She snorted. “Only if you bring your secret espresso bean stash to keep up your paddling stamina.”
“Oh, luv.” He gave her a look of mock insult. “You think I don’t already have a waterproof tin labeled Caffeine Apocalypse?”
She rolled her eyes and threw a wadded paper towel at him. He caught it with ease—and she leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth as his reward.
Because honestly?
If this was what weathering a storm looked like with him, she was all in.
@TeaThymeNC:[Photo: a cozy sitting nook with a mug and a teacup on the table and Lucy in the background looking at a picture book with Winston napping at her feet. The storm is visible through the window.] Storm’s brewing, Wisteria. Time to put the kettle on and settle in with something warm, comforting, and definitely not created with bean water.
Best storm beverage: a proper cup of tea.
Best storm activity: reading, baking, or hypothetically cuddling with someone who understands the importance of a cozy blanket and interesting conversation. What’s your cozy comfort? #StormyTeaTime #CuddleUpWisteria #TeaIsLove
Comments:
@TGDpub:Tea won’t keep you warm like a double chili burger and someone who knows how to build a fire. Both kinds. Just saying. #TeamPubSnuggles #ForksOptional #FireStarterFlirting
@SecondHandTreasures:Two cups. One apartment. One shared domestic aesthetic? #Sus #StormWatchButMakeItRomantic #WisteriaShippingSquad #BeveragesInCloseProximity
@JackAustenPhotography:Did no one else notice the reflection in the mirror? Zoom. Enhance. That’s a man’s elbow in a plaid shirt. Daphne, we know Finn owns exactly one flannel. Plus, we can see both of your faces. Not just the cups are in close proximity. #Gross #CSIWisteria #YourSecretsAreNotSafe #SubtleSisterFail
@PastorNateNHC:“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Ecclesiastes 4:9. Also, is that lipstick on his mug? Or his cheek? #NotJudgingJustBlessing #LookAway
@OldManRutherforton:Storms always did bring people together. Back in ’78, we had thunder, lightning, and four engagements by sunrise. #BarometricPressureEqualsRomance #HistoryRepeats
@GrannyDOfficial:I’ve got tea steeping, soup simmering, and binoculars pointed directly at the pub. This better end in a kiss or a pie. #GrannyDSeesEverything
@MrsWinslow:Daphne posted “cuddle” and thinks we won’t assume it’s about Finn? Girl, please. Besides, if you read what’s on his mug through the reflection in the mirror (thanks @JackAustenPhotography), does that say, “Coffee First, Kisses After”? #MugMathChecksOut #WelcomeToTheWatchlist
@LindsayMonroeOfficial:It’s giving Hallmark Original meets British Bake Off afterparty.That mug. That lighting. That child. You’re toast. And I love it. #HotDadsDrinkTeaToo #DaphneBlushingSomewhere #MatchmakingPerfection
@WisteriaGeneralStore:Just confirming the “Coffee First, Kisses After” mug is ours. Available in store or online. Monogrammed versions coming soon. #BrandingWithFeeling #WisteriaSellsRomanceNow
@SheriffGrady:Official town ruling: Two mugs, one storm, lipstick smudge = probable cause for investigation. Sherlock Holmes could retire. #NotOurFirstRodeo #StormSnuggleSurveillance #EyesOnTheMugs
@MrsWinslow:You can delete the caption all you want, sweetheart. The mugs told us everything. #OfficiallyInItNow #KnewBeforeYouDid
@WisteriaGeneralStore:New stock alert: “Official Wisteria Cuddle Committee” blankets. #YouAskedWeDelivered
“Nice job, Lucy. Those raspberries are perfect.”
Daphne smiled down at the little girl beside her, who beamed with sticky pride as she arranged a final swirl of fruit on the mini tarts—raspberries, blueberries, kiwi—bright against the creamy custard. Two days until the wedding and the pressure was on.
Not to mention some high concern about the weather. Overnight it had shifted from dreary to downright ominous.
Lucy’s school had been canceled—something about “erring on the side of caution.” So Daphne had volunteered to keep the little cherub while Finn met with Harry up at the inn to finalize the groom’s breakfast setup. But that shouldn’t take too long, hopefully.
And then he’d be back with them. Safely nearby.
According to the news stream on her iPad, tropical storm Danielle had veered wildly off course and was barreling straight toward western North Carolina. Thunder grumbled low in the distance, a quiet warning. The wind had been picking up all day, and customers were already trading stories about downed trees and closed bridges. All the usual ones, sure—but still. Days of rain plus high winds? A recipe for disaster.
With wedding guests arriving in a couple of days, maybe theyshouldinvest in a canoe.
The lights flickered in the shop, and Daphne flipped her attention to Lucy, who kept happily humming as she decorated the tarts with fruit. At least she wasn’t afraid. One less thing to distract Daphne.
A breaking news alert interrupted the quiet lull of the kitchen.
