“We’ve had a number of unforgettable submissions this year! Who knew there were so many ways to prepare pumpkin pie? If we could, we’d name more than one winner. You’ve all made this a thoroughly rousing bake off.”
His mother’s hold on his hand tightened.
“Alas, there can only be one winner, and this year’s winner is Rosaleen Plath with her pumpkin dulce de leche ice cream pie.”
Rosaleen stood, beaming as she walked over to Katherine to be crowned, and given her sash. A bouquet full of bright oranges and yellows was laid in her arms. His chest swelled with pride as he stood to join in the standing ovations she was receiving. Now is the time.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t bring the title home for you, Mom. But right now, I need to go and congratulate the woman I love on her win.”
“I knew there was something going on,” his mother cried.
“We’ve been dating for a while now. The gossip hounds are voracious here, so we thought we’d keep things to ourselves while we found our way. Then this happened, and it felt like the wrong time to update you. I’m sick of hiding. She’s amazing, and I hope eventually you’ll love her as much as I do. I haven’t had a chance to tell her how I feel, but I’m going to change that immediately.” He smiled. “I think she’s the one, Mom.”
“Then what are you waiting for my boy? Go tell her how you feel.” She smiled up at him. He nodded, then wove his way through the crowd to Rosaleen.
“I see congratulations are in order, Ms. Plath.”
She turned, and he cupped her face. Bending, he pressed his lips to hers. “I love you, sugar.”
Her eyes widened. “I love you, too, hero,” she whispered.
“How about we really give them a show?”
“I think we already did.”
“Not yet.” Dipping her, he swept his tongue across the seam of her lips, sinking into the opening she gave him. He closed his eyes as he tasted her, savoring their newfound freedom as they cemented their involvement. She tasted sweeter than any of the desserts presented that day. Standing her upright, he pulled away as cameras clicked around them. “I’m done hiding.” Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close and kissed her forehead.
“Ms. Plath, do you care to comment on your win?” Jen asked.
“I want to thank the people of Granville for welcoming me into their midst and making me a part of this town. Participating in so many amazing events has really helped me feel like I’ve found the right home. I’m honored to get to carry on the tradition of Pumpkin Queen. The festival will be another first experience here I’ll never forget. I only hope I can represent you all as well as the incredible women who’ve come before me. This was a close competition.”
“Now the previous winner hands on the golden pumpkin. It’s a way to pass on the torch to the next queen,” Katherine explained.
“I need to go help her.” Alaric tightened his arm in a hug.
“Okay,” she whispered.
Rushing over, he met his mother at the table where they’d brought the golden pumpkin.
“I got this, Mom. I’ll follow you.” Grabbing it, he carried it beside her as she expertly maneuvered on her crutches.
Standing beside the women he loved most as they stood face-to-face, he held his breath. His mother’s lips curved up into a smile and he could finally breathe again.
“You put up one hell of a fight, young lady.”
“I had to if I wanted to best you,” Rosaleen said with an easy smile.
“I’m happy to hand this over to you today, but next year, you’d better be ready to defend your title.”
Rosaleen laughed. “I’m looking forward to it already.”
His mother nodded toward Rosaleen, and he handed over the golden pumpkin. Flashes went off around them. His gut unclenched when his mother leaned in to give Rosaleen a hug and whispered in her ear. He tensed until Rosaleen nodded and smile. Tears glistened in her eyes, and Alaric knew they were going to be just fine.
Stepping back, his mother smiled. “You two take care of each other, okay?” she asked.
“Always, Mom,” he said.
Epilogue