Page 76 of Heart of the West

Black pepper cherry pies

Cherry cheesecake rolls

Dried cherry, sage, sourdough rolls

Cherry pie

Mini cherry pie

Cherry chocolate chip cookies

Cherry chip cake with cherry blossom frosting

Cherry Bacon bread

Dried cherry sourdough with rosemary and sea salt

Cherry alligator with cherry blossom honey

Sugar cookies frosted with cherry blossom icing

Cream horns filled with cherry cream

Cherry filled chocolate eclairs

Cherry cheesecake

Mini cherry cheesecake

Double chocolate cherry espresso brownies

That’s all I can fit on the chalkboard menu. I realize I’ll have to offer less or order a second chalkboard.

“My stomach is growling just looking at the menu spitfire.” Effrem says, dropping a kiss on my cheek. You go get behind the counter in case of stampede and I’ll unlock the door and let the patrons in.”

“I really want one of those brownies.”

He kisses the tip of my nose. “I’m sorry, spitfire. Espresso of any kind is a no no until after our little bundle is safely delivered around mid-August.”

I stick my tongue out at him and walk behind the counter. He chuckles.

“That’s my spitfire.”

The next seven hours fly by. We’re closing at noon today to take part in the festivities before tonight’s awards and dinner. I sold out of everything. I can’t even believe it. EVERYTHING.

Chapter 47

Effrem

What a whirlwind of a day. I’m exhausted but the night is young and I have a hot date. The ladies all went to get changed. I think they took over one of the downstairs bathrooms. I saw someone delivering dresses and toiletries earlier.

Everyone is getting seated. I’m waiting for my cue. The announcer is going to talk. Then he’ll call me out to announce the winner. We asked everyone to vote for their favorite cherry item. The townsfolk made food, drink, bath products, and a few other things I can’t remember off the top of my head.

I listen as the Mayor makes her speech.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Sheriff Reeves.”

I walk out on stage and wave. I hate this part of my job, but I’m good at it. It’s part of what they pay me to do. The mayor smiles at me when I reach her side.

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