Page 31 of Treated to a Mountain Man
"Yes, sir. We did the best we could."
The crowd's murmuring grew louder.
"As for Cinn's past," I said, looking directly at Belinda, "everyone deserves a fresh start. She's worked harder than anyone to build something good here. She won fair and square, despite what happened to her."
"Hear, hear!" Ida's voice rang out from the crowd.
Mayor Finch turned to the judges. "Does any of this change your decision?"
Josephine spoke firmly. "We judged each entry on taste, presentation, and technique. Ms. Moretti's was superior. Our decision stands. In fact, knowing she created that quality after sabotage frankly makes it even more impressive."
The mayor nodded. "Then it's settled. Welcome to Woodbridge Falls, Ms. Moretti." He turned to Belinda. "As for you, Mrs. Quimby, I'll be asking Chief Morrison to investigate—"
"Actually," Garrett Pembroke pushed through the crowd, his face twisted with anger. "I can save you the trouble. She asked me to break into the shop. Gave me the crowbar, told me to destroy all the supplies."
"Garrett, you bastard—" Belinda started.
"I'm done covering for you!" He climbed the steps. "You said if I helped eliminate the competition, we'd expand your business together. You promised—"
"You wanted to corner the maple market! It was your idea to—"
"Enough," Mayor Finch interrupted. "Chief Morrison?"
The police chief stepped forward with two officers.
"Garrett Pembroke, Belinda Quimby, you're under arrest for breaking and entering, destruction of property, and conspiracy."
She tried to run but tripped over her heels. The officers cuffed them both as the crowd watched in stunned silence.
"My husband will hear about this!" she shrieked as they led her away.
"Your husband moved out months ago!" someone called out. "He's not helping you!"
The tension broke with scattered laughter. People surged forward, surrounding Cinn with congratulations. Ida patted her shoulder. Even the other competitors came over—Caleb shaking her hand, Miriam offering collaboration.
Cinn pushed through the well-wishers to reach me.
"Thank you for standing up for me," she said softly.
"Just doing what’s right," I said, pulling her close.
Then I kissed her, right there in front of the whole town. The crowd cheered and whistled.
When we broke apart, Lucy appeared, practically vibrating with excitement. "You won! And that scene was better than reality TV! Plus, a man from Albany wants to talk about wholesale orders—"
"Breathe, Lucy," Cinn laughed.
The Albany buyer owned a specialty food distributor. Within an hour, Cinn had tentative orders from him and several other vendors. The future of Sugar & Spice suddenly looked very bright.
We packed up as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. Lucy talked excitedly about all the orders they'd need to fill as we loaded boxes.
"You know what this means?" I asked Cinn as Lucy drove off.
"The shop's saved?"
"You're officially part of Woodbridge Falls now. The town just claimed you as one of its own."
She leaned against me. "I should call my parents. Tell them about the win. Maybe it's time to try reconnecting."
