Daphne couldn’t help the smile that tugged free. Eccentric? Yes. Chaotic? Often. But this town had wrapped around her and Jack in the hardest moments of their lives. And today they’d shown up again—for her and Finn.
“For decades Daphne’s lovely presentation and mouthwatering recipes have been a staple in Wisteria,” Lindsay said warmly. “Handed down by her beloved grandmother.”
The mention of Granny in such a moment brought another rush of warmth to Daphne’s eyes.
“And though Finn is new to Wisteria,” Travis continued, “his savory dishes have already made a lasting impression.”
“And drool-worthy reactions,” Lindsay teased, prompting chuckles as way too many eyes turned toward Daphne.
She groaned.
Finn grinned down at her, and the look he gave—sweet and gentle—was somehow more devastating than any flirty line he’d ever delivered. But then his mouth crooked, adding just enough mischief to remind her the flirt was definitely still in there.
“We’re so glad this competition gave both of them the spotlight their food—and their personalities—deserve,” Lindsay continued. “Which is why we’re thrilled to announce the result of your votes.”
A dramatic pause.
Daphne, despite herself, reached out and clutched Finn’s arm. She caught herself a second too late, but he only sent her a wink—an infuriatingly adorable one—and she rolled her gaze heavenward. She was ridiculous.
So was he.
And, as if heaven heard her internal monologue, Lindsay and Travis announced at the same time, “It’s a tie!”
Cheers exploded across the lawn.
Daphne blinked. “Awhat?”
Lindsay clapped her hands like a fairy godmother two glasses into the punch. “A perfect, glorious, destiny-kissed tie! Which means...” She turned to Finn and Daphne with the full force of a woman practically sparkling with matchmaking glee. “You’ll both be catering our wedding!”
Daphne gaped at them. Work with Finn?Closely?For ten days?
Panic and something suspiciously close to giddy excitement battled for dominance in her chest.
Her brain stumbled, and as the shock began to dissipate—despite the heat climbing up her neck at the idea of such close daily proximity to Finn—the reality of the situation hit her.
They had less than two weeks.
She wouldn’t have been able to do this alone.
But together?
Lindsay gave her an entirely unapologetic smile. “Why choose when you can have two people—or food styles—that pair so well together?”
Finn leaned in, his voice just for her. “Two’s usually better than one anyway, don’t you think?”
She shot him a sideways glance. “Depends on the two.”
His smile turned slow and lethal. “Well, lucky me—looks like the real challenge has just begun.”
And despite herself—despite the spotlight and the looming chaos of this next week—Daphne smiled back.
One week. One wedding. One chance to figure out if Finn Dashwood’s charm was surface level...
Or if the man she was starting to believe in was the real deal.
Close proximity. Flirty distractions. Late-night planning sessions.
Heavenhelpher.
