“Okay, so I realize you probably have crazy romantic plans with Dan tonight, but I was hoping to steal you for just a bit,” Sadie said. She held up the bottles of champagne and sparkling cider. “Have a few minutes for a well-deserved toast?”

“Can I join?” Tansy asked, poking her head out from behind her mom.

“Grab an extra flute from the cabinet and get your butt out here.”

The three women squeezed into the glider on the front porch, using their feet to propel them forward and backward. Renee did the honors of uncorking the sparkling juice, while Sadie and Tansy cheered. Renee overfilled each flute, causing the fizzy liquid to spill down their hands.

“What do you know? Our cups runneth over,” Renee said, smiling.

“Hardy har har.” Tansy rolled her eyes but her face was bright. “To my mother, Renee Rhodes, and to my former babysitter, Sadie Landry—may their pie shop be wildly successful! May Hester’s be as wonderful and brilliant as they are!”

The three women held their stemware high in the air, the setting sun making the crystal glasses sparkle.

“I have so much to be thankful for,” Renee said. “I’m not even sure where to begin my toast.”

Sadie nodded, clearly understanding what Renee meant.

“How about we start with your grandmother?” Renee suggested. “To Hester, an extraordinary baker and a truly remarkable woman.”

“Yes! To Grandma Hester,” Sadie proclaimed, squeezing her friend’s hand. “And to Renee Rhodes, Cranberry Cove’s incredible pie maker, the world’s best neighbor, and the perfect partner in crime.”

Renee got a little teary and leaned in, hugging Sadie tight. “And to my business partner, Sadie Landry, a true creative with fantastic vision who also happens to be the world’s best neighbor and a truly wonderful friend.”

“To the women of Hester’s,” Sadie said. “Past, present, and future.”

The three of them sat there in a happy silence for a bit, the only sounds the creak of the swing and the gentle-but-persistent buzz of the evening’s first cicadas.

“What are you most excited about, Mom?” Tansy asked, leaning her head against Renee’s shoulder.

She stared out at her front yard, at the flickering gaslights that lined Seashell Lane. “I can’t wait to hear about where my pies are served, the moments they’ll become a part of,” she said at last, hooking her arms around her knees. “I love the idea of someone picking up one and considering it special enough to be enjoyed at a birthday party or to celebrate a promotion or some other cool milestone.”

“Aw, I love that. Heck, maybe someday a guy will propose by hiding the ring in one!” Tansy gushed, ever the romantic.

Renee and Sadie both laughed.

“What about you, Sadie?” Renee asked, turning to her business partner. “You must be thrilled with the magazine write-up.”