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

“I’ve been seeing someone.”

Her eyes grew to the size of quarters. “Who?”

“Yeah, who?” Charlie wrapped an arm around his wife as he egged him on.

“Her name is Rosaleen. She’s opening the new bakery on the corner of Main Street.”

“The same woman you’ve been showing around town as a ‘friend’,” she air quoted.

“Well, that’s changed.”

“Oh, my,” she drawled, imitating George Takei.

“It’s a wonder I even bother telling you anything,” he mumbled.

“Come on. We’re excited for you,” Charlie said.

“When do we get to meet her?” Trisha asked.

“I’m not sure. Things just became official a few days ago.”

“Damn, your mother is going to freak out when she finds out.”

“Another part of the reason why we’re keeping this to ourselves. I adore the woman, but she’s over the top, and not shy about her desire for grandchildren.”

“There’s nothing wrong with working on your foundation before you announce anything to the world. Everyone has opinions, and these days, they don’t bite their tongue. It can be rough on a new couple. Especially since Rosaleen is new to town.”

“And she’s feeling it, too.”

“Oh, no. Are they freezing her out?” Trisha asked sympathetically.

Alaric nodded. “I’m hoping once she opens next week, things will shift. I’ve been introducing her to everyone I can at town functions. She keeps a smile on her face, but I know it gets to her.”

“And now I understand why you’ve been so busy. You’re her local support,” Trisha remarked.

“I don’t mind. We always have a great time, but she needs more than just me. You remember Stephanie Short?”

“Yeah, she was a few years younger, but always cool,” Charlie said.

“She hired her, and they’ve hit it off.”

“I’d be happy to meet her and strike up a friendship. Any woman who can get you to gush about her organically has to be amazing.”

“You make it sound like I’m cold-hearted.”

“No.” Leaning forward, she grabbed his forearm. “Just very particular. Whenever you’re ready, we’d love to meet her.”

“And we’ll be on our best behavior, so we don’t scare her away,” Charlie promised.

“Trust me, I’ll be warning her in advance. You know my news. What’s been going on with the three of you?”

Charlie and Trisha shared a look. “Well, three is about to turn to four.”

Alaric blinked. “You’re pregnant?”

She nodded happily and laughed. “Three months now. We wanted to wait a while before we shared.”

“And everything’s good?” he asked, remembering the baby they’d lost prior and how much it had torn them both up.