Page 51 of Honey Be Mine
Astrid eyed the plate, then took a slice. “I want her to love bees, certainly, but I hope the stars will always be special to Nova and Halley—it connects them to their mom.”
Rosemary looked at Astrid, then Tansy. She appreciated how much the two of them had done to help her hold on to the memories she had of their parents. From going through photo albums, sharing stories, or watching one of the few VHS tapes of holidays or special events. Astrid would make sure her stepdaughters knew and loved their mother. “They’re lucky to have you.” She winked at Astrid. “So is little Nuc.”
“Nuc, eh?” Aunt Mags shook her head.
“What’s a nuc? Is this a bee thing?” Roman fed the last cracker to Lord Byron and sat in a nearby chair. “Pretend I don’t know a thing about beekeeping.”
“Dad, you don’t know anything about beekeeping,” Shelby whispered loudly.
“Shh, they don’t know that.” He pretend-whispered back, grinning. “So what’s a nuc?”
That had everyone laughing.
“Nuc is short for nucleus colony.” Rosemary helped Bea stand on her lap. “It’s a small bee colony or hive. It’s also slang for the hive box you can buy with a queen and some brood already inside.”
“Okay.” But the confusion on the man’s face only increased.
Shelby was flipping through the thick cotton pages again. “I have a friend that could scan this and turn it into a board book.” She glanced at her daughter, happily bouncing on Rosemary’s lap. “That way, I wouldn’t be scared to read it to her. This is too beautiful and fragile to be handled by excitable toddler hands.”
“She has a point.” Aunt Mags sipped her tea.
Astrid and Tansy nodded.
“Then Nuc and Bea would have their own copies,” Roman pointed out.
“That would be terrific.” Rosemary made a funny face at Bea. “Wouldn’t it, Bea? Your Momma is so smart. Your grampa is, too.”
“Even if I am sadly incompetent when it comes to bees.” Roman took a slice of cake. “This is delicious, Mags. I’ve already sneaked two pieces.”
“It’s an easy enough recipe. My culinary skills are limited compared to my sister.” Mags peered at the man over the rim of her teacup.
“Aunt Mags, everyone’s culinary skills are limited next to Aunt Camellia.” Tansy pointed at the plate. “That is fabulous. Period.”
“Agreed.” Astrid devoured her piece in a few bites, then sat back, her eyes fixed longingly on the plate. “But I’d better take a minute before I eat some more.”
“Solid plan.” Shelby nodded. “Make sure Nuc is a fan.”
“Mamama.” Bea reached for Shelby. “Ro Ro Mamama.”
“You got it.” Rosemary stood and handed Bea to Shelby. “I have to go get ready for work anyway. How weird is that?” She shrugged. “I’m meeting Lorna and Everett over at city hall to go over the job. Lorna has a notebook or something.”
“Are you excited?” Tansy propped herself on the table.
“Nervous?” Astrid’s gaze bounced between her and the plate of cake.
“Yes. To both.” Rosemary took a deep breath.
“It’s Everett.” Aunt Mags smiled at her. “You can do no wrong in that boy’s eyes.”
Am I the only one that didn’t know Everett had feelings for me?
While that once might have been true, he’d said that was no longer the case.I got over youleft no room for misunderstanding.
“If Lorna’s job notebook is anything like her Junior Beekeepers binder, everything will be laid out—and I mean everything.” Tansy shrugged. “Oh wait, I guess I should officially hand it over to you now.” But her sister sounded disappointed.
“I’dreallyappreciate it if you and Dane kept doing what you’re doing. At least until I get a handle on all my duties.” Rosemary waited, hoping she’d read her sister’s reaction correctly.
“Oh good. Yeah, Dane and I really love working with those kids.” Tansy laughed. “Of course we’ll keep working with the Junior Beekeepers—so you can’t have the binder.”
