Page 86 of Of Poison & Pumpkins
I grin. “If what, my dear Sunflower?”
“If you can give me a piggyback ride, since you made me wear these stilettos.”
“Wait a rottin’ second. I didn’t force you to wear anything.”
“You gave me the cutest little puppy look. How could I deny that?”
“I’m cute? Okay, okay, hop on!” I kneel so she can climb up my back.
I carry her on my back as I march down the cobblestone streets that hold centuries of secrets. Goddess, I’m so grateful I found her.
EPILOGUE
1 year later
Rynn
I hide in the back of Zanther’s Pumpkins, watching Elias charm another customer. I no longer need to make a sale by forcing a smile to sell purple items, and even better, I no longer have to compete against Elias. No more moral obligations to hate everything pumpkin, which is perfect since I adore pumpkin spice lattes. Selfishly, I inhale in a giant breath of the pumpkin aroma I love.
Even hidden as I am in my secret spot, Maya finds me, a stuffed pumpkin toy balanced on her head.
“Auntie Rynn? I see you!”
I can’t believe how fast she’s growing. Before I know it, I’ll blink and Maya will mature into her own magic. Which reminds me of my seven-month-old niece, cradled in my brother’s arms in the pie aisle. So much has changed in a year.
I glance out the window. We have to leave soon in order to beat the storm. I walk towards my friends and family, grateful to have them all in one place.
“Lias, I got you something to wear to the show tomorrow,” I say, holding out a box.
His eyes brighten and widen. “What is it?! Oh, don’t tell me.” He tears it open and pulls out a custom, hand-knitted pair of golden suspenders I’ve been working on between orders.
“Oh, these are great! Should I wear them now?”
“No, they’re for tomorrow. You’ll match the unicorns.”
“Thank you, babe.” With a thunk, he plops a pumpkin scented candle on the check-out counter. “I need to get you a gift.”
“I don’t need a present.”
“But I want to spoil you.” I meet his dark gaze, eyes full of mischief.
With a playful sigh, I tsk at my boyfriend, my roommate, my best friend. “You did more than enough spoiling,” I whisper.
“Oh, wait till tonight, you won’t remember your name.” His flirtatious tone has my insides twist pleasantly. “I’ve been told my hands work miracles. I won’t disappoint.”
The sheer audacity of this man.
“We’re staying at Viv’s, remember?”
“But Oakmar’s festival is tonight.” He pouts dramatically and runs a suggestive hand over his thick suspender strap.
My heart rate doubles, hyper-aware of his stare. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me.
“From what I recall of your story, Viv has a thousand beds in her barn,” Tinsley says, punctuated by laughter.
Elias lifts an eyebrow, proud that I’ve shared our sexcapades.
“Eli doesn’t need a bed. Just give him a wall for hammering. Isn’t that right? Bro?” Zanther slaps Elias’s back and I’m certain I turn a shade of beet red.
