Fall in Honey Hollow comes in phases. First, there is the inkling of a cool breeze alerting summer that her seasonal duties are coming to an end. Next, comes the crisp, autumn wind that blow the dying leaves in all of their colorful splendor around town like confetti as the town itself becomes a parade of beauty on display for the world to admire. Finally, the frost becomes a permanent fixture as the season itself dies just like those leaves it so celebrated. The baton is passed to winter, and all things are once again discovered anew.

And just like fall, one of my favorite seasons of the year, I too feel as if I came into my own right along with it. I had never realized how much I held onto the failures of the past, the rejection, the abandonment that plagues me had all become etched over my soul like a badge of dishonor, and unbeknownst to me I had worn it with pleasure. I think it’s time to remove the badge, remove the shame and the disgrace that others have inflicted, that I may have inflicted on myself. It’s time to discover a new version of who I am and all that I can be. Time, in fact, has been my greatest teacher, ushering me through each new phase of my being. The metamorphosis continues as I stretch my wings and fly, as I fly so high I touch the stratosphere with the new opportunities presented to me. And I look forward to each new discovery as I lift the boulders of the past off my spirit, brush the dust off myself, and enter into the light of this new life. It is a beautiful, beautiful thing to realize that you are not defined by who you once were, that life is ever-evolving around you, and that you, in fact, are along for the magical ride.

A lot has happened in Honey Hollow this past month, and in order to move on from what was, Nell has decided to host an open house at the Honey Pot. All day and well into the evening, residents have been streaming as a show of community, to show the world that we are indeed family, that we are strong and celebrate one another’s victories, and just as easily mourn one another’s defeats. No one is pleased that Mora Anne had a terrible life with her sister. Certainly an emotional imprisonment like the one Merilee imposed on her was painful to hear about and process. But we are all relieved that Mora Anne will get the help she needs. The psychological examination proved that the assistance she requires will be extensive although not impossible to achieve. Everett says she will most likely be sent to a place where there is a hospital-like environment, and each day she will work to restore herself, the true self she lost way back when all of that emotional abuse began. I’ve already resolved to visit her whenever possible. Yes, she tried very hard to kill me, but I believe in second chances and during her arrest Mora Anne has already quite sincerely apologized profusely.

And per the rumor mill, as led by its most active member, my mother, Coach Hagan and his wife are officially in counseling. There’s no telling if they will ever truly restore what was lost, but at least they will be civil to one another for the sake of their children.

Travis Darren, as rumor and confirmation of said rumor would have it, is now dating Naomi Turner’s best friend, Lily Swanson. Once word spread on the street that Travis was a well sought-after man, a fair amount of ladies turned up the volume and strutted their stuff in front of the leaf peeping guide. He had a bevy of beauties to choose from, and he happily chose the shallowest of them all. I suppose, in the end, he too received his just desserts.

My mother has confided in me that both Eve Hollister and Chrissy Nash have taken a personal vow to never withhold anything juicy from her again. She really leveraged that whole my-daughter’s-life-was-in-the-bounds thing, and, suffice it to say, she will never be in the proverbial dark again.

Keelie wraps an arm around me as we stare out at all the bodies circulating through the Honey Pot. There’s a buffet set up on the wall adjacent to what will be the official new bakery, and appropriately enough there are desserts for every and anyone who would like to partake. I gladly lost myself in the kitchen after that entire horror at the orchard. I still have nightmares about that steely blade slashing around my head and wake up gasping for air, so Pancake has taken up permanent residency on my pillow as opposed to near my feet where he usually slept. And those nightmares are becoming fewer and fewer. I couldn’t have asked for a better furry guardian angel.

“So, what do you think?” Keelie asks as she looks to the crowd. “Did Honey Hollow survive its first great tragedy?”

“Are you kidding? We not only survived, we’re thriving.”

Mom comes up with a suppressed look of joy on her face as she lunges at me with a firm embrace. “I couldn’t agree more.” She pulls back, that bright red smile of hers expanding for more. “And you, my little girl”—she pinches my cheek with vigor—“are thriving, too.” There’s a sparkle in her eyes that’s saying something more than just her words imply, and a part of me doesn’t understand it just yet, but I know that in time I will. All will be known. And we will undoubtedly know so much more than we could ever carry or comprehend at the moment.

Lainey pops up behind her, the ever-dutiful Tanner Redwood ambling by her side. “Just stay out of trouble from now on, would you? And for the love of all things sane, do not stumble upon another dead body. It only leads to trouble.”

“I agree on all points. And though it was unspoken, I just want you to know that I’m already looking for a new place to live. So you don’t have to worry about me living in your guest room forever.”

“What?” Her cheeks pique with color, a cute little attribute my sister has had for as long as I can remember once she gets flustered. “You do not have to do that. You know I love having you around. And who will I share goodnight kisses with if Pancake isn’t there to tuck me in? I won’t have it. But if you insist, at least take your time. My door will always be open to you.”

“Thank you. I very much appreciate that.”

The three of them proceed to the dessert table, and my mother is grabbing as many people as she can on the way over, forming a conga line while she’s at it.

“Forever the life of the party,” I point out to Keelie.

“I am, aren’t I?” a deep voice rumbles from our left, and we turn to find the delectable, delicious, and, might I add, dapper Detective Noah Fox.

“Noah!” I wrap my arms around him and indulge in a relatively tame kiss. We’ll get to the untamed kisses as soon as we’re alone. Noah has been a rock of support over the last few dizzying days, and we’ve come to terms with who we are as people. He’s accepted me for the strong-willed, strong-minded, and very much competent to keep myself safe woman I am. And I’ve accepted his unrelenting praise and affection. It is very hard for someone like me, who has received her fair share of rejection over the course of my twenty-six years, to come to terms with the fact there are some people who simply will not reject you, and if they do, that’s on them. I will be just fine, regardless. I don’t need everyone to love and accept me. I need the love and acceptance of those who are willing to give it. It’s a game of give and take. And I choose to give as much love and acceptance to those around me to make up for lost time as well.

“Enough already with the PDA,” another male voice grumbles, and we cease and desist our love-fest only to find Everett standing there with a genuine grin blooming on his face. A cup of cider rests in his hand, and he looks relaxed, happy even. “You two look good together.” That smile of his does a quick exit. “And I’m happy that I’ve gotten to know you, Lemon.” He nods my way before looking to his once upon a stepbrother. “And I’m”—he looks to Noah a good long while—“I’m glad we didn’t throw punches.” He lifts his mug, and I can tell there is still work to do as far as restoration goes between these two.

Keelie points toward the tree in the center of the establishment, and we find Nell tapping the edge of a glass with a knife as she calls the room to attention. The twinkle lights that wrap around the trunk of the tree and spray out over the branches covering the ceiling give this place a magical glow that someplace as magical as the Honey Pot Diner deserves.

“Attention, please, attention,” Nell shouts as she commands the room. “I just wanted to say that it is my great pleasure to host our fine community—a community of love and inclusion, a safe place for all. Where, though there might be few that are blood-related, yet we are all family. Please enjoy the sweet treats baked by my granddaughter, Lottie Lemon.” She gives a playful wink my way, and my heart sings when she calls me that. It always does. “In fact, it is also my great pleasure to announce that through the careful greasing of the right hands, my new venture that I have embarked upon with my granddaughter, Lottie, is about to come to fruition. The Cutie Pie Bakery and Cakery, which will include fine confections, gourmet coffee, and more, will be conveniently located right next door in just a few weeks.”

Keelie nudges me with her elbow. “She said cakery. I think she added that part.”

“I know,” I whisper back, amused. “But you know what? It works, and I think I really like it. I know I do. And this way, it’s both Nell and me who got to name it.” I melt at the thought of something so sweet transpiring so organically.

“So, everyone”—Nell cries out—“enjoy the food, enjoy all the season has to bring, and most of all, enjoy each other. As we have tragically seen, this life and all it has to offer can be all too short.” Nell wraps up her speech by way of lifting her cider, and the room does the same before breaking out into applause.

Keelie tugs at my arm. “Come on. Let’s go next door and see this wonder that our grandmother has bestowed upon you.” She gives a cheeky wink of her own because she would love nothing more than to have me as a genuine part of the family and, in a way that supersedes blood, we already are.

Noah, Everett, and I stroll next door with her and look into the oversized windows as Bear and Hunter put the finishing touches on what will soon be my second home. Who am I kidding? It will be my true home. The place my heart will be happiest and at true rest, baking. The autumn chill arrests us with its icy fingers as the maple leaves race over to our feet in colors of ruby and carrot, the colors of bittersweet wine.

Hunter gives a quick wave and slaps Bear over the shoulder as he points our way before both men come out to join us.

Hunter grins, looking every bit like his cousin in the process. “You ready to throw a party once this place opens up for business?”

“A party?” I startle at the thought.

“Yup,” Bear agrees with his cousin with a nod. “You need to christen this place with friends and family. I accept a full brownie bar in my honor.” That ear-to-ear grin of his blooms once again, and something in me finds Bear a little more tolerable than I ever have before. I suppose since today is a day of forgiveness, and moving on from the past—well, I choose to do just that between Bear and me and let go all of my emotional grievances against him.

I look to Everett and Noah, and they both give a thumbs-up at the idea of a party.

“I guess I’ll be having a grand opening!” I look to Bear. “And I will most certainly have Bear’s Brownie Bar open for one and all. I can’t thank you enough for making this project a priority.”

Keelie grasps my hand a moment. “And Nell for greasing his Bear claw.”

“Nell for sure,” I say as Noah wraps his arms around me from behind, and I lean against him, the two of us looking into the bakery as if we could see the future and all of the delicious things it holds for us.

Keelie presses a hand against the glass. “We’re going to kill it.”

A small laugh breaks out as Bear and Hunter head back in and get to work once again.

Keelie sighs. “Okay, so in light of everything that’s transpired, I will definitely rethink my language.” She looks to me and winks. “But you are going to slay this town with this bakery and don’t you for a minute doubt yourself. Best of all, I get to see you do it. Front row seats right here at the Honey Pot.” She gives a wave of the fingertips before skipping off next door once again.

Everett gives a slight bow my way. “Lemon, I can’t wait for the invite. I know you’ll do this town proud.” He takes in an enormous breath as he looks to Noah. “Thank you for sharing with me what you’ve done. I won’t spoil the surprise. It looks as if Noah Fox is one of the good guys after all.” Everett pins his gaze to mine once again and holds it there. His blue eyes exude an unspoken sadness, a touch of grief that transports from him to me. “You’re a pretty great person yourself, Lemon.” He takes off for the Honey Pot, and we watch until the door closes behind him.

I spin around in Noah’s arms and look up at this handsome man who crashed through the ceiling of my life and somehow became an important fixture in it.

“What’s the surprise? Am I getting a surprise?” My mouth opens with a smile. Noah has been one surprise after the next ever since I became aware of his existence.

“In a strange way, I’ve already given it to you.” His shoulders bounce, making him look both vexingly sexy and humble all at the same time. “Turn around.”

I spin in his arms once again, and he tightens his hold over me, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Remember that day you blew into my office like a hurricane and kindly asked for a loan for kitchen equipment?”

“How can I forget? My ego is still bruised from the effort,” I tease. “I’d like to think it were fate or kismet that the loan department needed an overhaul. Because if it didn’t, I probably wouldn’t have you in my life.”

“Well, that might be true. And you might have had to find another way to get your kitchen appliances.”

I turn back around, completely baffled. “Meaning?”

He winces as if what came next were almost painful to admit. “Meaning I gave you the loan. But it’s not a loan. It’s a gift from me to you.”

“What?” I try to take a step back, but he’s still holding me tight. “Did you give Nell the money to buy the appliances? I’m sorry. I’m so confused. You lost me.”

“The truth is, I asked Nell to keep it a secret. You see, I had come into some money not long after my father had died. It was a sizeable sum, but I didn’t want any of it. It was mostly money that he pilfered and conned other people out of, even though my father was a shrewd businessman in his own right. Nevertheless, I tried my hardest to give back what he took from my stepmother, but she wouldn’t have it. That’s when I had an idea. I gave you the money, Lottie. I didn’t see a reason your dream should be delayed, and this way you don’t have the burden of a loan. And it’s not a loan. It’s a gift, Lottie. I wanted you to have it. I hope they bring you many years of happiness.”

“Noah,” I whisper, unable to catch my breath. “I don’t know what to say.” I shake my head, my gaze unable to break from his. “This is unbelievable. Are you sure you want me to have that much of your father’s estate? Maybe we can set up a payment schedule, and as soon as possible I can start paying you back.”

“No.” He laughs at the thought. “That, I will not allow. It’s simply yours. Enjoy it. I spoke to Everett about it afterwards, and he agreed it was best.”

Tears come to my eyes as I take him in. “Well then. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are just as gorgeous of a man on the inside as you are on the outside, and I feel privileged and humbled by your decision.” I bite down on my lower lip. “I think this qualifies you for free sweets for life.” I hike my shoulder up at him. “And I won’t take no for an answer.”

“In that case, I guess my answer is yes.”

“Good.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “And I hope the answer to the next question is yes as well. Kiss me?”

His whole face erupts into a greedy grin. “Always a yes to that, Lottie Lemon.”

Noah’s lips fall to mine, and we indulge in another act of sinfully delicious affection, this time with far more attention to the tasks at hand. Noah Fox and his superhuman lips melt me in the most spectacular way. My head spins from the dizzying effect, and it feels as if he’s holding me up to keep me from slipping away from existence entirely. Noah and I are just at the beginning of what could be something special, and it will be no matter what happens next.

There is so much hope, so much more to do and see in Honey Hollow. A grand opening for the bakery and all of the Halloween and fall festivities that October brings are almost upon us.

For once everything in my life seems to be headed in the right direction, moving at a perfectly arced trajectory toward the mark of a beautiful, beautiful future.

For the life of me, I can’t imagine what could possibly go wrong.

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