Garrett clears his throat, breaking through my satisfied thoughts. Pulling my attention back to where it belongs. “Tell us about your cake.”
I fold my hands together, hoping they don’t shake too visibly. “This is a vanilla bean sponge layered with strawberry compote and mascarpone cream,” I explain, working hard to control my breathing as my chest rises and falls rapidly. “Each tier represents a different summer flavor profile. You have strawberry, blueberry, lemon, and honey.”
Magnolia tilts her head as she studies the design. “And the inspiration? What does this tell us about you?”
“This is a love letter to my hometown. Summer festivals, family barbecues—the kind of celebrations where everyone brings something special from home.”
As I explain, I look out across the sea of people gathered here together in support. The crowd is full of moms and dads, brothers and sisters, cousins and best friends. People I’ve just met but can’t picture my life without.
A single tear slips down my cheek, and I swat it away with a gentle laugh. “Some people might say that it’s too simple. But it’s not. These kind of moments are the memories that weave us all together.”
The judges and hosts listen intently, each of them responding to my words in their own way.
“So basically, it’s the perfect Fourth of July cake.” Theo teases, breaking the tension with his deadpan delivery and I love him for it.
“Exactly.”
Garrett slices carefully into the bottom tier, revealing the clean layers inside.
The silence is deafening as he lifts the fork and takes a bite, chewing with so much restraint I want to hide my face behind my hands.
Magnolia tastes next, her expression thoughtful.
Theo and Judy follow, despite having no say in who wins the competition. Their delighted reaction makes my heart leap.
Seconds stretch into what feels like hours. And the waiting is the worst part. Nervous energy prickles over my skin until, at last, Garrett nods and points at my dish with his fork.
“The sponge is beautifully baked. It’s light and moist, and has excellent structure.”
Relief floods my senses so rapidly it makes me dizzy. I almost collapse under the weight of it.
Magnolia smiles warmly. “Your flavors are always so bright and balanced. This is no exception. Your mascarpone cream is velvety smooth, and it works beautifully with the fruit.”
I bounce on my toes as I listen to their feedback, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that not only am I here in the finale, but that my final bake is landing so well.
“And this thing looks incredible! You nailed the celebration theme,” Theo says with a grin.
Judy beams. “It’s joyful in the best way.”
My chest swells a little more. I brought everything that I’ve learned to this challenge, but I also brought the memory of Gran. This one was for her.
Garrett sets down his fork.
“The only note I’d give is that the honey tier is slightly sweeter than the others. But overall…” He points a finger at my cake. “Excellent work.”
My heart somersaults behind my ribs.
Thanking the judges with a dip of my head, I step back into line with Alex and Diane.
Garrett nods once before turning. “Alex.”
Alex steps forward, confident and self-assured as always. And this time, he should be. His cake is breathtaking.
Tall, architectural tiers cascade downward in shades of deep amber and forest green. Delicate sugar work shaped like maple leaves curl around the structure. The entire design feels elegant and restrained—like something out of a luxury pastry shop window. But it’s also so uniquely him.
I close my eyes, picturing a little boy version of Alex running through the forest, hiding in the trees. Learning about himself and what he’s capable of away from his father’s overwhelming criticism.
Garrett studies it closely. “This is absolutely stunning.”
