“What do you mean?” he feigned innocence.
“I saw you sneak a slice.” Possibly two, but she wouldn’t call him out on that extra one. He deserved it.
“My eating more pieces means less to pack up when you close the booth. I’m assuming the stuff either goes home with you or to the bakery.”
“The bakery, and excellent save.”
“Lawyers are known for their oratory skills.”
“As in talking your way out of something.”
“Exactly.”
“Good evening,” a woman announced over a sound system that broadcast through the park. “Thank you for attending Silver Falls Summer Fair.”
The crowd cheered and clapped.
“We appreciate all who cast ballots for their favorite booth theme. This was a record-setting year for the number of ballots cast. And now, I’d like to announce the winners of our First Avenue Business Association Booth Competition,” the voice said.
The people got quiet.
Taryn’s muscles tensed.
Garrett put his arm around her.
“Honorable mention goes to Lawson’s Bakery’s: A Slice of Summer.”
She released the breath she was holding. People and the other business owners clapped.
“You okay?” Garrett whispered.
A nod was all she could manage. The bakery had placed. No, it wasn’t a win, but she would take an honorable mention.
“Second place goes to Summit Ridge Bakery’sA Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
People clapped again. Someone whistled.
“At least they didn’t win,” Garrett whispered before brushing his lips over hers.
Taryn nodded.
“And the winner of this year’s Summer Fair Booth Competition is Silver Falls Flowers’s Summer Blooms.”
People cheered.
Taryn clapped. “Pippa deserved it, but is it awful if I feel relieved?”
“Not at all.” Garrett pulled her closer. “Given where we were on Wednesday night, I’d say honorable mention is a grand prize.”
He was correct. She straightened. They’d pulled together a booth that not only finished early but also placed. “Me, too.”
Five minutes later, the honorable mention ribbon hung from her sign.
Except it’s not first place.
Her dad’s voice echoed in Taryn’s head. She’d upset him by helping Callie win the Christmas window contest when everyone in town believed she’d been a shoo-in to repeat as winner. No doubt he’d blame her for not winning. But neither he nor Grandpa had won, either.
She wouldn’t let him get to her.
