October. She’d crafted it with yellow duct-tape stripes across a plain white T-shirt. Paired with Kylie’s bright-yellow tutu, black tights, and white fairy wings Riki had found at a craft store, she was the cutest little bee on the planet. As they headed for the car, Embry turned at the sound of someone calling her name. Shading her eyes, she looked down the driveway to see a woman with a stroller.
“Hello?”
The woman waved. “Hi! It’s Lily. From the park?”
She walked toward her, balancing Carson’s infant seat on her arm. “What a surprise! How are you?”
“Great. We’re going over there now, and I thought I’d stop by and see if you wanted to join us.”
“Well, isn’t that sweet. We’re just on our way out. Maybe another day?” Lily nodded and smiled, but Embry could see her disappointment. She knew all too well how long the days could be with a baby. Lonely too. “How about you come here on Monday? We can chat over a cup of tea while the babies look at each other.”
This time, a wide smile emerged. “That would be great.”
“Perfect. Come on by around four thirty.”
“See you then.”
As she walked to the car with Kylie by her side, she reassured herself that Sylvia hadn’t come up with a crazy, elaborate scheme to put Lily in her path. She was just another mom who was finding her way, same as Embry. And besides, it felt really good to befriend Lily. For the first time, she was the one who could offer advice on motherhood. It was exactly the burst of confidence she needed.
Embry gripped Kylie’s hand tightly and paused outside of Soul Candy. Kylie’s wings sagged, and Embry felt limp herself. The visits to the grocery stores had left her hopes wilted. At the last one, the clerk hadn’t even let her speak with a manager. She’d simply said corporate handled products. This was her last shot. “Ky, this is a small store with a lot of fragile things, so you need to stay close to me, okay?”
“We go home soon, Mama?”
“Yeah, as soon as we’re done here.” She tried to stand tall, but she felt like a pack mule loaded down with a shopping bag full of honey pops hanging from her shoulder and Carson in the sling. She wondered if it was even worth it to try.
The pops are delicious, a voice insisted. Go in there and get it done. This time, she didn’t hear her mama or Auntie Boots. It was her own voice.
Head held high, she pushed through the door. An immediate sense of calm overtook her. Peaceful spa music played, and the same woman she had met before swept over to her.
“Hello there.” She smiled serenely, and her eyes grew bright. “I remember you. Have you come back because something spoke to you after all?”
“Hi. As a matter of fact, yes. Is there a manager who I might be able to speak to?”
She nodded slightly. “I’m her.” Gently extending her hand, she said, “I’m Abby Berman, the owner. How can I help you?”
“Hi, I’m Embry Taylor. When I was here last, I noticed you sell products from local vendors here.”
She nodded. “We do.”
She took a package of cellophane-wrapped honey pops from her tote. They were tied with a pretty yellow ribbon, and she’d added a cute tag with the printed logo she’d created on the computer. On the back, she’d written, Hart’s Honey Pops are made with love by Embry Hart Taylor. Wife, mommy, daughter, sister. Thanks to my auntie Boots for creating the very first honey pops recipe.
“I had a bit of an epiphany after I was here, and I was inspired to make Hart’s Honey Pops. They’re honey candies that can be swirled into tea or coffee or,” she said, holding them up, “eaten like a sucker. The best part is, they’re naturally sweetened and infused with real lemon and vanilla.” She took a folder from her tote. “Here is the information sheet, which includes pricing options and ingredients.” She held her breath as Abby flipped through the pages.
Abby finally nodded. “Manuka honey. That’s becoming quite popular now. It’s from New Zealand, right?”
“Yes,” she responded eagerly. “And please try one if you like.”
“Mama, I have one too?” Kylie asked.
“Sure,” she said quickly. As she handed one to her, she gave her a firm look. “Just one.”
Abby smiled at Kylie before biting the entire pop off the stick. She chewed, her brow furrowing as she did. “Oh my God. These are amazing.”