Page 46 of Forbidden to Fall

In a decisive motion, I tipped the bag until some of the chunks fell into the glaze on one of the warm cookies.

“Ooh,” May said. “I like the way you’re thinkin’.”

“I’m more interested to see if you like the way they’re tasting.” I sprinkled some pretzel on a second cookie, then set the bag down and looked at the Carvers, who were watching me. “You guys up for it?”

Both of them reached for a cookie in response.

They bit into them at the same time, but May must have been meant for the movies because she’d barely chewed twice before vocalizing.

“Those are scrumptious, Sadie,” she said, still chewing.

I smiled, then turned my eyes to James.

His jaw worked and worked, and I waited, familiar now with his ultra slow process.

After an eternity, he swallowed and looked at the cooling rack of cookies. “Those are…very tasty.”

My stomach fluttered. “You can be honest. I promise I won’t let your mom ground you.”

He smiled and met my gaze. “I am being honest. They’re a perfect balance of sweet and savory. They’re going to be a hit, Sadie.” His eyes went back to the rack of cookies. “Could I have another one?”

My mouth split into a grin, and I nodded, grabbing the pretzel bag to make more.

Another day, another early—and crowded—shift at Keller’s. Given that it was Sunday, the need to chat with Rosie, who was organizing the Harvest Festival, and Bennett, who might be able to make our displays and festival stand, would have to wait.

I walked the sidewalk to my car, smiling slightly as I glanced up at the changing leaves on the trees lining the street. Just before I reached my car, I caught sight of Emma—Rosie’s sister—walking toward me. She was a few years older than I was, but we’d become good friends in the years since high school. As a couple of the only redheads in town, we shared a special connection. She was also the local children’s librarian—and a big reason Mia often begged to go to the library when I babysat her each week.

I smiled. “Hey!”

“I was just coming to chat with you.”

I stopped, slightly surprised. “Good timing. I just finished my shift. What’s up?”

“I wanted to see if the bakery would be interested in participating in a fun little competition—just for the next couple weeks until the Harvest Festival. I’m asking some of the businesses in town.”

“Ooh,” I said, intrigued. “What sort of competition? Wait”—my eyes narrowed—“is this for the Kiss the Pig thing?”

Her lack of response was unmistakable confirmation.

Emma ran the competition every year. I’d just never participated. I’d always been in the audience watching someone else do the honors.

“It’s a cute pig,” she offered.

“Oh,” I said with faux relief, “in that case, sign me right up!”

“It’s for a good cause,” she defended. “Raising money for books for the elementary. Their catalog is…well, it’s bad. Anyway, we’ll have a donation jar at the library with your picture on it, and you’d have one at the bakery as well. You’d just remind people to donate.”

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the screen.

Lily

Hey! Would you be able to take Mia a bit early tomorrow? I’ve got an OB appointment at 4

“So, what do you say?” Emma asked. “Are you up for it?”

“I’ll do it,” I said as I shot off an affirmative response to Lily. “But only because I love you.” I smiled and headed for my car.

“I owe you.”