Page 133 of Only Fate

“I honestly don’t know that either.”

He sighs, resting his forehead against mine. “I’ll find it. I’ll make it up to you, Essie. Let me prove to you I’m trustworthy enough for your love.”

41

The Blue Beech Fall Festival is straight out of a movie.

Autumn vomited all over the town.

Everything smells like cinnamon and pumpkin.

There are hayrides and people selling food and crafts, and a live band plays on a makeshift stage. The festival starts downtown but travels down roads that are lined with booths, people, and parked cars.

My abuela put me in charge of her bake sale booth. She’s selling her sweet bread and guava pastries. Both are my favorites.

Fellow Blue Beechers stop by her booth, grabbing samples, and almost all compliment her sweets. More than half buy something. When my abuela lived alone, she stayed at home most of the time. I love seeing her make new friends here.

She swats at my arm. “Oh, look who’s over there.”

I turn to where she’s pointing to find Essie standing in front of a cider booth, talking with River and her dad.

“Essie!” she calls out, cupping her hand around her mouth. “Come here and try my pastries!”

Essie turns at the sound of her name, looking toward us. Smiling, she heads in our direction. River and Rex follow her.

“I’d love for you to try this,” my abuela says when they reachus. She hands Essie a sample before doing the same with the guys.

River and I offer each other a head nod, and I shake Rex’s hand, telling him it’s nice seeing him again. River would probably laugh in my face if I attempted the same formalities with him.

Essie bashfully peers over at me like I wasn’t naked in bed with her less than twelve hours ago.

I lick my lips, feeling like I can still taste her on them.

“This is amazing,” Essie groans after taking her first bite of a guava pastry. “I’ll take one, or two, or three. Whatever my options are.”

Rex bites into his pastry, nodding in agreement.

River does the same, giving my abuela a thumbs-up.

“As a man married to an incredible baker, I have to say, these are delicious,” Rex tells my abuela. “I’d be in the doghouse if I didn’t buy some of these for her.” He tastes the sweet bread next. “Some of this too.”

“Valeria, I’m requesting you bring these to all bake sales and festivals,” Essie adds.

My abuela stands up straight, a prideful smile on her face.

I introduce her to River and Rex. Instead of shaking their hands, she skips around her booth to wrap them in hugs.

I can’t stop myself from doing the same with Essie. “You look damn adorable,” I mutter, smiling at her pink scarf and black beanie with poofs on the top, resembling animal ears.

She returns the smile. “Thank you. This is what they call fall festival chic.” Her gaze coasts down my body. “I have to say, it looks like you’re falling into the Blue Beech fashion trend.”

I glance at my jeans before pulling on my flannel sweatshirt. “I also went for fall festival chic.”

These clothes are ten times more comfortable than suits and ties and are slowly becoming my regular attire. I still dress professionally in the office, but unlike the city, I’m not worriedabout running into clients outside the office while casually dressed.

She smiles before motioning toward the booth. “Please tell me you know how to make those.”

“I do.” I grin.

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