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

“Let him breathe, buddy. He just got here,” Charlie said, walking over with a grin and a long neck bottle.

Matt sighed heavily. “Okay. I’m going to be over there when you’re ready.” Matthew gestured toward the playscape he all but lived on.

“I won’t be too long, I promise.” Alaric winked at him.

Happy, he skipped off merrily.

“You’re a fan favorite at the Stuart home.”

“Well, it’s my job to be the cool uncle.”

Charlie laughed. “Don’t let Ryan hear you say that.”

“Pshh. We all know Ryan will always be a nerd. He’s a high school chemistry teacher, and everything he gives the kid is educational. He has his spot as the smart uncle. I’m not giving up the cool title.” Alaric accepted the beer. “Thanks for this. Where’s Trisha?”

“Putting the final touches on dessert. You know how she is about hosting duties. Even when it is just you.

”

Alaric laughed. “Yeah, I do.” The three of them had grown up together. From the minute they hit thirteen, it was clear his two best friends only had eyes for each other. He wasn’t shocked at all when they got married at twenty-one.

“How’ve you been? It’s been a minute since we had you over for dinner. Is work kicking your ...” he glanced over at the swing set, “ass again?”

“When isn’t it?” He took a draw off the beer. “I’ve actually been spending a lot of time with Rosaleen.”

“The bakery lady?”

Alaric rolled his eyes. “Yeah. She has a name, you know.”

“Ohh. Is it like that?” Charlie nudged him with his shoulder.

“Yeah, it is now.”

“Holy shit. I was kidding. You two are dating?” His voice rose an octave.

“You got a problem with that?” Alaric tensed. He’d never thought of Charlie as small-minded, but he’d never dated outside of his race before.

“No, man. You know me. I’m just stunned. You’ve been out of the dating game for so long I was starting to think of you as a permanent bachelor.”

“Naw. I just needed the right woman.”

“And you think she is?”

“It’s a possibility. I’ve never felt this level of connection with anyone else before.”

Charlie whistled. “Those are powerful words.”

“What are?” Trisha appeared. Her thick, black tresses were piled onto the top of her head, and her cat-shaped hazel eyes were wide with curiosity. “What did I miss?”

“Hey, Trisha.” He pulled her into a hug.

“It’s good to see you. Don’t be such a stranger, huh?” She pulled back, catching his gaze.

“Why don’t you tell her what’s been keeping you away?”

“You’re an ass. You know that?” Alaric asked.

“What?” Trish looked from him to her husband.