“Okay, so not modest,” she joked. “But it all worked out.”
Garrett hadn’t thought about it like that. “It did. And my dad is proud of me.”
“He’d be crazy not to be.” She parked a block off Main Street. “Your stories reaffirm something I’ve been telling myself.”
“What’s that?”
“Things happen for a reason.”
“They do. I couldn’t see that when I was an intern, but everything worked out the way it was supposed to.”
“I hope my dad is as proud of me someday as yours is.”
“He will be. So hang in there,” Garrett encouraged, but her dimples didn’t appear. “You’re doing the best you can right now. Your dad will see it, and he’ll be proud of you for how you’re handling a tough situation.”
Chapter Eleven
In her backyard,Taryn stared at the booth. It was finally coming together. Her dream of finishing on time had replaced her goal of winning. Not what she hoped for, but that didn’t change the reality of the situation. Her original design might win, but the bakery—at least, Lawson’s Bakery—wouldn’t reap any benefits.
Sweat dripped down her spine, but they’d already taken a lunch break. She should do more before heading inside for a few minutes to enjoy the air-conditioning. But she would love an iced drink that wasn’t water.
Soon.
Taryn glanced at Garrett, who removed the fairy lights that were no longer needed. Those would go into white tulle to resemble clouds instead.
Sweat dampened his hair. His skin gleamed. Muscles flexed as he moved pieces to give himself more room to work.
A sigh welled inside her.
Look away.
She did because admiring eye candy was one thing but focusing on him and sneaking one peek after another wasn’t healthy. Not when she needed to focus on the task at hand.
Repaint the sign.
That would help the booth more than crushing on Garrett.
Wait. Taryn didn’t have a crush. She found him attractive. Any breathing woman would.
“Knock. Knock.” Raine Hanover walked from the side yard toward her. She carried a drink tray with two cups with straws sticking out. “I thought you might enjoy an iced coffee.”
Taryn set her paintbrush on the edge of the can before standing. “Did you read my mind?”
Raine grinned. “No, but it’s a scorcher, and these have been the drink of choice today.”
“Thank you.” Garrett stood and took the drink. “I met you in December.”
Raine asked, handing a drink to Taryn, “Garrett, right?”
He nodded before taking a sip. “Hits the spot perfectly.”
Taryn drank from hers. The cold plastic cup cooled her hand. “I owe you.”
“I’ll accept payment with baked goods,” Raine joked.
“Done.” Taryn sipped. “You’re off early today.”
Raine’s lips drew into a thin line. “Emmett is stopping by.”
