Page 99 of The Sweetest Thing
“Positive thoughts,” Astrid whispered in her ear. “There’s nothing else we can do.”
Tansy was pretty sure there was something else she could do—namely, throw up. But she appreciated Astrid’s determination.
“Ladies.” Van Kettner walked up to the group, a small bag of honey chocolate fudge in his hand. “You-all must be excited,” he said with a warm smile.
“You have no idea.” Aunt Mags waved her fan, her long red hair stirring.
“I have confidence in you.” Van nodded. “I’ve never tasted a honey so smooth and delicious.”
“Dear, sweet man.” Aunt Camellia patted his arm. “Oh my goodness, it’s time. I feel faint.”
“I forbid you from fainting,” Aunt Mags whispered.
“You can take my arm, Camellia,” Van offered, smiling when she did so. “I won’t let you fall.”
Aunt Mags glanced up at Van. “Well, if you must faint, then faint in his direction.”
Aunt Camellia’s hold tightened so hard, Tansy winced. “I’m so sorry.” She let go of Tansy’s hand, clinging to Van with both hands.
“It’s okay.” Tansy gave her a quick hug. “Breathe, Aunt Camellia.” She pressed a kiss to her aunt’s cheek.
Van patted her hand. “You’ll win. I know you will.”
“He’s here,” Astrid whispered, grabbing her hand. “I see him.”
Tansy’s heart stopped then picked up again, thundering in her chest. She took a deep breath. Even if they lost, there was a chance at things turning out all right—between her and Dane anyway.
Tansy stared in the direction her sister was pointing. Of course, Dane was staring right back at her. He wore a skintight black Texas Viking Honey shirt but his hair was down.Oh dear. Her nausea gave way to something far more invigorating and molten. She gave him a nervous wave.
Dane smiled and held up his hands. He had his fingers crossed. Then he pointed at her.
“He’s wishing us luck,” Tansy whispered, smiling back at him.
A petite woman with short black hair and wearing a bright green Healthy & Wholesome Markets shirt walked across the stage to tap on the mic. The sound echoed, silencing the crowd. “I’m Blanca Hinojosa, from Healthy & Wholesome Markets, and I’m so excited to be here today. We had a tough time narrowing the choices but we have our final three.”
Tansy nibbled at her lower lip, her eyes burning. Without realizing, she sought Dane out.
Dane nodded her way.It’s okay, he mouthed.
“Without further ado, let’s announce our winners. Third place and a $20,000 cash prize goes to Texas Viking Clover Honey.” Miss Hinojosa was clapping. “Where is our Texas Viking Honey representative?”
Dane made his way to the stage, but he wasn’t happy. His jaw was locked and he avoided her gaze. He barely smiled when the woman handed him his check.
Van whispered, “Guess he was hoping for first place?”
But Tansy knew that wasn’t it. He felt bad for winning now that he’d learned it wasn’t his family’s recipe. The shock on his face when he’d heard the truth had been real and gut-wrenching. Poor Dane. It wasn’t fair. He’d been through so much the last few days.
“Second place and a $50,000 cash prize.”
Tansy couldn’t breathe. $50,000 would be enough. It would be close, but they could make it work—
“Our second-place winner is Wild Fire Honey.”
Tansy took a shaky breath.Oh no. This was it. Tansy couldn’t look at her aunts or her sister or Dane. She stared down at the ground, the air whooshing out of her lungs and her heart slamming against her ribs as the woman said, “We are so excited about our first-place winner. The first-place winner, who receives a cash prize of $100,000 and a multiyear exclusive distribution deal with Healthy & Wholesome Markets, is...”
The woman’s drawn-out pause almost had Tansy herself fainting into Van.
“Honey Hill Farms Blue-Ribbon Honey.”
