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

“All the festival games are. It’s in the rule book.”

“Oh, and you’ve seen this mysterious book of which you speak?”

“Who do you think they suckered into running these things? The young and volunteer-hour needy.” He pointed out the games run by high school students.

“I have no problem picturing you pulling in unsuspecting victims for your game.”

“My mom and dad are still super active in the church.”

“What about you?” she asked.

“I attend regularly enough, but my call to service isn’t the same as theirs. I act as the church handyman and kick in to help with events when they need it.”

“That’s really awesome. I’ve never had a true home church.”

“No? I was indoctrinated into St. James, and luckily it wound up being a good fit. There’s no shortage of churches here, though ... if you’re looking.”

“I noticed that when I moved here. There’s no shortage of religion.”

“We may not be the true bible belt, but we love our Jesus all the same.”

“Is that a bad thing?” she queried.

The question gave him pause. “What do you mean? Are you agnostic or atheist?”

“No. I believe in God. I don’t believe in the way people use what should be beautiful to exclude and shame others who may think or believe differently.”

“Around here, people are just people. Their actions dictate how they’ll be judged.”

She shifted her weight. “You sure about that?”

“Nowhere is without racism or small-minded individuals, but the majority of people here at least appear to think that way. Why?” He tensed. “Did something happen to make you think otherwise?” The thought of her being made to feel unsafe or discriminated against had him growing hot under the collar. “’Cause that’s not going to be tolerated around here.”

“So, this freeze is just about newness, not skin tone?”

He could see how she’d be concerned. He wasn’t ignorant of what was going on in the world.

“Were you worried about that?” he asked gently.

“The thought crossed my mind.” She shrugged.

“Once they get to know you, things will change. I promise.” He reached out to run a hand down her arm, marveling at the softness of her skin. “You haven’t even officially opened yet. Give it a little time. Come on. Let’s pop some balloons. I’d be slacking in my host duties if I didn’t win you a stuffed animal to take home.”

She smirked. “How do you know I won’t win one for you?”

“Well, now, I love a challenge.”

“That’s good because I’m competitive.” She wiggled her eyebrows, and he laughed. They walked to the table, and he handed over the tickets, giving them three darts apiece.

Her brows dipped as she narrowed her eyes and focused. When her nose scrunched like a rabbit’s the cuteness became too much and he focused on his own darts. Pop. Pop. They went through the balloons like they owed them money.

“It looks like you both get to pick a prize.” An assortment of small stuffed animals dangled above his head.

“Which do you like best?” he asked.

“The llama. They’re kind of my favorite.”

“All right. The white llama for the lady, please.”