“Thank you for coming to our annual pie contest! This year we have more contestants than ever! From left to right we have a blueberry pie from Betty Clayton, then a strawberry rhubarb from Kay Fisher.” She went down the list until she got to the final two, her voice perking up as she proudly announced Autumn and Jack. “Then finally we have Jack Halston with his classic pumpkin pie. And this year, we have a Cedarwick classic, apple pie, from Autumn Cedarwick! Judges will now taste and judge on presentation, taste, and how unique they are.”
The crowd cheered and Autumn bounced on her toes as the judges were served a slice of each, writing down scores on their papers. I’d never cared much to watch this but always showed up for Jack who had won a few over the years. Now I was just as anxious as I watched, hoping with everything I had my girl wasn’t disappointed in the end.
After what felt like an awkward twenty or so minutes of the crowd watching the judges eat, Janet was back with the microphone and a piece of paper.
“We had an amazing assortment of pies this year, you should all be so proud of yourself. First we will announce fourth through twelfth place,” she started, calling out names one by one. Jack and Autumn both let out an excited squeal when their own names weren’t called.
“Now if I could have Kay Fisher, Autumn Cedarwick, and Jack Halston to the front!”
“Oh god,” Autumn said, practically hyperventilating as she dragged Jack to the front, only stopping when she saw Hunter walk up. He said something that had her ducking her head and blushing furiously before making it to the stage. He strutted over to me and clapped me on the shoulder.
“Look at how our girl is taking this town by storm. You guys seemed busy out there today,” he noted.
“That’s an understatement. I wouldn’t be shocked if she’s sold out by the time we get back to Riley,” I answered with a chuckle.
“With Riley I wouldn’t doubt it, the man has charisma.”
We quieted down as Janet pulled out three ribbons. Autumn and Jack stood with an old omega between them.
“In third place we have Kay Fisher!” she announced, pinning the ribbon on the woman’s shirt. Kay let out a little shimmy before fist bumping, an old alpha in the crowd returning the gesture. It was adorable how proud she was.
“Oh man, this might be trouble,” Hunter laughed uneasily.
“In second place is Jack Halston with his pumpkin pie!” she announced and Jack turned to Autumn and pulled her into a bone crushing hug, the two of them dancing before she’d even gotten to call out to the crowd. “Which leaves us with Autumn Cedarwick coming in first! She had extra points for presentation and has blown the judges away with her spin on a classic dessert. Care to say a few words, Autumn?”
For once there was no overthinking as she took the microphone and put it up to her mouth.
“I’d like to thank Jack for not only lending me his kitchen, but making sure I didn’t give up on perfecting my pie. He’ll be a hard one to beat next year.” She let her words hang in the air as she made eye contact with all three of us. Janet whispered something to her and she grinned. “And I’m happy to announce that Cedarwick farms has decided to work with our lovely Mayor’s office to create a community space. The old farmhouse is being renovated now and that project will continue through the spring for it to become the Cedarwick Community Center, that will give our Junior Deputies a place to meet and learn as well as have a community garden and plenty of events with the orchard itself.”
“Holy shit,” Hunter gasped. His voice cracked a bit and I leaned in until our shoulders were touching to offer silent support. She’d taken one of the most important things in his life and did something amazing for the kids.
The cheers were so loud that she couldn’t talk again until Janet let out her whistle again.
“More details will be released later. For now I’d like to thank my pack, Jack, Boone, and Hunter, for giving me so much more than I expected when I returned. And I’m happy to say, that Holiday Hollow is officially my home, if they’ll have me.”
She handed the mic back to Janet but it didn’t matter, we were already rushing up to join her. My focus was on my girl and the bombshell she just dropped.
“You’re staying?” I asked bluntly, needing to hear her say it to us. We ignored Janet who called the contest to a close and the crowd started leaving. But the world could burn around us for all I cared.
“I am,” she said, laughing as tears started to fall. “I want this. I want you. This is home now if you’ll have me?”
“It’s been your home, I’m glad you finally see it,” Hunter said gruffly, pulling her in for a kiss. Jack was next, giving her a hug and swiping at his own tears.
“I love you,” he whispered softly before gently pushing her toward me.
“You alright, bear?” she asked me softly. The worry in her face wouldn’t do.
“I’m more than alright, Autumn,” I answered as I kissed her soundly. “You’ve made me the happiest alpha. I couldn’t have let you go easily.”
She grinned up at me. “Now you don’t have to. I’m yours, Boone. All of yours.”
* * *
The Junior Deputieswere practically vibrating with excitement as they held their little candles. I’d watched Hunter start this program and cultivate it over the years until it was as successful as it was now. The kids loved it, but even more than that, Hunter did too. He was good with the kids and I couldn't help but glance over at Autumn who was helping turn over a few candles that the kids were holding upside down.
The two of them were a great team, getting the kids settled as Janet stepped in next to them.
“Thank you to everyone attending our annual Fall Festival. This year is proving to be one of our most successful ones yet. And to kick off the rest of the festivities, we have our very own Junior Deputies here to light the first pumpkins of the year.” The kids squealed in excitement and had to be shushed, the crowd laughing softly at their outburst.