“I do.” A million-ton weight was lifted off his shoulders as they cleared the air. He smiled. The line moved, and they found themselves inside of the room where the ruling came down. Ushering his mother to a seat up front, he found his gaze coming back to Rosaleen over and over. She sat laughing with her friend who wore a pink T-shirt that said Team Rosaleen across the front, and From Cake’s Sake across the back.
Full of joy, her beauty was undeniable. He’d never seen her hair so bouncy. Large spirals framed her face and tumbled around her shoulders. Her skin seemed to glimmer as if it had been kissed by the sun, and her lips were slightly glossy and tempting. Forcing his gaze away from her, he watched as the five judges entered.
“The moment of truth has arrived.”
Amy, an elderly woman with curly, gray hair, stood. Her houndstooth suit made him feel like he’d fallen smack dab in the middle of a British baking competition. “This was an extremely tough call. You truly baked some delicious pumpkin rolls. The flavors were creative, and the decorations were stunning. After careful consideration, we’ve decided the winner of this round is Alaric Bulley.”
“I’m sorry, did they call my name?” he asked his mother.
Applause filled the space. His mother beamed at him. “Go on, get your ribbon.”
He stood, dazed as he made his way over to Katherine for her to pin him. Shaking hands as he was congratulated. As he brushed the orange ribbon with Best Pumpkin Roll, he glanced at Rosaleen. On her feet, she cheered louder than anyone. Grinning sheepishly, he walked back over to his mom.
“Looks like you got the baking gene after all.”
“I had an excellent teacher.” He patted her hand. “Ready to give ’em hell in the final round?”
“You know it. We’re on a streak now.” Pumpkin meringue pie was their secret weapon. The pie should be cooled and ready for them to finesse the meringue within an inch of its life. Even if it didn’t earn him the title, he’d won already. Helping his mother stand, he handed her the crutches.
; “I knew you could do anything you put your mind to, but this is incredible.” Kasey battered her eyelashes.
“You know, we really need to stop meeting like this,” he said.
“What do you mean?” Kasey asked.
“Your attempt to get back into my good graces isn’t appreciated or working. Stop trying to worm your way in via my mother, too. It’s okay if you want to be her friend, but she’s not a spy for you.”
She sputtered like a car running out of gas. “W-What do you m-mean?”
“You know what I mean.” He lowered his voice and leaned in closer. “I’m done being nice about this.”
She blinked, and her lower lip quivered slightly. “I was just trying to—”
“Make something work that never would. We’re done, Kasey, accept it, and keep your distance.”
Turning away, Kasey hurried off, red-faced and cursing him under her breath.
“I think your issues with her have just been solved.”
“God. I hope so, Mom.”
“I’ll be battening my hatches where she’s concerned. She was always such a sweet girl. It felt natural to maintain our relationship.”
“Mom. You don’t need to do that.”
She frowned. “Yeah, I do. No one lies on my baby and gets away with it. Now let’s get home. We have a contest-winning pie to finish off.”
“You just want to wield the torch.”
“It is one of my favorite parts of the process.”
HOLDING HANDS WITH his mother, they awaited the final ruling. Their pie was a work of art. A succulent masterpiece piled high with golden meringue. He couldn’t have put any more love into it. Who knew baking could be so satisfying?
“You did good, Alaric. Whatever the outcome.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Leaning over, he kissed her cheek.