WHEN ASTRID CAME back downstairs, Charlie was on a business call and Nova was coloring in her dinosaur book. She lingered, hoping he’d ask her to come that evening to help out. Instead, he’d nodded at her and closed himself in the dining room.
She tried to convince herself he was in work mode—that it had nothing to do with her blurted declaration of love. But, the whole walk home, she worried it had been too much for him. Then, waking up in the comfort of his arms. His heartbeat. His hand against her side. His thigh between hers. When he’d looked at her, there was hunger burning in his eyes.
But wanting wasn’t loving.
As soon as Astrid walked through the door, Aunt Camellia asked if Charlie and the girls would be coming by for a visit.
Over coffee on that day, Aunt Mags had asked if they should expect the Drivers for dinner.
On Wednesday, Tansy pointed out that it was awfully quiet without the girls around—and then Camellia asked if they were coming over.
Each time, Astrid had told them the truth. She didn’t know.
On Thursday, no one asked.
Halley had sent her a handful of texts. She’d had fun with Kerrielynn and really liked Crissy, who was her age. Another was all about how Charlie had taken them on a bike ride around the lake. And that Nova had made it down the drive without her training wheels before falling over. And each and every text ended with how much she and Nova missed her. Astrid had replied to them all, sending words of encouragement and strings of happy emojis. She was genuinely happy that Charlie was making time for the girls—she wanted him to have a strong relationship with them.
But it hurt that Charlie didn’t reach out.
She didn’t regret telling him how she felt. She did love him. She loved him and she missed his beautiful reluctant smiles and his frequent accidental touches.
“Is that right?” Aunt Magnolia asked, stooped behind the glass front counter of the Hill Honey Boutique.
“Move the skep a little bit forward.” The case showcased tools of the trade from the previous Hills. An old cone basket, called a skep, that was once used to keep hives. There was one metal pot and one ceramic pot, peppered with holes, and a bellows pump. All three items served as smokers of the past. Her great-grandpa Norman’s pair of elbow-length calfskin gloves and canvas smock with a mesh hood were also on display. Both Mags and Camellia treated each and every item with special care. She waited until her aunt had moved the old beehive basket. “Perfect.”
“Thank you.” Magnolia closed the case and came around front to inspect her handiwork.
Astrid glanced at the almost empty basket in front of her, then the digital inventory list on her tablet. How many times had she lost her place? The plan was to stay so busy, she wouldn’t have time to think about Charlie. The plan didn’t seem to be working.
“Astrid.” Aunt Magnolia tapped the duster handle on the countertop until Astrid looked her way. “Are you okay?”
Astrid forced a smile. “Of course.” She went back to scanning the tablet in her arms. “We need to order more bee buttons. And we need to start thinking about winter items. Are we going to do mail-order holiday-themed gift baskets this year?”
Aunt Magnolia and Aunt Camellia exchanged looks.
“We’re still discussing.” Aunt Magnolia wasn’t a fan of taking risks. She preferred sticking with what worked.
“I don’t think there’s much left to discuss.” Aunt Camellia was unloading the cardboard box of decorative pot holders onto a display rack. “Tansy is going to be on Wake Up, America. She’s got them coming here to take a tour of the Hill Honey Boutique. I say we strike while the iron is hot.”
“We’d have to hire extra manpower to assemble the baskets. And cover postage. I’m not certain we’d break even, let alone come out ahead.” Aunt Magnolia stopped dusting the contents of the glass cabinet.
“If we don’t see a profit, then we know not to do it again.” Aunt Camellia carried the now-empty box behind the counter.
Astrid watched the conversation volley back and forth between her aunts. When it came to business, they both had strong opinions but Astrid had faith they’d work it out. Her aunts never fought, they discussed. Even if they disagreed, they remained respectful and kind. Astrid and her sisters had taken their example to heart and tried to do the same.
“We have time.” She scanned the order. “Unless you can think of anything else, I think we can go ahead and place our order.”
“I’m sure you’ve thought of everything.” Aunt Camellia glanced at the large clock on the wall. “Time to open.”
Thursday was the beginning of the shopping weekend. And with the long, hot days of the Texas summer dragging on, families and tourists were trying to fit in one more holiday before the break was over.
Honey, Texas, had always been a Hill Country tourist destination but having Wholesome Foods sponsoring the last Honey Festival had brought national attention to the town—and the honey that made the region so famous. The Hill Honey Boutique had benefitted greatly. People wanted to buy their blue-ribbon honey and meet one of the all-female Hill beekeepers.
Aunt Magnolia stowed away the cleaning supplies while Aunt Camellia unlocked the front door.
“Good morning.” The door swung open the minute Camellia had unlocked it. “Oh, Theo, isn’t this the cutest shop?” The woman, tall and blonde and very well put together, clasped her hands—showing off extra-long manicured nails that sparkled. “Look, bees everywhere.”
“It’s something.” Theo trailed after her. He was shorter than the woman, balding, and wore a neon-orange golf shirt and khaki cargo shorts.
“Welcome.” Aunt Camellia was all smiles. “First time visiting Honey?”
“It is.” The woman nodded. “I’ve read up on it, though. Your little town is all over the internet, but I guess you know that since so much of it is about the famous Hill family. What a charming place.” She was scanning the boutique. “I’m Lindsay. This is my husband, Theodore. You might know my brother, Charlie.”
Astrid’s head popped up. Lindsay? Lindsay as in Charlie’s sister. Astrid hadn’t meant to eavesdrop on Charlie’s phone conversation, but the woman had been so loud the entire kitchen had heard. While it was clear the siblings weren’t close, it hadn’t been what was said that worried her. It’d been Charlie’s reaction.
“I believe he’s your neighbor—for the time being.” Lindsay turned her dazzling smile on Aunt Magnolia, then Astrid.
“Charlie is your brother?” Camellia, being Camellia, hugged the woman. “That makes you almost family.”
“Oh?” Lindsay blinked rapidly, looking confused. “Does it?”
“He’s a dear boy. And his girls are just precious.” Aunt Camellia glanced Astrid’s way. “They’ve gotten quite close to our Astrid.”
“Charles didn’t mention he was having company.” Aunt Mags looked to Astrid for confirmation.
Even Lindsay was looking at her. Her thorough head-to-toe inspection wasn’t exactly polite. And, unlike Charlie, Lindsay didn’t have a poker face. The woman’s smile had an edge to it—Astrid didn’t like it.
“I think this calls for a family dinner.” Camellia was too sweet for her own good. “We’d love to have you join us this evening. Astrid can get Charlie and the girls to join us.”
“You can?” Lindsay’s tone was sharp but her smile was dazzling once more. “Would you? That would be lovely.”
Charlie had made it perfectly clear he didn’t want to see his sister. Astrid knew it. Lindsay knew it. If he didn’t want to see her, he’d have a good reason. All eyes remained on her, waiting, so she said the first thing that came to mind. “I think he was taking the girls to... Alpine Springs. Tonight.” Her cheeks went hot—no doubt she was red-faced. She’d always been a terrible liar.
“Alpine Springs?” Aunt Camellia frowned. “But—”
Aunt Magnolia took one look at Astrid and nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Alpine Springs.”
Thank you, Aunt Mags. She took a deep breath.
“Perhaps tomorrow night?” Lindsay’s smile was still in place but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Tomorrow is perfect.” Camellia was delighted. “The girls are going bowling with friends but Charlie should be free.”
Halley had texted her to tell her the good news. Nicole was chaperoning the group and bringing Ginger—which meant Nova would have a friend, too. She’d been so happy that Charlie was letting the girls go. Now Astrid regretted sharing Halley’s text with them.
“We can’t answer for him, Camellia.” Thankfully, Aunt Magnolia seemed to have picked up on Astrid’s distress. “He might have made plans.”
“You’re right, of course.” Lindsay sighed. “That was presumptuous of me.”
Astrid was relieved when the door to the boutique opened—eager to end this increasingly awkward conversation. But her relief vanished when Charlie walked inside.
“Look who’s here.” Camellia, bless her, wore such a hopeful smile.
“Charlie.” It was Theo that moved first. He stepped forward, clasped Charlie’s hand and gave it several solid shakes. “Good to see you.”
“Why do you look so surprised? I told you we were coming into town today.” Lindsay made no move to hug him. If anything, she stiffened—her head angled in an almost defiant manner. “And here we are.”
“So I see.” Charlie’s voice was flat and his face was blank.
This was the Charlie she’d met weeks ago. Stiff and withdrawn. To protect himself. This was one of the people that had hurt him. His sister? A vise grip tightened around her heart. There was no reason for her to go to him. None.
Charlie beat her to it. He took several large steps and stopped beside her. It was odd but he offered no explanation and made no apologies.
“I wanted to invite your family for dinner tomorrow night.” Aunt Camellia gushed a little less. “We’d love to have you and get to know your family.”
Astrid could feel the tension rolling off him in waves.
“I said we’d love to.” Lindsay was watching the two of them, eyes narrowed—but still smiling. “We have so much to catch up on.”
Did his sister know how upset he was? If so, why was she pushing this? Why not go and leave Charlie in peace?
“But it will just be us. Sadly, Mom and Dad couldn’t get away after all.” Lindsay was watching him like a hawk.
That’s what Lindsay looked like. A hawk, circling her prey. Charlie was the prey?
He cleared his throat. “That’s asking too much, Camellia.” His tone was much gentler now. “We couldn’t impose—”
“You know I love a full house. We’ve missed you and the girls these last few nights.” Aunt Camellia broke off, her smile faltering. “But, of course, I understand if you’ve got other plans.”
“It will be fun, Charlie. Tell him, Theo.” Lindsay slid her arm through her husband’s. Theo didn’t say a word. “When was the last time we were all together?”
“Two years ago.” Charlie ran his fingers through his hair—then looked at Astrid. He was searching for something. “Family is family.” Beads of sweat were forming along his upper lip but his gaze held hers. “Tomorrow works.”
“Lovely.” Lindsay sighed. “What time is best?”
Charlie’s jaw flexed so tight, Astrid worried he’d crack a tooth.
“Six o’clock,” Aunt Camellia said.
“We’ll see you then. I can’t wait.” Lindsay left, her husband following, but Astrid never took her eyes off Charlie.
The door closed and she took his hand. “Come with me,” she whispered, leading him into the storage room. Watching him struggle tore a hole in her heart. “Would you like a moment alone?” She didn’t want to leave him but whatever he needed, she wanted him to have it.
He shook his head, his hand tightening on hers.
“Breathe,” she whispered.
He took a deep breath, then another one, forcefully exhaling each time. He’d close his eyes, then open them, focusing on her.
“If I’d known that she...that your family...” Astrid shook her head. “You don’t have to do this, Charlie.”
“I’ll have to face them alone at the reading of the will on Saturday.” He took another deep breath, exhaling loudly. “I might as well have backup the first go-round.” His hand squeezed hers, still breathing—still intently focused on her.
She nodded. “Are you okay?”
“I will be.” He rolled his shoulders, took another deep breath and blew it out.
“What can I do?”
“Nothing. This is up to me.” He shook his head. “There are two ways to deal with your inner demons. One method is facing them head-on, the other is removing them from your life. I’ve removed them, but this still happens.” He was breathing easier now. “I guess it’s time to confront them.”
“You won’t be alone Saturday. I’ll be there, too.” She had no idea why Rebecca had left her in her will, but she was glad to be going now. No matter what happened, Charlie wouldn’t be alone.
He pulled her into his arms. “Good.”
Astrid clung to him, fighting against the tears that burned her eyes. He didn’t need her tears. He needed her strength. He wanted her strength. He had it. No matter what happened, he wouldn’t be alone.
CHARLIE WANTED TO throw up. He had for the last twenty-four hours. Why the hell had he agreed to this?
While he was relieved his parents weren’t coming, he didn’t want to see Lindsay. Part of him suspected she’d said they were coming just to mess with him. He wouldn’t put it past her. Bottom line, he didn’t want his family to take up any more space. Family or not, he didn’t need or want them in his life.
But he did want to show them they were wrong.
He wasn’t worthless; he was capable of taking care of himself and his girls. He’d found a family that had accepted him. He’d found a woman that saw that he was broken but, so far, she hadn’t laughed at him or left him.
I love you, Charlie.
The last three days, those four words had given him purpose. He wanted to be worthy of love. Not just Astrid’s, but his daughters. Every day, he’d carved out time to spend with them. Astrid had opened his eyes to what he’d been missing but it was up to him to build a relationship with each of his girls. It was important that he do this on his own. That he was capable.
But he’d missed Astrid every damn day.
He’d come to the boutique because he couldn’t take it anymore. Astrid was important to him. When she wasn’t near him, the world wasn’t as bright. She’d brought that brightness into his life and, even though he didn’t want to let it go, he wanted what was best for her. That was why he felt it was important for her to know at least twenty reasons she shouldn’t settle for him. She needed to have as much information as possible to understand that he wasn’t good for her. She’d changed his life for the better, but it would crush him if he changed her life for the worse. He’d pored over the list and added them to the carefully crafted speech he’d written on index cards and tucked into his wallet. He’d never get the words out on his own.
But the speech had been forgotten the minute he’d walked into the boutique.
Now he was driving to Astrid’s place doing his best to keep it together.
If history repeated itself and he couldn’t keep his panic at bay, it would be bad. Surprisingly, he didn’t give a damn about what his family would say and do. It was the Hills he was concerned about. Dane and Van, men he’d come to respect. And Astrid. Always Astrid. He didn’t want to humiliate himself in front of them.
He parked, grabbed the flowers off the passenger seat and headed for the front door. Before he could knock, Astrid pulled it open.
“Hi.” She was beautiful.
“Hi.” He shook his head.
“What?” Her smile soothed the unease churning his stomach.
“You’re beautiful.” He held out the bouquet.
Her eyes went wide. “Thank you.” She took the flowers. “Come in. Come in.” She waved him forward. “The troops have rallied. I should tell you, Aunt Camellia feels horrible.”
“Troops?” He followed her into the kitchen. “Oh, the troops.”
“Charlie, I am so sorry.” Camellia stopped short of hugging him, but the look on her face tugged at his heart. “If I’d known it would cause you any distress I never, ever would have issued the invitation.”
He took a deep breath and gave her a quick, one-armed hug. “I know. You’ve all been nothing but kind to me.” He cleared his throat. “My family isn’t quite as...” He stared around the room. Van Kettner. Dane and Tansy and Magnolia.
“Big?” Dane suggested. “Or loud?”
“Supportive.” Van cocked an eyebrow Dane’s way.
“Protective.” Magnolia stepped forward to stare up at him. “I’m actually excited about this evening. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to verbally eviscerate someone and spit them out into little, tiny pieces.”
“Let’s not assume the worst.” Astrid shook her head, but she was laughing.
“I’m not assuming. I’m preparing.” Magnolia winked at him. “Come along, Charles, I’ll let you approve the seating arrangement.”
Charlie moved the place cards around, then gave up. “I’ll leave it up to you.”
“Proximity doesn’t matter when it’s words that are weaponized.” Dane was putting silverware on all of the napkins. “If it’s any consolation, my dad and I were barely speaking three months ago. It’d been that way for years.”
“What happened?”
“Well, a fire took a good portion of our bees, my younger brother ran off and we almost lost our home to the bank.” Dane chuckled. “It was enough to knock some sense into him. Into both of us, really.”
Charlie wasn’t sure what the appropriate response was for that so he stayed quiet.
“I can tell you one thing.” Dane’s voice lowered. “If it wasn’t for Tansy and her family, I’m not sure we would have made it through. Once they decide you’re part of the family, that’s it. They’re looking after you, whether you like it or not.” He clapped a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “I hate to break it to you but...you’re now a part of that family.” He patted him on the back.
Charlie had a cat in his lap and was feeding oyster crackers to Lord Byron when there was a knock on the front door.
“I’ll get it.” Aunt Camellia went to answer it.
“You stay put.” Van pointed at him. “Petting an animal can lower your blood pressure and your stress level.”
“He’s right.” Astrid sat in the chair next to Charlie. “Why do you think we have so many animals?”
“We didn’t have pets.” Charlie kept petting the oversize cat.
“What a charming home.” Lindsay’s voice set Charlie’s teeth on edge.
“Look at me.” Astrid rested her hand on his arm. “We’re all on your side. I’m here for you. And I love you.” She stood, smoothing out her skirts, before he could respond.
Now was not the time to whip out his note cards.
He considered carrying Jammie around with him but decided against it. He set the cat in the chair and stood. Introductions were made and Charlie managed to be civil.
In a group of that size, it was easy to keep conversation flowing.
When they moved into the dining room, Charlie’s sense of dread was easing.
“You’re here to visit Charles?” Magnolia asked, passing around a platter of fresh-baked dinner rolls.
“Yes.” Lindsay glanced his way. “And my aunt’s will is being read tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Rebecca was a character. She and Astrid were kindred spirits.” Camellia patted Astrid’s arm.
“Is that so?” Lindsay was wearing her hawklike expression again. Who was she hunting this time?
“Lindsay and I have some business to do while we’re here.” Theo shoveled a mouthful of pot roast into his mouth.
“Theo, dear.” Lindsay shot her husband a warning look.
“Oh? What do you do?” Tansy had caught the exchange, too.
“Real estate.” Theo didn’t seem to pick up on the panicked looks Lindsay was shooting his way. “Stinson Properties. A family business.”
“Stinson Properties?” Camellia set her fork down. “My goodness.”
Astrid was ramrod stiff now.
He should have said something. He should have told her about Stinson Properties and Lindsay but he didn’t want to be linked to any of it. Still, learning this way wasn’t right.
There was a stretch of silence before Dane asked, “I hear you’ve been offering to buy shops all along Main Street?”
“I think we’ve received some sort of communication?” Magnolia looked to Camellia for confirmation.
Camellia shrugged. “We’re not interested in selling. I think you’ll find most of the folk on Main Street unwilling.”
“We can be pretty persistent.” Lindsay was wearing her game face. Big smile, batting her eyelashes and oozing charm. “Can you blame us for wanting to be here? Honey is the sweetest little town. It’s like a small-town movie. Nice people and a warm and cozy aesthetic. So much potential.”
Charlie had a hard time controlling his smile. Potential? The people around this table loved their town as is. If she thought she was going to throw money at them and they’d welcome her with open arms, she was in for a shock.
“What are your plans for Honey?” Magnolia, like Dane, revealed no sign of concern or duress.
“Once we get the subdivision plans hammered out, we’ll be able to reach out to woo some bigger businesses in—inject money into the community. Add more jobs.” Theo stood and leaned forward, serving himself more pot roast. “Jobs are always a good thing.”
“Subdivision?” Astrid glanced his way.
Charlie shook his head. He didn’t know what they were talking about... Then it clicked and everything made sense. Soliciting shop owners. The survey crew on Rebecca’s property. The interest in Rebecca’s will. They wanted to put in a subdivision on her land? The land he’d been willing to sell to them? His stomach clenched tight. A subdivision? Next to Honey Hill Farms? Rebecca wouldn’t be happy. Neither would the Hills. Or the bees.
“Let’s not talk business at the dinner table.” Lindsay waved his question away. “Where are your girls?”
Charlie was still processing. “Bowling with friends.”
“How nice that they’ve made friends already.” Lindsay’s chuckle was forced. “Poor Charlie had a hard time making friends when he was little.”
Theo laughed. “A hard time?”
“It’s a good thing they take after their mother,” Charlie cut them off.
The silence that flooded the room was charged with tension.
Lindsay turned to Tansy. “I read up on your big contest win. Best honey and all that.” Lindsay set her utensils down, her food mostly uneaten. “But I’m confused. What does beekeeping consist of? Don’t bees automatically make honey?”
“They do.” Tansy propped her elbows on the table. “Our job isn’t just about the honey. It’s about keeping the bees healthy. Protecting them from pests. Making sure they have access to pollen and water—that sort of thing.”
“Two of our employees were attacked by bees,” Theo piped up. “Nasty stuff. One of them went into shock. Almost died.”
“That sounds dreadful.” Magnolia offered Theo the bowl of roasted potatoes. “In my experience, bees don’t attack unless they’re provoked. What happened?”
Theo added a heap of potatoes to his plate. “I wasn’t there. I can’t say.”
Astrid glanced at him again. This time, there was a hint of uncertainty on her face.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to check on the cobbler.” Camellia gave Van a quick squeeze on the shoulder before heading into the kitchen.
“Have you always wanted to be a beekeeper? You’ve never wanted...more?” Lindsay shrugged.
“More?” Tansy leaned back and Dane draped an arm around her. “I have everything I want right here. What more could I want?”
Dane pressed a kiss to her temple.
Charlie had to smile at the exchange. Especially when he saw the way Lindsay looked at Theo, sighed, and sat back in her chair.
“Help! Help!” Lord Byron’s squawking shriek made everyone jump. “Help!”
Everything happened all at once. Van was the first one in the kitchen. “Call 911,” he yelled. “Hurry.”
Dane was dialing before Charlie could get his phone out of his pocket. “We need an ambulance. Honey Hill Farms.”
The sight of Camellia Hill unconscious and on the floor knocked the air from Charlie’s lungs.
“She’s breathing.” Tansy was leaning over her, relaying information to Dane. “Tell them to hurry.”
Dane rested a hand on Tansy’s shoulder, talking to the operator in low, clipped tones.
Astrid knelt on the ground beside her aunt. The grief on her face tore at his heart. Astrid was hurting and he felt it. Raw and crushing. He couldn’t stand it. There was nothing he could do but he’d stay beside her, ready to give her whatever she needed.
Time ticked away, dragging, until, finally, the sirens were audible. Everything sped up then. Tansy started crying when the paramedics loaded Camellia onto a gurney. Astrid had a merciless grip on his hands as they followed the gurney out to the ambulance. He heard words like stable and strong heart rate but they didn’t offer any real sense of comfort. How could it when Camellia was so still? It was a stark contrast to her constant motion.
Van and Mags went in the ambulance with her.
Dane, Tansy and Astrid stared after the ambulance, in shock.
He was vaguely aware of his sister and Theo leaving, mumbling something on their way out—but they weren’t important.
“I’ll drive.” Charlie waited for his words to register before placing his hand on Astrid’s waist and steering her to his car. It was hard not to remember the morning he’d lost Yasmina. After the accident, there was no expectation she’d make it. And yet, he’d fought against the crushing terror and hoped that, somehow, someway, she’d survive. It was only after the ER doctor sat him down to officially announce her death that he’d accepted it and the ground beneath him had fallen away. If he was being honest with himself, he was only now finding his footing again.
It was hard to wrap his mind around the sudden turn tonight had taken. Just like with Yasmina, one minute all had been well and the next had gone horribly wrong. But unlike Yasmina’s accident, Astrid would never be alone. He’d make sure of that. For now, that was all he could do.