands.
The glass hits the edge of the table and wobbles, then topples right off.
Time slows as I watch it fall.
Oh no.
Not again.
In a panic, I reach for it, but too late. The jar drops, and I cringe, waiting for the inevitablesmash.
Except… it doesn’t come.
Instead, a pair of strong hands swoops in and catches the jar just inches from the ground.
“Whoa. Close one!”
Jesse Murphy’s voice is calm. His smile is the kind that makes my heart do an extra beat, like it’s an accident… but the kind of accident you secretly hope for.
“Thanks,” I breathe, blinking at him.
His hands are steady as he sets the jar back on the table. He’s not even fazed.
“No problem.” Jesse grins, and I feel a little heat rise in my cheeks.
He’s my neighbor, always showing up and making me blush. And today is no exception.
He’s tall, built like someone who spends all day working with his hands, which he does on Willow Ranch. The only thing more charming than his smile is the way he makes everything look effortless.
“You know,” he continues, leaning in a little closer. “They say honey is a natural mood booster. But I didn’t know it was gravity-defying too.”
I blink, unsure if I’m still hearing him right. “What?”
Jesse flashes a grin. “I mean, look at that jar. That was some serious superhero stuff. What’s next? Will it fly?”
