And maybe—maybe it didn’t matter. Because if that kind of charm was just part of the Finn Dashwood experience, then none of it was real. Not with her. Not with anyone.
Daphne blinked hard and turned away, the cookie still untouched in her hand.
But... but she couldn’t shake the memory of him with her having conversations about grannies and cooking and heartbreak. Something deeper and sweeter than superficial.
As soon as the mayor wrapped up his announcement, she slipped from her booth, weaving through the crowd with a forced smile. The music floated behind her.
Her mind buzzed. Tried to reason. Tried to sift through memories for truth.
She didn’t stop walking until she reached the edge of the square, near the rose garden. The booths and music fell away, and she finally exhaled.
Why did it matter? Why didhematter?
He flirted with everyone. It was safe for him. Natural.
But it was dangerous for her. Because she didn’t just want fun. Or flattery. And definitely not the kind of attention that flickered on and off like a stage light.
She wanted something real and... forever. The perfect ingredient for the recipe of her life.
And what scared her most—what made her stomach twist and her chest ache—was the terrible, impossible suspicion that maybe,just maybe, Finn Dashwood could be exactly that.
And if she let herself believe it and was wrong?
She wouldn’t just risk losing the competition.
She’d lose her heart.
Chapter 17
@WisteriaWeekly:From shortbread debates to swaying under the stars. Wisteria, are we witnessing the rivals-to-romance arc of the century? #FromFeudToFlirt #LanternLitLove #FestivalEnemiesTo…
Comments:
@RosemaryatThyme:I saw the look. The “I’d bake you a thousand scones” look. Also, I have cinnamon rolls left if anyone’s stress-eating their feelings. #SconeGoals #WisteriaWatchesEverything #HeLookedAtHerLikeSheWasPie
@WisteriaGeneralStore:To whoever carved a heart into the cider tasting table and labeled it “D + F”: We’re not mad. We’re monogramming mugs. Also, we’ve created paired oven mitts that read: The Couple Who Bakes Together Stays Together #BlessThisMessyRomance #JustFriendsMyFoot
@JackAustenPhotography:If this turns into a kissing book, I want veto power. And fair warning. Just saying. #Gross #Inconceivable
@PastorNateNHC:“Love your enemies,” they said. Pretty sure Luke 6:27 didn’t havedancing and heart eyes in mind, but here we are. #EnemiesToLovers #BlessedAndBothered #OfficialWisteriaWatchCommitteeMember
@WisteriaGeneralStore:New item: T-shirts that read: Official Member of the Wisteria Romance Watch Committee. Also, aprons that read: Flirt First, Bake Later. #JustKeepinItReal
@GrannyDOfficial:I taught her everything she knows. And if she doesn’t make him work for it, she’s getting a lecture with extra lemon bars. #RaisedRight #BakeItTillYouMakeIt
@SavorTheSouthEats:Um, hi, just casually witnessing the cutest culinary rivals-to-lovers story of the year? Wisteria, NC—you’re officially on our must-visit list. #FoodieRomance #SavorTheDrama #DaphneAndFinnForever
@LocalHistorian82:I haven’t seen this kind of romantic speculation since the ’78 Founders Day Pie Incident. This is better. Keep going. #HistoricalSwoonData #DocumentingTheDashwoodEffect
@WisteriaGeneralStore:“The Dashwood Effect” mugs will be up for purchase within the week.
Daphne had wandered past the amphitheater and into the quieter stretch of park behind it, craving space. Distance. Air not saturated with Finn Dashwood and all the maddening emotions that came with him.
Why couldn’t this be simple?
She cared for him. He cared for her.Ka-ching, happily ever after, right?
Ha!
