Zoe watched them go, a pang of tenderness mixing with determination.
Jackson’s voice pulled her back. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
“That we have a lead,” she said, grinning. “We’re looking for a ridge. Somewhere high up.”
“Do you have any idea how many ridges there are around here?”
Zoe could tell he was already making a mental list of the ones in the area.
“It doesn’t matter; we’ll hike them all. And when we find the flowers, we’ll bring them back for Edith and the mayor’s wedding. Revive a little Maple Falls history. It could even be the centerpiece of our local blooms project.”
“And maybe earn us a little extra credit toward our Couple of the Year votes,” Jackson said. His playful look turned deeper when they locked eyes.
Zoe held her breath. His gaze held a warmth that made her toes curl in her boots.
She’d love nothing more than to go up on her tiptoes and kiss him right there in front of everyone. To forget about the fake dating performance and small-town gossip, and just—feel.
In her mind, she did. She pictured it so clearly she could almost taste the hint of coffee on his lips, the warmth of his hand sliding to the small of her back as he leaned down, slow and deliberate. The kiss would start soft, careful, like he was testing the waters. But she knew herself; she’d tilt her head, chase him a little, deepening it before she could stop.
He’d smile against her lips in that quiet, infuriating way of his. And when they finally broke apart, both of them a little breathless, she could already imagine the ripple through the crowd—the gasps, the whispers, the knowing smiles. The whole town would be talking, but she wouldn’t care. Because at that moment, it wouldn’t be about pretending anymore.
It would be real.
And after a kiss like that, no one in Maple Falls could ever doubt they were Couple of the Year.
EIGHT
JACKSON
Sunday, March 9th
The Maple Leaf Café smelled like strong coffee, sizzling bacon, and warm bread fresh from the oven. It reminded Jackson of his mother’s kitchen. It was comforting, familiar, full of noise and love. There was nothing his mom, Beth Hawthorne, loved more than something delicious and comforting baking in the oven while her family gathered around the table.
Anita, the café owner, waved them in from behind the counter, her dark hair in its usual pixie cut. “Well, if it isn’t Maple Falls’s newest lovebirds,” she teased, leading them toward a window booth.
“Guess rumors travel fast,” Zoe said with a quick grin.
“Sweetheart, this is Maple Falls,” Anita said, setting two menus down. “Rumors travel faster than lightning.”
Zoe laughed. “Fair.”
Jackson followed her into the booth, letting her slide in first. He could feel eyes flicking toward them. He counted five people at least, including women from the crafting circle, the community church, and even the Ladies’ Guild, who were gathered near the pastry counter. Mrs. H. had paused mid-biteand leaned forward to hear what Mr. Alders from the hardware store had to say about them.
Anita winked at them. “I hear you two are the favorites for Spring Fling Couple of the Year. I even placed my bet already.”
“Oh, no,” Zoe groaned, dropping her face into her hands. “Don’t tell me my mom got to you too.”
“Got to me?” Anita snorted. “Honey, she was practically shouting it down Oak Way. Said she had the inside scoop on the romance of the season.”
Jackson hid a smile behind his menu. “We can’t let her down now.”
“That’s right,” Anita said, tapping her notepad. “Now what’ll it be, King and Queen?”
“Lemonade, please,” Zoe said quickly, trying to change the subject.
“Same for me.”
“Perfect. I just finished making a batch and it turned out perfect, if I do say so myself.”
