“Undoubtedly from all that love.” I smiled. “I remember when Adele was that age.” I met Tate’s gaze. “They grow up so freaking fast. Watch out.”
“We’re going to treasure every minute, I promise.” He turned to his mother-in-law. “Do you want me to watch her?”
“Would you? I found something I want to buy. Then I’ll come back and help you clean up. I’m so pleased to see you sold all the pies.”
Dismayed, I turned to find that, indeed, all the pies were sold and Wyatt was starting to fold the tablecloth.
No doubt Tate caught my dismayed expression. He leaned over. “For you, Anderson? When the disappointed crowd is gone, we’ll give you one of the couple we save for special friends.”
I blinked. I knew Wyatt and Tate. Had gone to school with Tate’s brother, William. But to receive such a generous offer? “Oh, I couldn’t—”
Mrs. Phelps put her hand on my arm. “I’d be ever so pleased if you did. Truly.”
“Well, who am I to turn down such a generous offer? I need to find—”
Even as I said the words, Damien sauntered over. “Those glass fairies are stunning. Several are LGBTQ. I bought one for Paget that I know she’s going to love. She might not be into girly things, but this…?”
“I should run and get one for Adele so she doesn’t feel left out.”
“Already taken care of. But she’s getting it from her Uncle Damien and Uncle Shaw. We’re totally taking credit for this one.”
“That’s fair.” I smiled as Wyatt surreptitiously handed me a pie.
He grinned. “My mom’s amazing. Baking all these piesandhelping to take care of Coralie.” His blue eyes sparkled. “Helps that Tate’s on parental leave from his job at the bank, but it’s still a lot. Who knew bok choy would be so popular?” The pumpkinfarm also contained numerous greenhouses where they grew the popular vegetable.
“People who are healthy?” Damien grinned.
“Oh, are you ready to go? I want to go back to the soap booth.” I aimed for casual.
He eyed me speculatively.
“Jarrod?” Mrs. Phelps grinned. “I stock up every time I see him—quality product at a reasonable price. Young man’s always so busy.”
I had to remind myself that Wyatt and Tate were just a couple of years younger than myself and Mrs. Phelps likely saw them as herboysas well. Sometimes we always remained young in the eyes of our parents.
Adele’s never growing old. She’ll always be my baby girl.
“Yes, Jarrod. I bought a few soaps as gifts.” I pivoted to Damien. “Ten minutes?”
“Sure.” His gaze narrowed.
I shrugged and headed back to my oldfriend.
To find him packing up his booth. He had several wood crates, and he was putting up the stands he’d used to display his wares.
“How’d you do?”
He glanced up, his startled gaze meeting my hopeful one. He cleared his throat. “Sold out. That’s never happened. Thank you.”
“I doubt my sales made the difference.”
“You’re wrong. I sold my last bar five minutes ago. If you hadn’t bought yours, then I would’ve had a few left over. That’s not a big deal, but it’s exciting to sell out.”
“I’ll bet. Do you need a hand?” I moved to put my bags on the cleared part of his table, but he held up his hand. “I’ve got this part down to an art. Or a science. Or…whatever.” He swallowed.
Okay…so not indifferent.“Do you think—” This time, I swallowed.
“Yeah?” His eyes brightened.
