Page 26 of Autumn Wishes and Pumpkin Kisses

Emotion rises in my throat. That’s the best compliment my dad could have given me. “If I am... it’s because of you.” My dad gives me a smile and waves his hand in dismissal. Silas comes running back out of the house with his bag in hand. He rushes to my dad and wraps his arms around one of his legs, thanking him for his help before rushing towards my truck. Seraphina comes out behind him. She stops next to my dad. It looks so funny to see the man I grew up with next to this tiny little girl dressed in a frilly dress. Seraphina looks up at him and slips her hand in his. The adoration in his eyes as he looks down reminds me that this is the right decision for all of us. If only Teaganne were here. “Okay, I’m going to get Silas to tryouts. Warbee will be by in a bit to pick you up Seraphina.”

She jumps up and down. “Yay!”

I walk over and pass my dad the football. “Thank you.” He nods his head.

On the way to tryouts Silas goes quiet. “I wish my mom was here.”

“Me too, buddy. I know she wanted to be and she hates that she won’t get to see you in person, but she’ll see you.”

Silas perks up and looks at me. I glance in the rearview mirror. “How?”

I laugh. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m a bit of a tech guru.”

“You have like a superpower!” Silas exclaims, his eyes large.

“Not exactly, but that’s not the best part. See all that stuff beside you.” He nods his head. “I’m going to film and stream the tryouts to your mom so it’s like she’s there watching you.”

He stares at the seat beside him in wonder. “That’s so cool.”

As soon as we pull up to the park where little league football will be held, Silas spots Rocker. I help him down and he takes off. While Silas is busy with Rocker, I set up the equipment and send Teaganne a link so she can see the tryouts. Two hours later and the sun has just about disappeared and tryouts are over. Silas actually did really well. Rocker and I were impressed with a lot of them. Before I even make it to Warbee and Rocker’s cabin, style house Silas is fast asleep.

Warbee meets me on the porch. “Just put him on the couch. I’ll have to wake him up to feed and bathe him.”

Carefully, I lay him down, trying my best not to wake up. “He did really well.”

“That’s great. Did he have fun or make any friends?”

I nod my head. “I think he did.” The swell of pride in my chest is staggering. I never imagined I would be here, but I’m loving every minute. I clear my throat. “I had an idea.”

Warbee motions for me to join her back on the porch. “What’s up?”

“Well, first of all I have Teaganne’s plans for the bakery. I want to get them done before she gets back.”

“Oh, my goodness! That’s so exciting. She will love that. What can I do to help?” she asks.

I smile. “I’m so glad you asked. I have part two to this plan of mine.”

TWENTY-THREE

Teaganne

As I pull back into Blue Ridge, the exhaustion fully hits me. The stress of the last couple of days. Emotionally drained doesn’t even begin to cover it. Not to mention, all the jet lag that’s bound to catch up with me. I already feel like I have the flu mixed with the worst hangover ever and got run over by a semi-truck. It’s no joke. The traffic in Blue Ridge is heavier than normal. I’m surprised because I’m not sure why. It’s a Sunday night. Most of everyone should be at home gearing up for work and school weeks tomorrow. My phone rings and I’m thankful I turned on the Bluetooth when I got in. “Hello.”

Keefer’s voice, smooth and soothing like Tennessee Whiskey comes through the other end of the line, filling every speaker in the SUV. He’s been amazing these past couple days. Recording Silas’ football tryouts and Seraphina’s first dance class. Sending me pictures of them. I got to see it all even though I wasn’t physically here. “Hey, darlin’. Have you made it to Blue Ridge yet?”

“Yeah, just pulling in. This place is busy tonight. Did I miss something?” I rack my brain trying to remember but I’m coming up blank.

“Not yet. You’re just in time actually.”

I want to cry. I’m so exhausted I just want to go grab Silas and Seraphina and climb into bed and sleep for days. Keefer is making it sound like there’s something I’m going to have to do. “In time for what?”

“The official kickoff of Bushels of Fun.” Oh hell, how did I forget about the annual fall festival? It's been a staple in the community for years. I understand how I forgot about it considering everything I just went through, but I had been telling Silas and Seraphina about this festival since the moment I told them we were going to be moving here. “Teag, are you still there?”

I sigh. “Yeah, I forgot. I don’t know how, but I did.”

“I know how and it’s okay that you did. Come to the bakery. We’re all here, just waiting for you.” Keefer’s voice sounds excited and I can’t help but perk up a little from it. The thought of seeing my kids and him makes me feel a little better. Maybe, I can grab some coffee from Warbee and manage to go ahead and take Silas and Seraphina to Bushels of Fun. They’re going to love it.

A yawn threatens me, but I fight it back. “Okay, I’ll be right there.” As I pull up to the bakery, I’m shocked to see so many vehicles parked in front. However, by some good fortune I manage to get a parking spot right in front. By the time I climb out of the SUV and turn around, Keefer is standing in front of Bee’s Batter with Seraphina in his arms and Silas’ hand in his. It mends a part of my broken heart. Keefer looks so damn good that I’m wide awake. His denim jeans and rust colored, long sleeve, Henley shirt look too good to be true. When he smiles at me his dimples are on full display and my heart does a little flutter.

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