Page 36 of Honeycombs & Homecomings

A roar of laughter sounded behind her, and she glanced over her shoulder. Cash rushed up to his friends, hurling himself into an awkward big group hug. The two men lifted Cash off the ground as they squeezed him.

She glanced down, then pointed at them. “Those customers are his friends.”

Ryan smiled and glanced at his watch. “We were thinking of getting some pie, should we all meet up later?”

She let out a small breath. “Yes, yeah, that’d be great.” At least she wouldn’t have to pretend to be Allie in front of Mike and Walt. They could never tell her and Allie apart at first glance, but after a few minutes of talking, they had them pegged.

Cynthia lifted the small container of Royal Jelly. “Mind if I take this?”

“It’s yours,” Jo said.

She led them out the back—they went right, and she rushed between the tents. Before stepping out from between them, she brushed her hair down and took a deep breath. She stepped forward, and Mike and Walt pointed at her, their girlfriends squealing as the two big men rushed her. They picked her up and squeezed her between the two of them in a crushing hug.

They sat her down, and she nearly fell over.

“Why didn’t you tell us you and Cash were engaged?” Walt patted her on the back so hard, she fell forward a step.

What?! Her gaze flew to Cash.

He gave a sheepish shrug, but his eyes sparkled with mirth, completely belaying the notion he was sorry. Mike wrapped an arm around her and led her forward toward Cash. Walt and Mike’s girlfriends, whose names Jo couldn’t remember, jumped up and down and clapped.

“Can I see the ring?” One woman jumped up and down.

Cash stepped forward, reached for Jo, and wrapped his arm about her. She went to him, grateful to get out from under Mike’s arm.

“No ring yet. It all happened sort of unexpectedly,” Cash said.

The moment Jo had gone out from under Mike’s arm, his girlfriend filled the space. Jo didn’t even think he’d lowered his arm.

Walt’s girlfriend, squealed. “That’s so romantic.”

“I always thought you two would end up together,” Walt said. “I just didn’t think it’d take this long.”

Mike laughed. “Just wait until everyone finds out. Here we thought Cash had run out on her and turns out they’ve been dating in secret.”

Jo felt humiliation swell in her, spreading from her cheeks to all her extremities.

Walt spoke again, “Right. I can’t wait to tell—”

Jo’s hands flew up. “No!”

Everyone’s gazes flew to her.

“Please, don’t tell anyone,” she said. It was bad enough that people had seen her holding his hand earlier. She did not need everyone thinking they were engaged.

Walt scratched his head.

“Why not?” Mike asked.

“We aren’t . . . we haven’t . . .” What was she supposed to say? That they were right? That Cash had run out, and they hadn’t seen each other until a couple days ago? That would be so humiliating. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat.

Cash clutched her tighter and leaned into her ear. “Relax, Jo-Jo.” He addressed the couples. “We haven’t told our parents yet.”

The men nodded; that seemed to be all the explanation they needed.

“How’s about a kiss,” Walt said.

“Kiss her, kiss her,” Mike chanted.

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