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

“Right. If you’ll excuse us.” He held the door open for his mother as they stepped back.

‘You look amazing,’ he mouthed as his mother carefully maneuvered through the door on her crutches.

‘Thank you,’ she mouthed back before continuing on.

“Mission accomplished, babe,” Julie said. “Did you see how big his eyes got? Don’t look now, but he’s still casting glances back here. If he’s not careful, he might lose his bread.”

She giggled. “This is a lot more fun with you here.”

ALARIC

“She may have won that first round, but the contest isn’t over yet. This pumpkin roll is sure to be a show stopper.”

They waited impatiently in line for their turn to enter the room where they’d be judged.

Images of Rosaleen in her white shirt and form-fitting jeans haunted him while he prepared his pumpkin roll with maple cream filling and dusted it with powdered sugar, he’d turned in nearly an hour ago. She’d been with him the entire day in spirit.

“Mom, we did the best we could. Hers just happened to be better. You have to admit the idea of a pumpkin spice latte bread is ingenious. This contest is going to turn out how it’s supposed to.”

“You’re right. She’s as clever as she is beautiful. I’ll give her that.” She paused. “I have to admit, this year has been the most exciting yet.” She grinned, and he laughed. Maybe she’ll be okay when I drop the bombshell.

“I’m glad, Mom. It’s all I wanted.”

“Don’t get me wrong, my boy, I want to win, but the real gift has been getting a chance to spend so much time with you sharing something I love.” She patted his hand, and he smiled.

“Thanks, Mom. It wasn’t as painful as I thought after I got the hang of it.”

“Are you ready to go back in there for another grueling round of judging?” she asked.

“Is anyone ever really?”

His mother laughed. “No.”

The line moved forward. “Did I detect some interest between you and her?”

“What?” Tell her now.

“I’m just curious because Kasey mentioned something.”

The mention of his ex ruined the moment they’d created. “Mom, why are you talking to her about me?”

“She was concerned when she kept seeing you together. She thought maybe Rosaleen was pumping you for information.”

“And if you had asked me, I could’ve told you it wasn’t like that at all. When we’re together, we avoid any talk about baking. We were friends before this, Mom. Our shops are literally on the same street. Of course we’re going to be seen together. I’m not interested in Kasey. I never will be. I used to think we could be friends, but she continues to push past my boundaries.”

“She said things between the two of you were shifting again.”

“She would, Mom. I’m really tired of being caught unaware and being placed in this awkward position. I adore you, Mom. I’d do anything to see you happy and safe, but you need to learn to step away from my love life.”

She blinked repeatedly. “I ... I didn’t realize I was stepping on your toes. I’m sorry.” His mother stammered. Her face flushed slightly.

“It’s my fault for not speaking up sooner. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” He shook his head.

“Always be honest with me. I’m your mother. I can take it.” She squeezed his arm.

“Yeah. I can see that.”

“I’m not a shrinking violet. I know I give you a hard time about grandbabies, but that’s a parent’s right. You’re our only shot at it, you know?”