Lara drew a breath. “I thought of you, and hoped you’d like it.”
Edna picked it up. “Thought of me?”
“Small but mighty.”
“That’s how you see me, girl?”
“Better than orange and round.”
A hint of a smile, gone just as quickly. She shoved the pumpkin in her handbag. None too gently. “It’s okay, I guess. Pumpkins are purchased by the pound. You certainly didn’t spare any expense.”
Edna stood slowly. She favored her right knee. Lara guessed it was arthritis. “My work here is done,” she said.
“I appreciate your input, Moonie McBright.”
“I’ll check back with you, Pumpkin Head. In case you need my expert feedback later in the week.”
Edna was nearly out the door when an elevator arrived. It opened across the hallway. Janice Stanley-Stark appeared. There was no sign of her boyfriend, Glen. Lara was relieved. She had no idea why Janice was at the government center, but her purpose soon became clear. She noticed the mayor and made her way to him. She looked as if she had just walked off the Fashion Week runway. Her steps were calculated, graceful, purposeful.
She was dressed more for a party than a trip to the courthouse. Her blouse was white silk, sleek and flowing. Pintucks flattered her breasts. Her black leather pants fit ass-tight. Molding to her stomach and long legs. Her stiletto boots brought her eye level with the mayor. She draped a leather coat over her arm.
Janice tapped Jack on the arm with a long, manicured mauve fingernail. “Do you have a few minutes in your busy schedule for me, Mayor?” she asked.
Lara looked at Jack. He didn’t appear overly taken by Janice, but neither did he deny her. He was an elected official. Janice a voter. He gave her his time. “I was headed out along with my staff,” he told her. “Coffee break at Bellaluna’s. Perhaps we could meet afterward.”
“Or . . .” She drew out the syllable. “Perhaps they could go ahead and you can follow.”
Jack glanced at Lara. She pushed off her chair. Gave him a weak smile. “We’ll meet you there.”
“Or . . .” from Paula. “We could wait for you.”
Janice looked down her nose at Paula. “I don’t want to hold you up. Our meeting might take longer than your break.”
Lara moved to the door with Paula right behind her. Edna Milner hadn’t gotten far. She’d slowed, overseeing the moment. Jack eased back and let them pass. Janice, on the other hand, purposely brushed against Lara. Close enough to lean in and snidely whisper, “I took Glen from you. The mayor is next.”
Janice caught Jack’s arm with an easy familiarity as they headed toward his office. Lara watched them go. Their steps matched. In truth, she could imagine them a couple. Their looks complemented each other. Handsome and gorgeous. Both dark haired. Well-dressed. They had their own stature in the community.
Standing before the elevator bank, Lara suddenly felt odd woman out. Emotions took her back to when Glen had broken up with her at the bakeshop. She’d been hollow and numb. Her feet were leaden weights.
“Witch’s Britches.” Edna’s Halloween name for Janice pegged her perfectly. The elevator door creeped open, and Edna nudged Lara inside. “Wipe that stricken expression off your face, girl. Have faith in Jack-O’-Lantern. He’s a politician. She’s a manipulator. Our mayor won’t be easily influenced.”
Edna had taken her side. Lara was surprised and oddly pleased. The older woman’s words soothed her. Despite the present situation, Lara had a parade to plan. That took precedence. She centered herself. “Would you care to join us for something sweet at the bakeshop?” she asked Edna during their descent. “My treat.”
The older woman looked uncertain. She was seldom seen with a group of people. More often solo. Usually, she walked into the bakery and walked out with her purchase, engaging in no social interaction whatsoever. Perhaps today would be different.
Paula made up Edna’s mind for her. “No one’s paying but the mayor,” she said once they reached the first floor. “Snacks go on his tab.”
Edna nodded, sarcastic in her agreement. “He owes me after Lara picked my brain most of the morning. I’m tuckered out.”
“Sugar will recharge you,” said Paula.
The older woman didn’t say much during the coffee break. Lara snagged an extra chair, and Edna sat with the courthouse staff at a table meant for six, but now seating seven. Conversation centered on the Halloween festivities.
The fire department planned to sponsor a pumpkin-carving contest Friday night at the firehouse for children twelve and under. Any child who entered would win a prize. The Frightfully Fun 5K run was scheduled for early Saturday morning. Lara was not responsible for the race. Thank goodness. It fell on the shoulders of the high school track coach. One of his runners always took first place.
The exchange between the staff would’ve included Edna, had she chosen to participate. She did not. Instead she sat quietly with her back as stiff as a broomstick and enjoyed a cup of hot Earl Grey tea and two pieces of caramel apple crunch coffee cake. She picked up the crumbs with her fingertips.
Paula soon noted the time and said, “Sorry, ladies. Break’s over for us, although here comes the mayor.” Just as Jack appeared through the front door.
Everyone at the table stood, including Edna. “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow, Pumpkin Head.”
Lara nodded, welcoming her help. “You know where to find me, Moonie McBright.”
Lara turned to leave behind Edna, but Jack was now beside her, blocking her path. “Got a minute?” he asked.
“I’m on the courthouse clock.”
“Let’s stop time, then.”
She looked up into his strong, familiar face and realized how much she loved him. He embodied everything she wanted in a man. She silently prayed he hadn’t lost interest in her.
“Sorry I’m late,” he apologized.
She licked her lips, said, “You’re here sooner than I thought you might be.”
“What, exactly, were you thinking?”
“About you and Janice, in your office.”
“Don’t read too much into our meeting,” he stated. “Yes, she initially put the moves on me. I backed off. I told her that you and I are involved. That we’re a couple. She came with an ulterior motive, actually. She mentioned the Pumpkin Queen, believing I would nominate her and that I had the final vote. She thought herself a shoe-in. I corrected her assumption, letting her know the appointment was all up to you. She stomped from my office. Lady has a foul mouth and a wicked temper.”
“I’ll announce the queen Thursday afternoon,” said Lara.
“Do I get a hint as to who it might be?”
“Not a chance. But it won’t be Witch’s Britches.”
“Edna again?”
“She has such a way with nicknames.”
He kissed her then and didn’t hold back.
They’d officially gone public with their affection.
“Back to work?” she asked when the kiss ended.
“Unless I can convince you to take the afternoon off.”
“Saturday will be here before we know it,” Lara said with a smile. “The parade has almost come together. Only so many working hours remain.”
“We’ll catch up tonight, then.”
“You know where to find me.”
* * *
Thursday snuck up on Lara, and anticipation ran high. The Pumpkin Queen would be announced at 6 p.m. It was a big deal for the locals. They would gather on the courthouse steps to cheer on whoever was crowned. Speculation centered on Paula and the local high school homecoming queen. Both were popular and volunteered extensively in the community.
Lara held the name close to her chest. She hadn’t even shared her pick with Jack. Though he’d tried to wheedle the name out of her, still her lips remained sealed. In spite of his persuasive kisses and their phenomenal sex. Slipping a sparkling solitaire engagement ring on her finger hadn’t entitled him to a hint, either. However
lovely and endearing his proposal had been.
“I think we’re as prepared for the parade as we’ll ever be,” she told Paula as they sat together at the table in the conference room. “Barring unforeseen problems.”
“Do you think we’ve seen the last of Glen Meyers?” Paula wondered aloud. “That man needs to realize that yelling and threatening won’t change anyone’s mind.”
“He’s not one of the good guys.”
“Not like your mayor.”
Her mayor. Lara liked the sound of that. Jack belonged to Moonbright during the day. But at night, he was all hers.
Jack appeared whenever she was thinking about him. They seemed to have a special mental link. He stood in the doorway now. “Close to time for your big announcement, Lara. You ready?”
She rose and walked to the arch-shaped window that overlooked Pumpkin Lane. A crowd had gathered, with many more to come. She hoped her decision was a wise one, and that cheers of support and approval would unite everyone for the weekend ahead. She would hate to be the only one clapping her hands. If so, she would do so loudly.
She left the conference room for her office. There she located the velvet burgundy cape and rhinestone tiara that would be worn by the newly crowned queen. She slipped on her own gray microfleece jacket. Zipped it. Then draped the cape over one arm. She settled the tiara in a satin-lined box. And returned to Paula and Jack. They awaited her at the elevator bank.
The second floor emptied out behind them. It was the end of the working day. Staff would find a place on the courthouse steps in support of her big news. It was time.
Lara soon found herself next to the mayor on the top step. Dusk hovered. Streetlights turned on. All those before her were cast in the hues of a fading Thursday. Pale yellow, soft orange, and barely blue. She looked out over all those gathered. She’d grown up in town and recognized nearly everyone. The faces were warmly familiar.
Paula passed her a cordless microphone. Lara’s initial “welcome” silenced the crowd. There was no real need to amplify her voice. So she spoke just loudly enough to be easily heard. “Thank you for joining me,” she began. “I’ve had the honor of organizing the Pumpkin Parade. I hope it will do the town justice.”
A nice round of applause gave her the courage to continue. “One of my duties as events coordinator is to appoint a Pumpkin Queen. Someone who best represents Moonbright. It’s been a difficult decision. All the women in town, young and old, are deserving. Each one of you brings a unique quality to the festivities. You are so very special.”
She looked deeply into the crowd and found the person she sought. Standing in the back, beneath a light pole. Alone. “This Halloween I’m choosing a lady who has lived here a long time. She’s helped raise the town. She’s known disappointment, and can be a bit . . . mercurial. But beneath her prickly exterior, she has a very kind heart. I’ve heard stories about her recently that demonstrate great compassion over the years. I’ve recognized her goodness this past week. And I’m proud and thankful to know her.”
Lara paused, let her words sink in. “I hope tonight, and throughout the weekend, she will experience great happiness. I wish that for her.” She caught the small figure turning, about to slip through the crowd. So she quickly took hold of the microphone and called out, “Don’t you dare leave, Edna Milner. You are our Pumpkin Queen.”
The silence spoke for itself. Her name sucked the air from the atmosphere. People were stunned, but no one more than Edna herself. She was an unexpected and unprecedented choice. Lara would be forever grateful to Jack and Paula, who initiated the applause. Soon it spread, slowly at first, but gathered speed. Echoing down the courthouse steps and into the street. Up onto the sidewalk. Reaching the storefronts.
Jack went into the crowd and escorted Edna up the courthouse stairs. She shakily took his arm. “Me?” the older woman mouthed, unable to speak.
“You, Moonie McBright.” Lara hugged her. Careful not to hug her too hard. She was small and thin. Brittle boned.
Edna hugged her back. With the surprising strength of a much younger woman. She accepted the velvet cape and tiara with grace, momentarily transformed. Her eyes brightened, and her face softened. Her wrinkles seemed to fade. She looked thirty years younger. Her smile was weak. But sincere. She raised her hand in a queenly wave to the crowd, then softly said to Lara, “Thank you, Pumpkin Head.”
People climbed the steps to congratulate Edna. Jack pulled Lara out of the way. They stood hidden behind an ionic column. That’s where he embraced her. Kissed her soundly. “You did a good thing,” he whispered. “Folks’ astonishment over your choice is already wearing off. Edna may be a small woman, but she has a big role to fill.”
“She will fill it well. Wait and see.”
* * *
Pumpkins, Scarecrows, and Costumes, oh my!
Saturday, one o’clock. The high school marching band tuned up and the scarecrows immediately hit their stride. Lara gripped her iPhone, ready to respond, should there be major problems or minor glitches. Paula was positioned at the corner of Pumpkin and Spice, making sure the masqueraders and floats proceeded smoothly and that no one cut in line. She looked cute in her latest orange T-shirt with black lettering.
What do witches put on their hair?
Scare spray!
Lara was back on the courthouse steps. High enough that she could see each passing participant. Her heart warmed and she felt a lump in her throat when Queen Edna passed, seated on the edge of the rear seat of the vintage Cadillac. Caleb Dimitriou drove slowly, allowing Edna her memories. There would be many. As they passed Bellaluna’s, Sofia and her granddaughter, Abriana, came out to wave at the passing queen. Lara caught Bree flashing Caleb a smile that was pure magic.
Edna was the most popular person in town that day. The locals waved and called out to her all along the parade route. She would be remembered.
The city government officials came next. They rode in convertible yellow Volkswagens. The mayor and the city council were cheered and revered. Jack located her on the steps and gave her a thumbs-up. He was proud of her efforts. The parade took on a life of its own and was spectacular. Enthusiasm and jubilance spread throughout the day. Moonbright at its happiest.
Lara crossed her fingers until the pets passed. Paula had put Frazier the hog at the rear of the group. Hog and cape went the distance without incident. Both children and adults were accompanied by their furry companions. She spotted Captain America with his arm around the Wicked Witch, leading a dog and cat dressed as Hansel and Gretel. Only the young boy carrying the goldfish tripped. Water sloshed from the bowl, but the goldfish survived.
The enormous pumpkin-faced Mickey Mouse balloon was soon sighted, towering high above the storefront rooftops. The day was moderately sunny and still. Yet the balloon caught an updraft and shifted amid the low-hanging clouds. Lara held her breath as the handlers rounded the corner near the city park. Safe and sound.
People picked up their individual pumpkins along the sidewalk and began to disperse. There was trick-or-treating, along with individual home and street parties ahead. An exciting end to the parade.
Only Glen Meyers didn’t honor the finish. The chug of an engine and backfiring of a tailpipe drew everyone’s attention to a back street. Here came Glen on a forklift. Un-freakin’-believable, Lara thought, thumping her forehead with her palm.
He drove through the dispersing crowd. People shrieked, dodged out of his way. A sign was attached to the rear of the machine, painted with SALE! FOLLOW ME TO MEYERS’ LUMBERYARD. He drove past Moonbright Park, the end of the parade route, and continued down Pumpkin Lane.
Disgusted by his maneuver, no one involved with the parade trailed after him. Although a police car showed interest. Siren blaring, it gave chase and pulled Glen over. Lara figured he’d get a ticket for being disruptive and unlawful participation. Operating machinery on a public access road. Glen was out of her life, long in her past.
Her future now climbed the courthouse ste
ps. Jack Hanson came to her. Stood close. Praised her. “Lady, that was one hell of a parade.”
“So you’re pleased?”
“I’ll show you how much following the Halloween party at Rose Cottage.”
“The Queen of Hearts and Maverick from Top Gun need to make an appearance.”
“We’d be missed, no matter the crowd.”
“Then we go.”
“For a short time.”
“Then back to my apartment.
“For a long night in bed.”
“I’m with you, Jack-O’-Lantern.”
“With you for life, Pumpkin Head.”
They kissed. It was the best Halloween ever.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting
3 cups cake flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
In a medium bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar. Add in eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition, followed by vanilla extract, then pumpkin purée. Gradually add in flour mixture until combined.
Chill dough for at least one hour in refrigerator. Makes one dozen cookies.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll 3 tablespoons of dough into a ball. Use flour on your hands if needed. Place ball on baking sheet and flatten to about ½ inch thick, molding sides to keep round shape if necessary. Continue with remaining dough, placing each 2 inches apart.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, just until bottoms begin to lightly brown. Cool for a few minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice Page 29
