Page 40 of Cuddling Carly

Tears formed in Carly’s eyes. “Thank you all. And thanks for the help. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Looking at Wade, she said, “And thank you, Daddy. You knew just what I needed.”

He nodded. “Well, get used to that. I wasn’t only doing all that to keep you in Little Space and relax you so you’d get this mojo back. That’s how life is going to be from now on. Last night and this morning were just a little taste.” He winked.

Her friends cheered as the couple hugged and kissed.

“I better get busy,” Carly told them a moment later. “There’s a lot to bake still.”

“Let’s do this!” Katie said.

The kitchen and whole community center only smelled even more wonderful as the day went on.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The big Halloween party rolled around, and the community center was full of costumed Littles and Bigs.

Harrison and Stryker had DJ equipment set up in one corner, spinning hits such as “Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” and other spooky staples.

Black and orange streamers hung from the ceiling. Pumpkins were everywhere. One of the animatronics from the haunted house was at the door, greeting partygoers—and startling them—as they came in.

“The haunted house opens in an hour,” Stryker said to Carly, Stella, and Katie as they all stood close to the dessert table. “Figure folks will just come and go between here, there, and houses that are passing out candy for trick-or-treaters.”

“Ooh, I want to trick-or-treat,” Carly said.

“Oh, we’ll definitely go,” Katie said. “By the way, I love your devil costume.”

Carly smiled. “Thank you. Daddy took me to buy it at Auntie Nancy’s store today. I like your vampire one.”

“Thanks,” Katie said. “I bought it at Auntie’s place, too.”

Cutting through the crowd, Eli saw the group and walked up wearing a giant grin. “Carly, everyone is obsessed with your cupcakes. The chocolate ones with the green frosting and monster eyes and teeth are a huge hit! And the pumpkin ones with the cream cheese filling are already gone. People can’t get enough of ‘em.”

The baker couldn’t help but blush. “Thank you.”

“Are you taking any orders for the Holidays? The town council has already asked me to see if you can make our Thanksgiving desserts,” Eli said.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yep. And lots of other people have stopped me to ask who made the cupcakes and if you have your own shop.” With a grin, Eli added, “Would you give some thought to opening a bakery in Mountainville?”

“Funny you mention that,” Stryker said, “Harrison and I were just talking about investing in a bakery. That is, if you’re interested in opening one.”

Before the conversation could continue, Wade walked up, put his arm around Carly, and said, “What are y’all talking about?”

He’d dressed up as an Old West sheriff, just wearing his normal clothes, hat, boots, but adding a gun belt with a toy pistol in it and a badge. He very much looked the part.

“They asked if I wanted to open a bakery in Mountainville. It seems Stryker and Harrison are looking to invest.”

“Heck yeah,” Stryker said. “As good as your stuff is, it would turn a profit in no time. It would be a win/win for all of us.”

“Thank you,” Carly said. “But part of me wants to open one in Valley Spring. I’ve been thinking. No one is going to drive me from my home and my town. And you know, the best revenge would be if I go and live my life the way I want to, not caring what people think, and succeeding in my own way.”

Wade hugged her tightly. “Oh, babygirl. I’m so proud of you.”

“Well,” Stryker said, “how about two locations? One here and one in Valley Spring?”

Carly giggled. “That would give us a good excuse to come to Mountainville a lot.”