Page 41 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine
That earned a hearty laugh, one that lingered on our lips as we drifted off to sleep.
* * *
As Bromirand I made our way through the fairgrounds the following day, I spotted a flash of blue wings.My heart lifted immediately when I spotted Rosalyn, owner of The Sconery and Teashop, and one of the most delightful souls in Moonshine Hollow.
“Rosalyn!”I called, weaving through the crowd toward her stall.She turned at the sound of my voice, her iridescent wings shimmering in the sunlight.
“Tansy!”she squealed, clapping her hands together as she flew across the lane to greet me.“I was hoping to see you today!”She pulled me into a surprisingly strong hug for someone so petite.“Tell me, is that grumpy dwarf of yours behaving himself?”
Bromir grunted behind me.“I’m standing right here, pixie.”
Rosalyn’s laugh was a bright, chiming sound as she darted around me to Bromir.“And still as grouchy as ever,” she said, pinching his cheek.“And as handsome,” she added with a flirtatious wink as she flitted back to her stall.
To my surprise, Bromir blushed.
“Come see what I’ve brought for the fair,” Rosalyn called, waving for us to join her.
Her table was laden with colorful treats: pumpkin moon tarts, their glowing filling almost too pretty to eat; twilight toffee apples that sparkled like the stars in their candy coating; and stacks of maple blossom cream puffs.The scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm maple syrup wafted from her stall, making my mouth water instantly, especially when I spotted her signature cinnamon ember bites.I adored the crunchy, cinnamon-spiced apple chips that sparked like embers when you bit into them.
“I’ll take three packs of the cinnamon ember bites,” I said, reaching for my coin pouch.
“Of course, but you also need these.”Rosalyn held up a tray of golden scones, the maple glaze catching the sunlight.“Autumn glow scones,” she announced, her wings fluttering with pride.“Pumpkin, spice, and a touch of magic.They taste divine and bring good fortune.”
“Good fortune?”I asked.
“Absolutely,” Rosalyn said with a wink.“Eat one of these, and you might find a bit of luck in love, business, or whatever your heart desires.Last year, I sold one to a merchant who found his missing shipment of silver the very next day.Coincidence?I think not.”
I laughed, shaking my head.“You always know how to sell your wares, Rosalyn.”
“It’s not selling if it’s true!”she declared, handing me a warm scone.“Go on, try one.”
I took it from her hand and split it in half, sharing it with Bromir.
“Good fortune to you, partner,” I said.“We’ll need it today, goats and all.”
Bromir and I tapped our scone halves together in toast, laughed, then ate.
I took a bite.The blend of spices and sweet pumpkin melted in my mouth.
“Delicious,” I told her between bites.
Rosalyn beamed a smile at me as she boxed up my other treats with care.“These cinnamon bites have a little magic baked in, perfect for anyone needing a boost of cheer.Though,” she added with a sly look, “you seem to have a glow about you already.”
I tried not to blush.“It’s probably just the excitement of the fair.”
“Or something—or someone—else?”she teased, her wings fluttering mischievously.
I glanced over my shoulder, half hoping to spot Kellen in the crowd, but there was no sign of him.Still, I couldn’t help but feel like he was near.“I’m not sure yet,” I admitted softly.“Maybe.”
Rosalyn nodded, her expression softening.“Everything will work out, Tansy.Until then, at least you have pixie sweets to brighten your day.”She passed me the box with a wink.“On the house.”
“Rosalyn, no—” I began, but she waved me off.
“Consider it my contribution to a potential love story in the making, hmm?Now, off with you!Go dazzle the fair,” she told me, then looked at Bromir.“And if you are looking for a love story,” she added, giving him a sly grin, “you know where to find me.”
Bromir laughed.
I rolled my eyes at the pair of them, always flirting but not really meaning it.They were ridiculous—and hilarious.
