I Only Have Pies for You (Pumpkin Spice Life 1)

They spent the rest of the drive talking music and fads from their college years.

The smell of grilled meat and fried funnel cake batter greeted them as they entered the parking lot. St. James didn’t have rides, but they went all out on the food and drinks.

“I’ll let you in on a secret,” he said, leaning in as they hopped in line to buy tickets.

“What’s that?” She arched an eyebrow.

“This festival is in the top three for the best food.”

Her mouth formed an O, and he couldn’t help but admire the plumpness of her lips. “Then we should work up an appetite so we can sample as much as possible.”

They stepped up to the ticket booth, and he smiled at the salt and pepper haired woman with thick black glasses and a large smile. “Evening, Alaric.”

“Evening, Mary. Have you met Rosaleen? She just purchased the corner lot spot. Her bakery, For Cake’s Sake, will be opening at the first of next month.”

“I haven’t had the pleasure. Welcome to Granville, Rosaleen.”

“Thank you, Mary, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Mrs. Mary has taught Sunday school for as long as I can remember.”

“Watch out for this one. He’s got a mischievous streak.”

“I grew out of that, Mrs. Mary. Can we get twenty tickets to start off?”

“You sure can.”

Rosaleen reached for her pocket.

“Uh uh.” He shook his head. “You’re my guest, so it’s only right I pay.”

“That’ll be fifteen dollars, Alaric.” Handing her the money, he accepted five back and took the red tickets.

As they walked away from the ticket booth, a brightly colored bag of sugar clouds caught his attention. He guided her toward the booth and paused.

“If I purchase this, will you share it to keep me from contracting diabetes?” He gestured toward the red and blue with a little green cotton candy in an oversized bag.

“Depends. Green is my favorite, and they’re usually pretty stingy with it.”

“Since you’re my guest, it’s only fair you get the first choice. I think I can accommodate your wishes this once.”

“What lovely manners you have, Mr. Bulley.”

“What can I say? My mama raised me right.”

Her pupils dilated in the light, and his heart beat a little faster. She is attracted to me.

“Yes, I can see that,” she said huskily.

Grabbing the bag with the largest amount of green cotton candy, he handed four dollars to the vendor, and opened the bag. Moving the bag toward her, he offered the first taste. “I thought we could scout out the booths first.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Pausing to introduce her to fellow business owners and major volunteers from the church, he looped back around to the middle aisle where they had games.

“Are you ready to donate some funds to the church?” he asked.

She placed a hand on her chest and gasped. “Mr. Bulley. Are you insinuating these church games are rigged?”