Page 29 of Falling for the Veterinarian

“We take our pie very seriously here in Moonridge.” Aunt Michelle fills me in on the details, “The final judging is what the public gets to see. Everyone at the event gets to try the pies at the same time as the judges. The final judging panel is always different. This year, the judges are Judy Chambers, a chocolatier from Burlington, Mrs. O’Conner; the mayor’s wife, and Bradly Wine. He was a finalist on the TV show Top Pastry Chef.”

“Wow, sounds exciting.” I blow out a sigh.

“Oh, and after that is the hard apple cider tasting.” Aunt Michelle continues, “That event always sells out too. Only sixty tickets are sold every year. We couldn’t get any this year. It’s a special event where the Moonridge Brewery releases their newest batch of hard cider recipes.”

“Oh really? That’s the prize I won, well split, with Zach.”

“OOH! So lucky, you two will have fun at that. Make sure you try the maple elderberry cider if they bring that sample,” Aunt Michelle insists as she gives a chef’s kiss.

***

It’s just before five thirty p.m. I find Cookie, Aunt Michelle, and Uncle Nate chatting outside the venue for the competition. It’s a private gated area of the lawn with faux boxwood walls and fairy lights. The doors aren’t open, so I can’t quite see the inside yet. I tap Cookie on the shoulder and offer her a hug.

“Hi, Miss Sarah. Thank you for supporting me.” Her tone is softer and full of gratitude.

“Of course, I wouldn’t have missed it. Besides, I can’t wait to have another slice of that delicious pie,” I say.

“Oh! Nancy, over here!” Aunt Michelle waves her over.

Daryl is wearing his cowboy hat, a long-sleeved flannel shirt, and a turquoise bolo tie. He completes the look with a flashy bronze belt buckle and freshly polished boots. Nancy is a stark contrast in a high-end grey peacoat with a gorgeous burgundy dress and knee-high boot pumps.

“Wow, you look fabulous!” I say to Nancy.

“Thank you, dear.” She gives me a warm hug. “How are you?”

“Much better than the last time I saw you."

“I see you already know my parents,” a familiar deep voice says from out of nowhere.

I turn to face Zach and instantly see the pale-blue-eye resemblance. I can’t believe I didn’t put the two together earlier.

“Oh, hi honey. I am so glad you made it.” Nancy reaches over and gives Zach a strong squeeze.

“So, I guess you are acquainted with sweet Sarah, after all.” Nancy gives me a side squeeze.

“Ah, there’s Lisa. I guess I’ll leave you two to it.” She walks off with Aunt Michelle to greet Lisa and her husband, who oddly enough looks like a slightly younger Mr. Magoo, the cartoon character from the late 1940s. Not exactly the match I would have pictured for Lisa, but they appear ridiculously happy.

“Should we go in?” Zach asks. I turn to find the gate open and people start to trickle inside after signing a food allergy waiver. The boxwood walls are covered in fairy lights on the inside as well. The large round tables with white linen tablecloths seat ten people each. Festive fabric leaves in reds and yellows are sewn together into table runners at each set of tables. As we enter, I realize we are in a tent; I’m not sure how I didn’t realize that at first. It almost feels like an autumn wedding.

I glace down at my green cable knit sweater, blue skinny jeans, and calf-high black suede boots. “I had no idea it was going to be so fancy. I think I am underdressed.” I grab Zach’s arm as my pulse quickens.

“No, you look beautiful. It’s not as formal as it seems. Besides, that green makes your eyes glow.” His eyes bore into mine. Before I can respond, I hear Michelle.

“Zach, Sarah!” She waves us over to sit with her and Uncle Nate, Zach’s parents, and Lisa and her husband. Cookie is there as well, and one seat is left. I am about to ask who the seat was for when Domingo slides into the open chair.

“Just barely made it! I had to wash the chocolate out of my hair.”

Cookie glares at him like a lioness about to pounce on her prey.

“Whoa, mamacita, I’m just kidding. You know, lightening the mood.” The table erupts in laughter.

Twenty-One

Zach

Sarah’semeraldeyesareelectric tonight. Every time she is bold enough to give me direct eye contact, I feel giddy like a teenager again. I am grateful she showed up and grateful she admitted why she really left me standing there stupidly with Whitney. I faked a phone call just to get away from her. If I hadn’t seen the moment the bug flew into her eye, I would have guessed she planted it there.

Mayor O’Conner, tonight’s Master of Ceremonies, clangs his fork on the rim of his glass of water. He has a sleek navy blue suit on with a maple leaf boutonniere. I lean over to whisper in Sarah’s ear.

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