I submit my desserts, hoping the judges like them, and then go check out some of the booths. I buy a giant pumpkin from a farmer, which Emmett carries to my car for me, and then check in with our domestic violence awareness booth. Plenty of people have taken the handouts, which gives me hope. Maybe this will make at least a small difference. If it saves one person, it's worth it.

"Thanks for manning the booth, Eric," I say, sipping my pumpkin spiced latte. "If you want to take a break, I have a bit before I need to be at the bake off."

"I wouldn't mind getting a caramel apple."

"Go." I smile, coming around behind the booth and taking his seat. I sip at my drink and greet townspeople as they pass by.

I'm shocked when I see Jane coming toward me. Her arm is in a cast, and she has a black eye, but otherwise looks good.

"Chief Swan," she says. "I was hoping I'd run into you here."

"How are you doing, Jane?"

She shrugs. "I have good days and bad. I filed for divorce yesterday. My kids convinced me it was the right thing to do."

I nod. "It is. You deserve so much better, Jane. I'm just glad he didn't hurt you worse."

"It's thanks to you he didn't. You saved me, Chief. I can never repay you. And I feel awful that he hurt you too."

"I'll heal. We both will. I have some resources on victims services like therapists and such. Take a copy." I grab a packet off the stack and hold it up for her. She's hesitant but takes it anyway.

"Thank you. So much."

I smile. "You're welcome."

I come around the booth and offer her a hug, which she takes gratefully. "We're so lucky to have you here."

"I'm the lucky one."

This town has changed me for the better. I still have a hero complex and get myself into trouble, but it's nothing like when I worked SWAT. I've slowed down and can enjoy my life. It's more than just my job here. I have friends who love me and who I love just as much back. I'm truly blessed to live here and have this job.

It's not long before Eric comes back with his caramel apple. I hurry back to the bake off area, and Edward's goods are next to mine on the judging table. Mrs. Cope, Victoria, and Bert are the judges, and they're moseying around the table, oohing and ahhing. Edward comes to stand beside me, a sly smile on his lips.

"I see you got your cake done."

I nod. "I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, Edward. May the best desserts win." I hold my hand out, and he shakes it with a grin.

"That's what a good neighbor does."

"You're going to make me admit it, aren't you?"

He smirks. "I did save your ass."

I huff. "Fine. You're a good neighbor."

The three judges take their spots behind the table with the desserts, having tried each one. It's now or never. I'll either win or lose, but I know I did my best. And if Edward wins, he deserves it. Still, I'm praying for the clover.

"We'll start with best in the other dessert group," Mrs. Cope announces. "All the entries were delicious, but of course, there can only be three winners. Third place is Edward Cullen."

I clap for him as he takes his ribbon.

"Second place is Jessica Stanley."

She jumps up and down, thrilled to have finally placed this year.

"First place is Isabella Swan."

I pump my arm. "Yes!" I take the ribbon with joy.

"Next we'll do the cupcakes."

I take first again, Edward takes second, and Angela Weber takes third. Cakes are similar with me taking first and Edward taking second, and then Jessica Stanley takes third.

This is what it all comes down to. If I win the clover, I'll feel amazing. But Edward's pie looked awfully delicious too. It could go anyway.

"Third place in the pie competition goes to Angela Weber," Mrs. Cope announces. "All of your treats were delicious, my dear."

The seventeen-year-old looks so happy. She's bringing home two ribbons after competing with grown adults. I'm proud of her.

"Now for second place," Mrs. Cope says. "This was so difficult for us. Both blueberry pies were delicious, and they looked fabulous. If we could have a tie for first, we would, but that's not in the rules, and we had to choose. Second place goes to Isabella Swan."

My heart drops. I didn't win the clover, but I took home three gold ribbons and a silver. That's pretty damn good and better than any other year.

"Which means first place is Edward Cullen," Mrs. Cope says. "Congratulations, dear!"

"Thank you," he says, glancing over at me as I smile at him.

I could be a sore loser. But that's not who I am. I'm happy for Edward getting a gold ribbon. I mean, I still got more, so technically, I beat him, but he deserves this win.

"You're not mad," he says with his eyes narrowed.

I shake my head. "Three gold and a silver is pretty damn good. I guess your pie was just a little better than mine this year. But next year … I'm coming for that ribbon."

He chuckles. "I wouldn't expect anything else. I'm going to hang out here for a while, but I'll come get my mixer when I get home. Congrats on your wins, Bella."

"You too, Edward."

He grins and runs a hand through his unruly hair before going to thank the judges. I follow suit, shaking their hands and telling them I appreciate them.

"You almost had it, Bella," Mrs. Cope says. "I'm so sorry, but Edward just put in a little more effort."

I nod. "There's always next year. Thank you all for judging."

"We're happy to do it," Victoria says with a laugh. "I mean, I've tasted so many delicious things today. It's us who should thank you all."

"Well, I'll be back next year with even better desserts. Someday, I'm going to get that clover."

"We have no doubt, dear," Mrs. Cope says

I don't own Twilight.

Thanks to Ashley, May, and Mary prereading and Sally for beta'ing.