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“They do.” He followed her gaze to the neat rows of golden pastry.

“I was beginning to think I imagined them. Or hallucinated.” Mara bent to inspect the trays. “They look good.”

“They look very good.”

“You’re biased.”

“I’m a baker. That makes me professionally qualified.”

Mara gave him a look. “You spent half the night saying you never wanted to see another apple hand pie again.”

“That was before I slept.” Gabe steered her around a stack of boxes.

“You barely slept.”

“Exactly. But I’m completely recovered.” He grinned. “You want to know my secret?”

“Caffeine?” Mara asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Bucketful of the stuff.”

Karina appeared from the direction of the supply tent carrying another box. “You’re both upright. I’m impressed.”

“You’re one to talk.” Mara stepped aside so Karina could set the box on the table.

“I’m running on fumes, and sugar, but I keep telling myself all I need to do is get through the next few hours and then I can sleep for a day.” Karina opened the lid and checked the rows inside. “These are the last apple ones. If they don’t sell, I’m blaming both of you.”

“They’ll sell,” Gabe said.

“And if they don’t, I’ll eat them.” Mara peered into the box.

“You would make a wonderful baker’s wife.” Karina looked at her, then at Gabe. “Don’t you think, Gabe?”

Yes, his bear said immediately.

“Is there anything we can help with?” Gabe asked, giving Karina a warning look.

“Yes.” She closed the box again. “You can help me move the cider before people start arriving.”

Matilda appeared with a stack of paper cups before they had finished. “Mara, you need one of these.”

“A cup?” Mara accepted the one Matilda held out.

“Your first cider of the day,” Matilda explained. “First cup at the fall charity bake is always drunk before the sale opens. It’ll fortify you for what is to come.”

“Another Bear Creek tradition.” Gabe took a cup from the stack. “There are so many it’s hard to keep up.”

“Bear Bluff,” Mara reminded him.

“Close enough.” He winked at her, and she smiled.

This is going to be a good day, his bear said sleepily. But I think I’m going to have a nap.

As if you were the one who was up half the night? Gabe said.

I was. With you. Only I have not had the benefit of caffeine. His bear curled up with his head on his paws.

Matilda poured cider for them, and for a few seconds the four of them stood behind the tables while steam curled into the cold air.