Joy felt a flutter of pride mixed with hope. These babies would grow up in a world where shifters were known and accepted, where their parents' battles had already been fought and won. They'd never know the fear of discovery or the violence of those who'd tried to steal their heritage.
The market filled as the morning progressed. Joy found herself in her element, explaining her products to curious customers, sharing the stories behind each soap and candle. Willow seemed to draw people in, her presence softening even the gruffest mountain folk.
"I saw you in that Culinary Magazine article!" A woman from Portland held up her phone, showing the spread about Fate Mountain's artisan revival. "I drove up specially to visit all the featured businesses."
Joy's cheeks warmed as she wrapped the woman's purchases. "Thank you for making the trip. Try the brewery too, if you have time. Max has some new seasonal releases."
When Willow began to fuss, Emma appeared at Andre's elbow. Joy's cousin had proven invaluable as her full-time employee over the past six months.
"Want me to take her for a walk?" Emma offered, already reaching for the baby. "I know that pre-nap grumble."
Joy watched Andre's protective instincts war with practical necessity as he unbuckled the carrier. His phone had buzzed twice with texts from Heath about next week's schedule, and he needed both hands free to respond.
"Please." Andre settled Willow against Emma's hip with practiced ease. "I’ll take her to check out the new food trucks."
Joy smiled as they disappeared into the crowd.
The morning rush continued. Joy taught an impromptu beekeeping lesson to a group of curious tourists, her hands moving expressively as she explained hive dynamics. Andre manned the cash box when he wasn't fielding work calls, making change and small talk with customers. The rhythm felt natural now, far removed from those early days when he'd scared off sales with his hovering.
“Morning, Joy.”
Joy looked up to find Mr. Patterson, the elderly customer Andre had growled at during those first overwhelming weeks. The man clutched a paper bag from Sweet Summit Cafe, his weathered face creased with purpose.
"Mr. Patterson." Joy straightened, ready to get his regular order.
"I wanted to thank you both," he said, the words tumbling out like he'd been practicing them. "For what you did last year. Defending our town. My granddaughter lives in Portland, and she was planning to move here with her family. If those developers had succeeded..."
"It was a community effort," Joy said gently. "Everyone played their part."
"Maybe so." Mr. Patterson's eyes crinkled. "But you two stood on the front lines. You and your family. That means something."
He purchased three bars of soap and a large jar of honey before moving on. Emma returned with a sleepy Willow just as Joy finished restocking their soap display. The baby immediately reached for Andre, making small grabbing motions until he settled her back into the carrier.
"Is everything okay?" Joy asked, noting the slight tension in his shoulders.
"Just clarifying some details about that traffic stop on Highway 20." Andre adjusted Willow's position, the baby immediately snuggling into his neck. "Nothing urgent."
The market's energy shifted as the afternoon approached. The breakfast rush gave way to leisurely browsers. Joy helped a customer select the perfect candle scent while Willow dozed in her carrier. Through the coffee vendor's open window, a radio droned the news.
"In federal court today, the last of the Crown Mountain conspirators received sentencing. Jason Prescott, grandson of developer Samuel Prescott, will serve life without parole for his role in orchestrating attacks on Fate Mountain..."
The vendors nearby barely paused in their work. It was old news now, wounds that had scarred over. The community had moved on, focused on building rather than defending.
Andre's phone chimed with a text. Joy watched his face light up as he showed her the photo. Six-year-old Tommy stood proudly in his blue bee suit, addressing what looked like an entire elementary school auditorium.
"Uncle Andre, I taught my whole class about gentle bees!" The caption made Joy's heart warm. Below it, another message from Megan. "His presentation was a hit at the science fair. Thank you for everything.”
"Tommy?" Joy peered at the screen. "Oh, that's adorable. Can’t wait to see them at Christmas.”
The sun began its afternoon descent toward the mountains, casting golden light across the square. Joy finished packing their remaining inventory while Andre secured Willow in her car seat.
"Want to stop by Mom's pumpkin patch before we head home?" Joy asked as they loaded the truck. "She said the Halloween pumpkins are almost ready."
The drive to Timber Bear Ranch was peaceful, Willow dozing in her car seat as they wound through the familiar mountain curves. Her dad’s truck wasn’t in the driveway when they parked in front of her parents’ house. She then remembered they’d planned to go to the diner for dinner that night. But she knew her mom wouldn’t mind her visiting the garden without them.
Andre lifted Willow from her car seat, the baby blinking awake with curious eyes. They walked hand in hand toward Maria's garden, the orange pumpkins dotting the rows like fallen suns.The earthy scent of rich soil and autumn leaves filled the air on the evening breeze.
A few late bees still worked the nearby wildflowers, their contented hum a familiar soundtrack. Joy knelt beside a particularly plump pumpkin.
