Page 24 of Forbidden to Fall

“Well,” I said as she released my hand, “I won’t be working as many hours at the bakery, so I have more time than I normally would. And it’s not like it’s totally selfless, right? I’d be benefiting as well.”

In fact, I’d done the math, and I needed this venture to be profitable, especially with my future at the bakery up in the air.

May considered me. “Given how much of the work you’d be doin’, we’d need to revisit the question of just how much you’d be benefitin’. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very helpful with these ideas for expansion. People don’t quite know what to do with me, but you’re Autumn Ridge, through and through. They’ll be happy to say yes to you.”

I glanced at James, whose interlocked fingers covered his mouth.

“Carver Maple Farm is an integral part of Autumn Ridge, Mrs. Carver,” I said. “Your success is the town’s success.”

“Well, of course I agree with you,” she replied with a smile, “but it remains to be seen if others see it that way.”

We finished up with dinner, and though May insisted I not worry about dishes, I helped anyway. James had done the same for me with my mess in the sugar shack—twice over, in fact—so it was the least I could do.

After that was done, May took out the plate of cream puffs to sample. James and I gave her no indication what the differences were between the dough and filling combinations, so we shared a smile when she chose the very dark dough and amber filling as her favorite.

First product: confirmed.

“I’ll be working on a different option tomorrow,” I said as May walked me to the door. “I’ve got to do some work at the stables first, but that shouldn’t take too long.” I turned to look at her. “Thank you so much for a delicious dinner, Mrs. Carver.”

She pulled me into a hug. “You’re always welcome in this home, Miss Sadie. I’d invite you for dinner tomorrow, but I’ll be takin’ James to the airport.”

I nodded, my gaze flicking behind her for any sign of James, but he wasn’t there.

I had no idea whether I’d see him before he left town—but I also didn’t know what I’d say if I did.

His visit to Autumn Ridge had made my feelings ten times more confusing. Half of me was curious to settle the confusion, while the other half knew it was best to leave things be.

But I kind of wished I’d been able to say goodbye this time.

I brought the hose over to the last stall at Horseshoe Holler and set the end in the water tank.

I’d been looking forward to a ride after work at the bakery today, but with the little trickle of tourists starting to appear in town and preparations for the mayor’s birthday party tomorrow, I’d ended up staying late. Morgan would be arriving tomorrow, which meant my hours would officially be cut back.

There’d been work to do at the stables once I arrived. Archer was busy gearing up for the busiest part of the year, so I’d figured my time was best spent mucking out some stalls and topping up food and water where it was needed. In exchange for helping out, Archer let me ride whenever I wanted. Best arrangement ever.

Miss Mahogany gave my butt a bump with her nose, and I smiled back at her. “Give me a minute, girl.” She was partial to being brushed, so once I filled her water, I wrapped the hose back on its hook and grabbed her favorite—a curry brush. It was the harshest one, but she loved it.

She was chomping down on hay by the time I got back to her stall and shut the door behind me, but her ears swiveled in acknowledgment.

Starting at her shoulder, I ran the brush in circular motions, talking softly to her about everything and nothing.

I’d brought a change of clothes so I could head straight to the farm after I was done at the stables. I planned to try a new recipe today—a type of maple cookie was the hope. I still hadn’t totally decided how simple or quirky to make it. Now that I had the freedom to bake what I wanted, I was experiencing a baker’s identity crisis. Part of me said to keep it classic and safe while the other part wanted to add all the weird things inside and on top. I wouldn’t experience the classic mid-life crisis and buy a convertible; I’d be slipping things like chickpeas and beef jerky into pastries.

At least my crisis would be more affordable.

James was leaving in the next few hours, so I’d have to hope May would be honest with me about the results of my endeavors. Not sure I could count on that. I’d have to have a talk with her and let her know that honesty was vital for the success of the plan.

I paused my brushing as footsteps and voices drew nearer. Archer’s was one of them.

“Who cares what they think or what they want?” he said. “You don’t owe them anything.”

Miss Mahogany reached her head back and nudged my arm—her way of saying Get back to work, lazy bum.

I brushed half-heartedly, my ears on alert. Who was Archer talking to?

“He still hates me.”

I froze again. I knew that voice.