She tucked another wrapped bouquet into her display bucket. She would have to live with things going back to the way they were before the fake dating began. It would hurt—God, it would hurt—but surely it wasn’t impossible. They would always be friends. She couldn’t imagine a world where Jackson wasn’t in her life at all.
“Zoe!”
She looked up to see Meg from the bookshop approaching her table, a canvas tote slung over one shoulder and her hair escaping from its bun in soft wisps.
“I was hoping you’d be here,” Meg said, slightly breathless. “I heard about you and Jackson searching for that Moonlight Kiss flower—what a romantic story! Anyway, I was down in the shop’s basement yesterday, sorting through a box of old Maple Falls history books, and I found this.”
She reached into her tote and pulled out a slim, weathered volume. The cover was cracked, the title stamped in fading gold leaf:Maple Falls: Myths, Legends, and Local Lore.
Zoe’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”
“Not at all,” Meg said, smiling. “There’s a section on the Moonlight Kiss. Thought it might help your search.”
Zoe accepted the book, her heart giving a small, grateful twist. “Meg, this is amazing. Thank you.”
“Happy to help,” Meg said with a wave. “Let me know how it goes!”
Zoe slipped the book into her bag, already planning to curl up with it later that night.
Cassidy’s chocolate stand was set up beside Zoe’s again, trays gleaming with glossy spring flavors: pale yellow lemon truffles, strawberry creams dipped in white chocolate, and her latest experiment: lavender-honey caramels wrapped in foil the color of tulips. Zoe was grateful for the company, grateful no one here knew the truth except Krista. Pretending was easier in the bustleof the market, with chatter rising around her and the smell of roasted nuts drifting from the cart by the gazebo.
It had rained through the night, and the grass underfoot was damp and bright; the puddles reflected like mirrors with the morning sun. The whole community park buzzed with its Sunday rhythm, steady and comforting.
Zoe was just about to ask Cassidy if she wanted to go hiking later. She wanted one more try at crossing the river when she froze.
Jackson was strolling down the sidewalk.
He had two to-go cups balanced in his hands. He nodded to Mr. Alders and Mrs. Humphrey, who was walking her schnauzer, Charles. The dog’s baby blue and pink polka-dot bowtie bounced as he trotted ahead. Zoe barely registered it. All she could see was Jackson.
Her heart hammered, eyes locked in place like a deer caught in headlights. Krista had run interference for her yesterday. There was no hiding now. Not with him looking right at her.
“Guess you picked someplace public so I can’t make a scene,” Zoe said lightly, too lightly, as he stepped closer.
Jackson held out a cup. His voice dropped low. “Do you want me to go? I’m not here to make you uncomfortable. I just…wanted to bring you a little something. A peace offering. I know it’s not nearly enough.”
“Jackson,” she started, her voice quiet but firm, “what you did Friday night?—”
“I know,” he cut in. “It was inexcusable. You didn’t deserve me speaking to you like that. You did nothing wrong. And I’m sorry. Really, deeply sorry. Not just for lashing out, but for sleeping with you and then pushing you away again. I let fear talk me out of something real—something I’ve wanted for a long time. I thought I was protecting you, but all I did was hurt you and lose the best thing I’ve ever had.”
Her throat tightened. “You think saying sorry fixes this?”
“No,” he said immediately, eyes dark and steady on hers. “It doesn’t. But I’m not here to make excuses or pretend it’s that simple. I’m here because I’m done hiding. I want us to be a couple, Zoe—for real this time. Not pretending, not just for the town or your mom, not for anyone else. I’m ready to be with you.”
For a second, Zoe could only stare at him, her mind scrambling to catch up with what he’d just said.
She looked down at the cup, buying herself time. Steam from the matcha latte curled up between them, soft and fragrant. “You really hurt me, Jackson,” she said finally. Her voice was low, trembling slightly. “And it’s not something I can just brush off because you brought me my favorite drink. You said I could never understand you, you led me on and pushed me away again…” She broke off, swallowing hard. “That stuck.”
“I was wrong,” he said simply. “You deserve someone who gives you everything. Who fights for you, instead of running away. And I want to be that man. If you’ll let me.”
Zoe folded her arms, pressing the warm cup against her ribs. “You can’t just say you’re ready and expect me to jump back in. I need time to process. To make sure this is what you really want, not just what feels good right now. Because I can’t—” Her voice cracked, but she forced it steady. “I can’t survive getting my hopes up again and having them smashed.”
Jackson stepped closer, his voice soft but resolute. “Then take all the time you need. I’ll wait. And I’ll prove it to you, however long it takes.”
Before she could answer, a glossy black Rolls-Royce pulled into the parking lot, drawing every eye. Zoe froze. No. No, no, no. Not now. The car slid to a stop beside the gazebo, and a uniformed driver in a top hat stepped out to open the rear door.
“Get over here,” Zoe hissed between her teeth, fake-smiling and waving toward Eleanor Davenport.
“What?” He glanced over his shoulder, did a double-take.
