Arabella jumped up and made her way over to the other side of the store, where all of their products were located. “I do have some. And how much honey are you looking to get?”
I quickly glanced around and pointed at the one-pound jars. “I think I’ll take three of those. I’m going to be using it for desserts, and I like to put it in my tea.”
Arabella beamed. “Yes! Nothing like a bit of honey in your tea.”
As Arabella was checking me out, the bell on the door rang and we both turned to see Hunter walk in.
“Hunter,” Arabella and I said in unison.
“Afternoon, ladies,” Hunter said as he walked farther into the store. I stole a quick glance at Arabella. It was clear by the way they stared at each other that their feelings hadn’t changed any.
Turning back to Hunter, I took him in. He was handsome, there was no doubt about it. Especially in his uniform. “Where’s Jack?” I asked.
“He’s in the truck.” He glanced at Arabella. “I stopped by because your father called and said someone had been driving around in your front field last night, and he wanted me to check it out.”
It took Arabella a moment or two to find her voice. “I’m sure it’s just kids. The Parsons like to ride their four-wheelers when they’re in town.”
Hunter rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’ve dealt with them before. Maddie Brooks has called and complained about them a time or two. I guess when the family comes in from Boston, they like to have a bit of fun on those four-wheelers. She threatened to sew their—and I quote—‘smart-ass mouths shut.’”
Arabella covered her mouth with her hand and tried not to laugh.
“That sounds like Maddie,” I stated. “I swear she has a secret room in that quilt shop of hers where she tortures people.”
Hunter grinned. “I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“Let me finish up here and I’ll go get my father,” Arabella said as she quickly swiped my card and handed it back to me. “I told him where I saw the tracks.”
“You don’t have to bug your dad; I can just take a peek around the front field. I only wanted to let you know I was here.”
Arabella pulled out a bag and placed my items in it.
“Maybe you should show Hunter exactly where they were driving, so he knows,” I said. “Might make it easier to see if they crossed the property line somewhere, and since you were the one to actually see the tracks…”
Arabella shot me a look that said she was going to kill me, while my brother grinned like a schoolboy. “That’s not a bad idea. Since you were the one who saw the tracks, it would be best for you to show me.”
I tried like hell to keep my face neutral, but when Arabella turned around to look for an escape, Hunter winked at me and I lost the battle and broke out into a grin. Oh yeah, he still had the hots for our little beekeeper’s daughter. But why in the world was she so afraid to be with him? It didn’t make sense. They had been the perfect couple. The one everyone in town talked about growing old together.
“Arabella, I’ve got to run. I need to start prepping for Thanksgiving. Hey, I heard your folks were going out of town tomorrow on a cruise. Why don’t you join us for dinner?”
Arabella looked from me to Hunter then back to me. “I know my folks would love to see you, Arabella,” I said. “And the thought of you being here all alone makes me sad.”
“We’d love to have you there, Bella,” Hunter said, his eyes practically pleading with her.
She chewed on her lip nervously as she and Hunter kept their gazes locked. Finally, she focused on me. “I guess I could come to dinner. Would you like me to make anything?”
“Yes! Oh my gosh, your honey biscuits! You’ve got to make those!”
With a lighthearted laugh I didn’t often hear from her, Arabella nodded. “Okay, I’ll make them. I guess it would be nice to have a big meal instead of the turkey potpie I had planned on making.”
I jumped with a bit of excitement. “Yes! And Ben will love seeing you.”
I didn’t mention it out loud, but it would also give Aiden a chance to chat with Arabella. I had a feeling they both shared something in common in the way of dark memories.
“I’ve got to run. Hunter, will you walk me out to the car before she takes you up to that field?”
Hunter’s eyes bounced from me to the now unsure woman standing behind the counter. All he did was nod and follow me out of the store and to my car.
“I know what you’re doing, Willa,” he stated as he took the bag from me.