Page 63 of The Unbound Bookshop
“And how do you know you’ve chosen wisely?” The expressionblinded by lovehad become a cliché for a reason. And both her mother and Gran had married men they’d loved only to be betrayed and abandoned.
“‘Look not at a ship’s prow, with its intricate carvings and figureheads, or its lustrous sails. Instead, look to the wake it leaves behind.’”
Sage blinked, startled by the quote from her favorite book. Had everyone readThe Curious Quest of Quinley Culpepper?
Gran’s eyes twinkled.
Although she’d quoted the passage out of context, Sage guessed what her grandmother meant. What did Flynn’s life say about his character?
She thought of his love and loyalty toward his brother and the way he cared for Cap. And even though his parents could be exasperating, Flynn treated them with respect. And what about the way he’d treated her? Giving her the bed without a second thought. Taking care of her after her fall. Reading her favorite book simply to be close to her.
Her fingertips tingled at the memory of his touch, the night they’d fallen asleep holding hands—the night he’d apologized for the past.
Had he meant the words he’d whispered in the darkness?
Was it possible last night had been a misunderstanding after all?
Her phone buzzed again.
She jumped, startled from her reverie.
Should she answer it? If she let Flynn back into her life, she’d be chancing another broken heart.
Was a future with Flynn worth the risk?
Her heart fluttering with apprehension, she reached into her pocket for her phone.
“Ouch!” A sharp prick pierced her finger. As she withdrew her hand, a twitching honeybee tumbled to the ground.
“Oh, no! The poor dear.” Dismayed, Gran scooped the crumpled little body into her palm.
“I’m sorry, Gran. I didn’t realize she had crawled into my pocket.” Wincing, Sage plucked the stinger from her flesh. Growing up at the Honeybee Retreat, she’d been stung before. And she’d been taught to treat the helpful pollinators with care and understanding, not fear. A bee only stung when threatened. And it cost the creature its life, versus the few seconds of pain she endured.
“It’s not your fault. These things happen. It’s just such a shame. I wish we could communicate better, to let them know we’re not a threat. To think, a simple misunderstanding—a rash reaction out of fear—cost this little bee everything.”
Gran sniffled, cradling the lifeless bundle of black and yellow with the utmost care and sympathy.
Sage watched as honeybees converged around them, responding to the pheromones released with the stinger.
In the bee’s death, she’d sent her hive a warning of a potential threat.
And, in a way, she’d sent Sage a warning, too.
Sometimes, a miscommunication could cost you more than you realized.
Chapter 36
ABBY
“Abby,these waffles are incredible. Thick and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness.” Lucy Gardener shoveled an enormous forkful into her mouth, closed her eyes, and groaned with delight as if she hadn’t eaten in weeks.
“Thank you. I’m so happy you’re enjoying them.” Abby refilled Lucy’s coffee cup, trying not to gawk as the statuesque woman scarfed down a slice of bacon in two bites. She struggled to reconcile the stunning blonde’s slender, angelic figure with her hearty appetite. But then, as a petite woman who loved food, she should know better than to make assumptions.
Sadie must have noticed her staring because she smiled and said, “Don’t mind her. She’s been on a restrictive diet for over a year trying to find the cause of her migraines.”
“Turns out I’m allergic to a rare chemical used in a certain type of polyester,” Lucy added between bites. “My wardrobe will take a small hit, but I can finally enjoy food again.” With a thoughtful pause, she tapped the fork tines to her lips. “Which, now that I think about it, may not be great for fitting into my wedding dress.” She shrugged and gave a pleasant, lighthearted laugh before digging into her waffles again.
Abby smiled. Upon their arrival yesterday, she immediately liked her new guests. Sadie seemed like a down-to-earth realist compared to Lucy’s chipper optimism, but both women were sweet and warmhearted. The kind of women Abby would happily befriend. The one downside? Thanks to the constant chatter about their upcoming double wedding, Abby’s thoughts frequently wandered to Logan’s almost-proposal. That is,ifhe’d been about to propose. She still wasn’t sure if she’d misread the situation.
