Page 123 of Magic and Muffins

We watched as the wolves began to eat the cookies the single women and one man from the community had baked just a few hours before.

Pam’s cookie was number four on the list, and I watched as they neared the fourth cookie. Boulder took a bite of it then stood abruptly. Pam flashed a questioning glance my way.

“I think we found a winner,” I said, hurrying to Boulder. I pulled him to the side. “Number four?”

He nodded.

“You know who it is, don’t you?” I asked.

Having worked together at Blur, he must have sensed something at some point.

He nodded again. “Yeah. I’ve known for a while. I thought I’d have more time to work up the courage to ask her on a date. Then Blur closed, and everything else happened. I had my fingers crossed when Vena said she made cookies this time.”

“And now that you’ve tasted it?”

He smiled. “I’m going for it.”

I looked back at Pam and gave her a thumbs-up. She gasped. It was a happy yet confused gasp.

“Why don’t you have a seat over there,” I said to Boulder, pointing to a table slightly away from everyone else.

When I walked over to Pam, she grabbed my arm and tugged me to the counter. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. He said he’s known for a while but was working up the courage. Are you okay with it?”

"Are you kidding? He’s like a chocolate-covered gummy bear.”

I looked questioningly at her.

“The first time I saw him, I wanted to lick him all over then bounce on him.”

I heard a choked cough coming from Boulder.

“Why don’t you grab two coffees and have a seat with him. I’ll watch the counter.”

I didn’t have to tell her twice. Her apron went flying, and coffee sloshed in the cups as she sprinted over to him.

“Another happy customer,” Cross said. “But I’ll watch the counter. You go get dressed.”

I supposed I couldn’t go to my own graduation dinner with my parents while dusted in flour.

Jogging up the stairs, I headed to the bedroom where Cross and Shepard were now locked in a battle of who could create the most ridiculous nude painting. Our room was covered in “art,” and it made me giggle every time I saw them.

Once in the bathroom, I tossed my uniform into the laundry and quickly showered before putting on the dress Cross had laid out on the bed for me.

It was red with a gold collar, the colors of the college I graduated from.

I glanced in the mirror to make sure I looked halfway decent and that my hair wasn’t frizzing. Once that was done, I opened a drawer and pulled out the surprise gift for my parents. The small box held a cut-out picture from my ultrasound last week. I still couldn’t believe I was having Shepard’s baby.

He and Cross were ecstatic about it. Cross had figured it out only a few days after I’d conceived, noticing a change in my scent. At first, he’d buried his nose in my neck and asked if I’d changed the detergent or worn perfume. He’d been so obsessed we’d ended up in bed for a time. But when he’d taken a little nip, something he rarely did, he’d gone crazy with his hugs and kisses and cuddles.

When Shepard had come home a few hours later, he’d taken one look at me and fallen to his knees to kiss my stomach. It’d been so sweet and so perfect.

My parents still didn’t know, but I knew they’d be thrilled. Once the initial shock had worn off, they were very accepting of Shepard and Cross and even had fun getting in the middle of some of their playful squabbles.

I placed the box in my purse and headed downstairs, knowing Shepard should arrive soon so we could all drive together.

However, as soon as I stepped into the bakery, I saw it was transformed. Red and gold balloons, streamers, and dozens of familiar people were there, along with a ton of food.

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