Page 34 of Chasing Liberty

“Hell if I know,” he whispered. “They’re taking this seriously, aren’t they?”

“Pies are important around these parts.” She stifled a giggle.

The judges appeared intrigued by Kaitlynn's lemon meringue. Polly was radiating joy, and the usually stoic judges looked pleased too. Liberty was tapping her boot, showing signs of restlessness.

"Calm down,” Wyler said.

“I am calm.”

“About as calm as a cat with its tail stuck under a rocking chair.”

When Polly announced that they were finished with the presentation phase of the competition, she asked that they return at three for the taste-testing round. Liberty felt like she’d been freed from a heavy chain and took a step away from the table only to run smack-dab into Kaitlynn who wore a confident smirk.

“What a relief that is over,” Kaitlynn said dramatically.

"Indeed, that is quite a relief," remarked Liberty, her enthusiasm not entirely genuine.

“Good luck, to both of you,” Kaitlynn craned her neck to look over at Liberty and Wyler’s pie. “Looks so delicious I wouldn’t mind a slice myself.” Her snicker was followed with her hand snaking straight to Wyler’s arm.

“And I’d like to give you that slice right in the—”

“We’d love to share,” Wyler quickly arbitrated.

Kaitlynn, as always, didn’t miss a beat. “I’d definitely share my pie too.” She practically cooed. “See you two for the next competition. I’m assuming you two will want to participate in the blind guide game. So much fun.”

"Absolutely," Liberty said, smiling.

"Wonderful," Kaitlynn buzzed away with the energy of a caffeinated butterfly.

“We are participating, aren’t we?” Liberty whispered to Wyler.

“Of course,” he said with little interest too.

“I’m going to grab some water,” she said, heading back to the food tables.

“Have you eaten?” Wyler asked when he settled in beside her.

“An elephant ear,” she muttered.

“That’s not enough. It’s lunch time. You get grouchy when you haven’t eaten,” he said so intimately that it struck up more anger in her.

“Don’t do that.” She kept her voice lowered as they approached the crowded food stations.

“Don’t do what? Take care of my pregnant wife?”

“Shh!” She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of hearing distance. “Let’s not announce it to the world.”

“They’re going to find out soon enough.” He hooked his thumbs into his front pockets. “Like I said, I’m not going anywhere.”

“Yeah, I heard you the other night, but let’s get something straight. I don’t need you to be…well…”

“Like a kind husband? Want me to be rude?”

“No, not rude.”

“Most women would love to have a caring husband.”

“But our marriage is—” she caught the words but too late.

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