Lie, Lie Again(83)

“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.”

“Thank you.” Embry beamed. This felt right. Sharing her food with others was one of her favorite things. Carson wriggled in the carrier and tried grabbing for the honey pop.

“No, Carsie!” Kylie shouted. “No honey for babies!” She grabbed on to his little foot, and he let out a loud cry.

Oh, goodness. This wouldn’t do. She was so close to making this happen. In a swift move, she took a pacifier from her pocket and eased it into his mouth, bouncing gently. If she’d learned anything from her pageant days, it was to turn a negative into a positive. And most important, don’t let anything throw you. She wasn’t about to let this slip from her grasp. Taking another sheet of paper from her bag, she passed it to Abby. “Here’s a copy of my Class B CFO permit.”

“Wonderful.” She eyed Carson, who was now grabbing Embry’s hair into his tiny fists. “You have your hands full, don’t you?”

“Because she’s holding Carson!” Kylie said with a loud giggle.

Abby grinned. “That’s very true.” Focusing back on Embry, she said, “I would love to give these a try. They’re full of wonderful flavors, in addition to being a nice alternative sweetener. I’ll email you our consignment agreement this afternoon, and you can send it back in at your convenience.”

“Thank you so much.” She untangled Carson’s hand from her hair. “That’s wonderful.”

“I should mention this is just one of four shops we own on the Westside. We’re also in Playa del Rey, Brentwood, and Westwood. I’d like to sell your honey pops in all of them.”

“Wow. Really? I mean, that’s fabulous.” A smile broke out across her face, and for the first time in a long while, she had the good feeling that everything would be okay.

“I think so too. I’ll be in touch. Have a blessed day.”

“You too.” As she headed toward the door, she leaned down to kiss Carson’s head. She’d done it. With two babies in tow and a near meltdown, no less. Four stores! It was a better start than she could’ve imagined.

Brandon would be at work, but this was worth the interruption. His phone rang only once before he answered.

“Hey. Everything okay?”

“Yes. As a matter of fact, I have some great news.”

“Really? Well, lay it on me. I could use some good news.”

The smile in his voice added to her excitement. “Hart’s Honey Pops are going to be sold in four stores in the LA area.”

“Wait, your honey pops? The ones you make?”

She laughed a soul-cleansing, carefree laugh that she hadn’t experienced in weeks. “Yes,” she said, her voice sparkling.

“Wow! I, uh . . . wow. How’d you . . . They’re for sale? Like, for profit?”

“Yes! They’ll be at a new-age store called Soul Candy. There’s one in the same center as the market.”

“Holy cow. How did you manage this? I mean, I noticed you were making a lot of them, but I chalked it up to stress relief.”

“That was the motivation.” A little voice sidestepped in, blocking her from telling him why she was so stressed. Maybe it was those angels again. Whatever the case, she felt compelled to listen. But would there ever be a perfect time, or would she falter at every opportunity? Well, it would be stupid to tell him over the phone. The baby news had to be shared in person, face-to-face. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, you succeeded in doing that. I’m so proud of you, Em. I wish I could jump through the phone and hug you. My mind is kind of blown.”

“Mine too. I’ll let you get back to work, but I had to let you know. I love you.”

“I love you, my sweet darlin’,” he said softly. “I’ll see you soon.”