In the small town of Ashbury, West Virginia, nothing matters quite like the annual fall bake off during the fall festival. They have four categories—cakes, cupcakes, pies, and then other desserts. I compete in all four, but I dominate the pie category. I have won every year for three years straight, and I'm going to win again.

It's my thing in this sleepy town.

"Mornin', chief," Eric says, chowing down on a doughnut as I walk into our small police department.

I give him a smile and wave before stepping into my office. I file through the papers on my desk, noting the quiet night as I sip my coffee. Quiet nights are my favorite—no fires to put out, no Mike Newton to let out of the drunk tank, and no extra paperwork for me.

Thank fucking Christ because I have a hangover. I plan on sitting in my patrol car all day and giving tickets. The life of a small town police chief is nothing like being a SWAT lieutenant in Seattle. I thought I'd miss the fast pace, but this isn't without some action.

I'm not getting shot at least.

I mean, a paintball doesn't count because I have been shot by one of those recently, which I would take over an actual bullet any day.

That sucked, to be honest.

Ashbury is quaint and quiet, and it's become home. The pie contest solidifies it all. I love the people in this town and the fact that they've brought me into the fold.

There's a knock on my door, and I smile, waving Jasper in. He stole one of Eric's doughnuts and chomps on it on his way in. Last I checked, doughnuts were for cops, not firemen. Dirty thief.

"You stole that," I say.

"What?" he says with a mouthful. "Eric offered."

I roll my eyes. "Because he's a people pleaser. Now, what do you want?"

He looks taken aback. "What? I can't say hi to my best friend? Did you see the sign at Ms. Cope's diner this morning?"

I grin. "The bake off is on, and I'm going to sweep all categories this year. I mean, my desserts are so good even you've gained weight."

He stops eating, dropping the rest of the doughnut into the trash. "I've gained weight?"

He turns to look in my mirror, turning from side to side.

"Only like a pound or two. You're fine really. A handsome hunk."

He grins. "I am, aren't I? So, what the fuck are you up to? Anything fun?"

I shake my head. "Nah, but I'm going to head out on patrol."

"Don't catch a domestic. Only so many men in this town can give you a black eye."

I roll my eyes. So three men have hit me since becoming Chief of Police. It's not really all that common for domestics to end with me bruised. It's only the special assholes who think they can beat on every woman.

This small town does have a darkside. We respond to more domestic situations than some neighboring communities, but it is what it is. I follow the law, arrest the abuser, and what happens next is the court's decision. But sometimes, their decisions are wrong, and then I keep a close eye.

I've got six men on my list that I check in with often.

"They are all handled. And I'll have you know that a lot of people have tried to hit me. Only a handful have landed their punches, but yes … I plan on a slow day of giving traffic tickets. Now leave me the fuck alone so I can start my day."

He nods. "Sure thing, bud. I'll see you this evening at poker."

I wave him off, promising to kick his ass at our weekly poker game. Jasper is my best friend, but his wife is a close second. The Whitlocks live next door to me and welcomed me with open arms. As I was moving in, they came next door with brownies. It was love at first bite. Alice took me under her wing because I clearly lacked the ability to dress myself as a well-respected, professional woman, and Jasper introduced me to what I needed to keep my eyes on.

I don't own Twilight.

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

This is entirely prewritten from start to epilogue, so no waits on updates. I'll update at least 3 times a week. This was so fun to write and I hope you all enjoy it.