A Beekeeper for Christmas

by Kimberly Grist

  Moses rubbed his forearm and sighed. “Furniture and bees? Yeah, lucky me.” He closed his eyes and pinched his nose. “I can’t believe this. When Bethany said her grandfather was going to ship her beekeeping supplies, I sure didn’t figure anyone could ship the pesky things successfully. How many bees are in a crate?”

  “Thousands.” John-Mark punched Moe’s arm and laughed. “Don’t look so grim. Bethany reminds me of our baby sister when she designs her metalwork. Once you see how happy she is, I imagine the whole idea won’t be so distasteful.”

  “I thought her desire for a cat was bad.” Moses sighed. “Wonder if there’s another section of land where she can farm the little critters?”

  “Do you have someplace in mind?” John-Mark’s gaze roamed from the stable yard to the back pasture.

  “Over in the next county would be ideal,” Moses huffed.

  “Remember how frustrated you were when you learned how Bethany’s grandmother discouraged her from playing her instruments in public?” John-Mark’s eyebrows knitted together. “Beekeeping is even more important to her than music. It’s a family tradition and something to be proud of. Just like blacksmithing is to us, it’s a skill that she’s worked hard to develop, tied in with all sorts of memories of her grandfather.”

  “You’re right.” Moses felt his gut wrench. “This relationship thing is proving to be more complicated than I ever imagined.”

  “It’ll all be worth it once you two are married,” John-Mark spoke softly. “At least her interests lie in something which will prove tasty and profitable. Carol’s still trying to master her dream to be a great cook.”

  Annie’s blond braids bobbed up and down. “She tries hard, but it’s not going so well.”

  Moses’s mouth twitched, and his brother coughed to disguise a laugh. He climbed onto the wagon. “I’d best get going. I promised the sawmill owner I’d deliver this load before noon. It’s a wedding present for a friend.”

  Moses turned his attention back to the wagonful of lumber. “Who's getting married?”

  “Last I heard, the groom is scheduled to marry his sweet little mermaid this time next week.” His brother winked. “Daisy told her husband about Pa’s little incentive. Our friend and sawmill owner wants to add additional encouragement by providing the supplies for an impressive front porch!”

  ***

  Annie tugged on Moses’s hand and motioned toward the front door on the left. “I’m calling this door number one. Aunt Bethany says this room is just for you. Grandma says that’s good, ’cause you won’t be tracking dust into the parlor.”

  Moses didn’t have to look to know that his brother’s shoulders shook with laughter. “All right then, let’s go through number one.” A white lace curtain fluttered in the breeze, waving a welcome at the opening door. He paused and took in the sight of a walnut desk with a large swivel chair. Two matching chairs with armrests and seats covered in dark leather created a welcoming spot for guests. A multicolored rug that looked suspiciously like the one he moved from the parlor to the bedroom made an impressive statement against the polished floors.

  Annie spun in a circle and stopped in front of a file cabinet. “This is where you put your bookkeeping.” She pointed toward a shelf with pegs. “This is where you put your hat and coat and stuff.”

  “It’ll be much nicer than working in the barn, for sure.” He cleared his throat. “Thanks for the tour, Annie. Let’s go find your Aunt Bethany.”

  “She’s out back.” Annie pulled on her lip. “I’m going to go help Uncle Mark.”

  With hands posted on his hips, Moses scowled at the sight of the two boys wearing their beekeeper hats standing next to a youth in overalls in similar attire. Where was Bethany? He stepped closer and watched as the group sensed his arrival. The boys waved excitedly, and the young fellow in overalls headed his way. He blinked. That was no man. His intended removed her beekeeping hat displaying two long braids and a wide smile. He felt his heart skip at the sight. The faint aroma of roses met him as they stood toe to toe.

  “You’re early.”

  Placing his hands around her waist, he stared into her eyes. “I must say, I’ll never think of overalls in the same way again.”

  “I missed you,” she whispered. Their lips met.

  “I missed you too, honey.” Moses's mouth lifted at the now-familiar slight twang to her soft voice.

  Bethany ran the back of her hand along his scruffy beard. “I wasn’t expecting you, or I would have changed out of my beekeeping clothes.”

  He cleared his throat. “Listen, you know how much I hate bees. Aren’t they a little too close to the house?”

  “Your father measured it off for me. It’s at least seventy-five yards away. Just give them a few days, and they’ll settle down.” A beautiful flush appeared across her cheeks, making his heart hammer. “You’ll see it will be no trouble at all.”

  He clucked his tongue. “Don’t know what to think about all this help my family is so generously giving. First, my father scheming to get you a front porch, then my brothers turning my home into a bee farm.”

  “Are you upset about the porch? I thought you’d be excited.”

  Moses reached for her hand and placed her fingers to his lips, then waggled his eyebrows. “We’ll both enjoy the porch. I’m especially looking forward to the prize that comes with it. Can’t wait to see the portrait of my little mermaid.” His stomach fluttered at the flush, reappearing on her cheeks.

  Bethany inclined her head. “I promise you won’t need to go near them. I can easily handle two small colonies of bees.”

  Tilting her chin, he ran his finger along her lips. “How many bees are in a small colony?”

  “About thirty thousand, but by summer, we should be up to around eighty.”

  Moses’s eyebrows flew upward. “That sounds like a lot to handle to me.”

  “There’s no need to worry unless you see me running.” She offered him a cheeky grin. “Even then, it’s only a sign that you should run too.”

  He shook his head, then pulled her closer. “Maybe you ought to kiss me again. It’ll take my mind off my troubles.”

  Chapter 18

  “The lovely flowers embarrass me, they make me regret I am not a bee.” – Emily Dickinson, Poet

  After returning Maggie and Daisy to their homes, Bethany rode alongside Memphis in the wagon, carrying lunch for Moses and his brother. “I’m going to drop you by the livery. I‘m taking Mike’s lunch by the house he’s working on, over on Maple Street.” Memphis steered the wagon and pulled to a stop in front of the livery.

  “Thank you for helping me today.” Bethany stepped down from the buggy with a plop, then reached for the picnic basket.

  “I enjoyed it so much. I’ll stop by again tomorrow like we planned and help set up your kitchen.”

  Armed with sandwiches for Moses and John-Mark, Bethany gave a quick wave, then turned to make her way into the two-storied stone livery. The afternoon sun beat down on her bonnet, and sweat trickled down her back. Still acclimating herself to the extreme heat of Texas, she blew out a breath, then headed into the stable.

  From a distance, she could hear Moses and his brother John-Mark singing,

  ‘As I sailed out one day, one day,

  And being not far from land,

  And there I spied a mermaid a-sitting on a rock

  With a comb and a glass in her hand.

  The song she sang, she sang so sweet,

  But no answer at all could us make,

  Till at last our gallant ship she looked roundabout

  Which made all our poor hearts to ache.

  O the oceans waves do roll

  And the stormy winds do blow

  We poor sailors are climbing up the mast

  And the Landlord a-lying down below’

  Bethany posted her hands on her hips and shook her head. “Very funny, Moses Montgomery.”

  “Look who’s here.” John-Mark leaned against his pitchfork.<
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  Moses set aside his pitchfork and pushed his Stetson to the back of his head. “Don’t know what made me think of that song this afternoon. It just came to me like a…well…a song.” Moses stepped closer, his mouth lifted at the corners, and his dark eyes sparkling.

  Bethany’s heart leaped in her throat. “It must have taken most of the morning for you to put together the words.”

  “Nope.” Moses reached for the basket and passed it to his brother. “We can’t take credit for that old ballad.” He pressed her fingers to his lips. “I admit you inspired the recollection.”

  John-Mark passed back the basket to Moses. “I’m going to eat mine in the office.” He tipped his hat. “I’ll leave you two to yourselves.”

  “Have you eaten?” He peered into the basket filled with several sandwiches and a container of lemonade.

  “No. Your mother packed me a sandwich as well.”

  Moses tilted his head. “C’mon around the back and let me wash up.” Bethany followed Moses to a path outside the stable and waited while he washed at the pump. Rolling up his sleeves, he exposed his massive hands and muscular arms. His enormous size made her feel small in comparison. Dressed in rugged work pants and a blue shirt, she thought him even more handsome than the day they met.

  Taking the basket in one hand and her hand in the other, Moses directed her to the back of the stable overlooking the pasture. He motioned for her to sit next to him on a bale of hay. The wind blew, stirring the rich tangy aroma of alfalfa. He pointed across the pasture toward the stone house sitting on the hill. “This is my favorite spot that I’ve wanted to share with you. When I sit here and look out at what will be our home one day soon, I feel mighty grateful.”

  Bethany sniffed. “Moses, that is the sweetest thing you’ve ever said, and I love you for it. But do you think we could move over to the bench under the oak tree? I’m not quite used to the Texas afternoon temperatures.”

  “Sure, honey.” Moses reached for her hand. “Let’s pray first, and then I’ll grab our basket.” He bowed his head “Thank you, Lord, for my father who saw fit to intervene on my behalf and send the application which allowed Bethany and me to meet. Although we jokingly refer to this as the best Christmas present I’ll ever receive, we know that the perfect gift was the gift of your Son.

  Help me to be a man after your heart, and the husband Bethany needs. Show me how to make her happy. I’m so grateful she’s agreed to be my wife. We thank you for this food and ask you to bless it for the nourishment of our bodies. Amen.”

  “Amen.” Bethany rubbed her eyes. “Oh, Moses, I’m sorry I need to move away from—” she sneezed consecutively, “—this hay.”

  After positioning Bethany on a bench under the oak tree, Moses soaked his neckerchief in the water from the pump. He placed the bandana dripping with water in Bethany’s hand. “Just breathe slow, honey.”

  Bethany placed the wet cloth to her face and relished in the coolness. Drops of water splashed onto her skirt. His boots shuffled closer, and Moses sat beside her. He placed another wet cloth in her hand. “Here, let me have that one, and I’ll soak it again.”

  Bethany sniffed. “I’m feeling better. Please no more wet handkerchiefs.”

  “How about something to drink?” His dark eyes peered into hers. At her nod, he poured lemonade from the thermos and passed her a cup.

  Breathing more evenly, she took slow sips, then set the cup aside. “I’m feeling better now.”

  “Your eyes are really red.” Moses leaned forward and placed his hand to her forehead. “You don’t seem to have a fever.”

  Bethany giggled. “I would hope not. You doused me with enough cold water.”

  “I don’t see anything funny about this.” Moses scowled. “Has this ever happened before?”

  “Not in a long time. It’s probably the combination of the heat and the alfalfa. I’ll be fine. I just need to avoid direct contact with hay this time of year.” Bethany wrung the cloth out and placed the neckerchief on the back of her neck.

  “You’re allergic to hay?” Moses's mouth opened, then snapped shut.

  “I’ve never known for sure what triggers it. Through trial and error, I learned to avoid my grandfather’s barn in the spring and summer.” She pointed toward the bales of hay. “I definitely reacted to the alfalfa today.”

  Moses rubbed the back of his neck. “Can you breathe, alright?”

  Bethany took in a deep breath. “Now that I’ve stopped sneezing, I feel better.”

  “We have a family friend with asthma. My older sister, Molly, helped take care of her for years.” Moses's dark eyebrows drew together. “She’s got sense enough to avoid being out in the heat of the day. She sure wouldn’t sit on or around a haystack.”

  “Moses Montgomery, how dare you speak to me like that. Need I remind you it was your idea to sit on a bale of hay in the full sun? Then, after I told you I was having problems accustoming myself to the heat, you took it upon yourself to extend my exposure with a rather long-winded blessing.”

  “I was giving thanks to God for your being here and thanking him for his provision.”

  “Well, if you had gone on much longer, I might very well have developed asthma.” Bethany rose from her seat and pushed the neckerchief into his chest. “I’m leaving. Enjoy your sandwich.”

  “Hold up.” Moses’s voice was rough, and his boots made loud crunching sounds along the dirt path.

  Bethany picked up her skirts and accelerated her pace. “Go away.”

  “This is ridiculous. You’re already overheated. Come sit down in the shade and cool off.”

  “I’m sorry I can't do that. You see, I don’t have enough sense to get out of the sun. Therefore, I’m going to continue on this path and walk another mile or so for added measure.” Her skirts swooshed as strong arms scooped her off her feet. “Put me down.”

  “No, ma’am. You just admitted you don’t have good sense. I’m saving you from yourself.” Moses scowled at her exposed petticoats. “How many petticoats are you wearing?”

  “Two, of course. Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Seems a bit excessive. Since you’ve admitted to ignorance on dealing with the Texas heat, you’d best limit yourself to one.” He tossed her gently, causing her to wrap her hands around his neck. “As far as I’m concerned, don’t bother with any at all.”

  “You are the most incorrigible man I’ve ever met. I’m sure your mother taught you not to speak about a lady’s undergarments.”

  His arms still wrapped around her, Moses settled her on his lap and sat on the bench. He cleared his throat. “I didn’t mean to sound so gruff and sure should never have insulted your intelligence. You scared me when you started sniffing and sneezing.”

  Bethany rested her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry I insulted your prayer. It was lovely, and I’m ashamed of myself.”

  “Who would think my little mermaid would possess such a temper?” He chuckled.

  “Oh, Moses, I love you so much. But I can’t help but think I’ve ruined all your plans.”

  He tilted her chin to meet his gaze. She was once again mesmerized as the color of his eyes darkened from amber to a rich chocolate. “The only plans I care about are those I make with you.”

  Bethany buried her face in his chest. “I make you mad when I change my mind or can’t make a decision. I decorated your house with floral patterns. You hate my bees, and I’m allergic to your favorite spot.”

  “Well, your decision-making skills take a little getting used to, and I don’t mind the flowers. I do hate your bees, but I love you. Besides, in comparison, you have to put up with me being kind of gruff.”

  “Kind of gruff?” Bethany giggled.

  Moses's chest rumbled. “I’ve changed my mind about quite a few things lately.”

  Bethany straightened. “You have?”

  “Sure have. My new favorite spot, now and forever, will be whenever and wherever I can hold my beekeeper in my arms.”
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  Chapter 19

  “Question: Why did the bee get married? Answer: Because he found his Honey.” – Annie Stone, Student Age 6

  Bethany gave a backward glance and sucked in a breath while Moses’s oldest sister, Molly, and Daisy studied the embroidered design at the edge of the slight ruffle of her skirt, forming a short train. She smoothed the silky ivory gown and admired the form-fitting sleeves edged in lace.

  Molly’s face appeared in the mirror, her green eyes so similar to her mother’s, sparkled with excitement. “You look perfect.” She beamed.

  “When my grandparents and I discussed whether or not they would come for the wedding or later this fall, I thought it was the right decision.”

  Memphis secured her veil with a wreath covered with daisies. “No tears now. I know you miss them. But I can’t help but think your grandmother would be driving us all insane about now. Besides, postponing the trip to the fall will allow them to visit for several weeks as opposed to only a few days.”

  “Don’t forget about the heat. It will be much more comfortable when your grandparents visit us in the fall.” Daisy appeared holding her wedding bouquet of daisies tied with an ivory ribbon.

  Bethany accepted the flowers with a watery smile. “You’re right. I suppose I’m feeling sentimental. Thank you both for helping me.”

  Molly wrapped her in a warm embrace. “I must remember to thank my father for having the faith to write to Mrs. Shelby and enlist her help in finding my brothers’ brides. I thought he’d lost his mind, but you ladies are a wonderful addition to the family.” She held her at arm’s length and nodded at Daisy. “That goes for you too, Daisy. Somehow, you seem like part of the family too.”

  A tap on the door sounded. “You ladies ready?” Mr. Montgomery’s voice cracked. “There’s a very anxious groom along with my rambunctious grandchildren who may burst with excitement at any moment.”