Chapter 22
The Birds And The Bees
Dani knew Lawson had been through an emotional roller coaster. It had been a big day, from getting his restoration space completed, to finding the box of Jay’s emotional memories, to Bonny, and the family chat.
At Amber’s request, Evelyn was spending the night at the B&B.
She wanted her sister to test out the room’s amenities and experience.
With Evelyn turning her attention to event planning, she and Amber had plenty to discuss.
With a new friendship forming, her sister would have another reason to visit Vermont.
Dani wondered if her sister might be ready to leave the city and her power suits behind one day.
Not today or anytime soon, but maybe one day.
She squeezed Lawson’s hand as Bibi led the way through the trees toward their cottage. “Want to spend the night with Beatrice?”
His face lit up, and she knew she’d made the right call. “That sounds perfect. We can tell her all about Bonny.”
Dani laughed. “No trying to make her jealous that Bonny will get all of your attention now.”
He grinned. “Beatrice will always be my first love here in Vermont.”
“And I’m sure I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Lawson swooped her up into his arms as they entered the clearing. When they reached Beatrice, Dani unlatched the tailgate and lowered it. Lawson set her on the edge. He leaned down and kissed her softly. “Wait right there.”
Then he opened Beatrice’s cab and grabbed all the pillows and blankets. He hopped into the truck bed and arranged them. When she shifted to help, he pointed at her. “Wait right there.”
She let him fuss with the arrangement, and then he motioned for Bibi to join them.
Her furry friend made the leap easily and curled up in her favorite corner.
Then Lawson hopped back to the ground and moved to stand in front of Dani. His hands guided her thighs wider, and he stepped into the spot.
She looped her hands around his neck. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself.”
He kissed her softly, so sweetly her heart ached. With love. With need and desire. With all the possibilities in front of them.
He eased back when he slowed the kiss and rested his forehead on hers. For a long moment, they held each other in the starlight.
He pressed his lips to her forehead and then dropped to one knee in front of her.
Dani’s heart galloped joyfully as she reached for his hands, and willed down the tears.
Lawson took both of her hands in one of his and dug into his pocket. He pulled out a jewelry box and flipped open the lid. “I love you, Dani. More than I knew was possible. Marry me. Have a future with me.”
She laughed as the statement registered. “I didn’t hear a question.”
He grinned. “Not taking chances. I know what I want, and it’s you.
Beatrice may have been my first love in Vermont, but you have my heart—all of it.
You’re amazing, and I want to spend my life with you.
Working on trucks and metal spinners, caring for bees and any little ones who come our way.
I want it all, Dani. I want you. Marry me. ”
“Yes. Even though it still wasn’t a question, the answer is yes. I love you so much, Lawson. You brought me and my world out of the shadows. I couldn’t love you any more than I do, but I know I’ll love you even more tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that. Of course, I’ll marry you.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger and kissed it. Only then did she look at it. Smaller stones surrounded a central diamond. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s too dark to see, but the smaller stones are citrine. They’re the color of the honey you make and remind me of you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “It’s perfect, Lawson. Perfect. Thank you.”
His laugh was rough and rumbly. “You’re welcome, but I think that should be my line. Thanks for coming into my life and making it better.”
Dani tugged him closer to kiss him again. “The perfect setting, the perfect proposal, the perfect man. I’m a lucky woman.”
Lawson’s grin turned even sexier. “And you’re about to get luckier.”
Then he kissed her again and took them both to the stars.
The following day, Lawson continued to feel invincible. With Dani as his fiancée, he could do anything.
The first thing on the agenda was calling Babs. Well, that wasn’t the first thing, but he’d already taken care of that. He and Dani had made love as the sun’s early rays had crested the trees surrounding Beatrice’s field. Then, they’d done it again when they reached her cottage.
Their cottage. He’d officially moved in.
It had taken Evelyn less than ten seconds to spot the ring on Dani’s finger when they’d gone to the farm to move over the rest of Lawson’s things.
That had prompted a group celebration lunch of sandwiches and cookies that Amber had been experimenting with for the B&B.
That afternoon, while Evelyn and Dani were having fun with the welder, and Lawson was fixing up his restoration space and making room for Bonny.
He placed a video call and grinned when Seth picked up. “Babs. Good to see you.”
Seth smiled in return. “Hey, Bobby. How are things going?”
“Couldn’t be better. Got engaged yesterday.”
Seth’s eyes widened. “Holy shit. Congratulations. I’m guessing it’s to the beekeeper you annoyed when you flew the drone over her yard.”
Lawson laughed. “Got it in one. She’s amazing, Seth. You’re going to like her.”
“You’ll have to call one day when she’s with you.”
Perfect segue. “I’ve got an even better plan.”
Seth’s eyebrows rose, but he didn’t ask.
“Come to Vermont. Come to our apple farm. You know we’re having a great time up here. Claus and my sister are running an inn on the property, and they could use a cook.”
Seth blinked twice, and his brow furrowed. “What?”
“An inn needs a cook. Or a chef. Someone who knows their way around a kitchen and isn’t afraid to experiment. The place is called the No Phailed Apples Inn, and we’re hoping to use apples as a focus for some dishes, but that would be up to the chef. You.”
Seth sat back, and Lawson could see he was in a tiny kitchen.
Worn-out cabinets showed behind him. Maybe Lawson could use that.
“The inn is newly renovated, and the kitchen is huge. My sister says there’s enough space for a chef and a sous chef or two to work without getting in each other’s way.
You can stay at the farmhouse. Room and board come with the offer. ”
Seth continued to stare at him, so Lawson pressed on. “My brother Knox is here. We’re working on Burke. You also know Ford Evans, Nash Cooper, and Gray. We want you to be part of our family here, Seth. Come up for a visit and see what you think.”
“I don’t know, Bobby. My leg’s still messed up.”
That hit Lawson. Seth hadn’t revealed much about his injury.
“We’ve got a doc in Phail. That’s Epic Phail’s town, by the way.
His entire team is here, and they’re only a short drive away.
The doc has space for rotating professionals to use, including a physiotherapist. You could set your own hours and work at your own pace. If you’re up to it.”
He hadn’t meant it as a challenge, but Seth’s eyes flared.
Lawson held up his hands. “I meant if you’re up to traveling here for a visit. We’d love for you to check it out. What do you think?”
Seth shrugged. “I don’t know. I trained as a chef before I joined the army. Haven’t worked as one in years.”
Lawson laughed. “I’m betting it’s like riding a bike. And you’ll have Gray as a backup. The man can cook. His lasagna might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Seth laughed. “Setting up another challenge, Bobby?”
“Whatever it takes, man.”
Another laugh. “I’ve got an appointment and have to run. I’ll think about it.”
Lawson shoved his phone back in his pocket, satisfied.
That was more than he’d expected. Moving to the middle of Vermont wasn’t for everyone.
Lawson had already shown his friend around the property during a previous call.
He’d mentioned the cook’s position before, but this was the first time he’d pushed.
He’d tell everyone at supper. Maybe get them to add their invitations. None of them knew the extent of Seth’s injuries, but they knew he’d be better off surrounded by friends and with a purpose.
Just like Lawson felt himself.
Leaving the city behind had been easier than he’d expected. He was almost used to the clean air and the lack of traffic.
He looked around his space and realized it was ready. Time to move Bonny inside. Without her engine working, he’d need some help to get her into the bay without banging up his newly painted walls.
With a grin, he put out a group text to the guys, knowing they’d all be happy to help. This was a great place. Adding Seth to the mix would only make it better.
Dani hugged her sister, and they both blinked back tears. “I’m so glad Lawson invited you for a visit. I was worried I’d sound too pushy if I suggested it.”
Evelyn laughed and hugged her again. “And I wanted to come but was too nervous to ask. We’d only just reconnected, and I didn’t want you to think I was forcing myself on you.”
Dani laughed. “No worries. We’re not very much like our parents.”
Evelyn’s cheeks flushed. “I’m learning that. And I’m learning it’s wonderful to find my own path.”
“Event planning sounds right up your alley.”
Evelyn nodded. “I love it, and I’ll get to plan more interesting things than corporate events where everyone is trying to impress everyone else.”
Dani held up her newly adorned finger. “I’m hoping you’ll help me with the wedding.”
Evelyn tossed her purse into her car and threw her arms around Dani. “Thank you. I’d love to. And I bet there won’t be a boring ballroom in your future. How about something fun in Beatrice’s field? Casual and sexy with your closest friends.”
Dani nodded. “You’ve been reading my mind.”
Evelyn laughed and clasped her hands. “My first job. I can’t wait to dig into what you and Lawson want for the day. Thanks for opening your home and your heart to me.”