“Which is exactly why Lucy doesn’t need to meet her.” Finn pointed his fork at Harry. “The last thing I need is my daughter conspiring with the enemy.”
“The enemy?” Margaret’s eyebrows rose. “Such strong words for someone who declared there was no war.”
Lucy giggled. “Daddy’s ears are getting red.”
“They are not,” Finn muttered, though he could feel the telltale burn. “And this conversation is over.”
“Of course,” Harry agreed too easily. “Though I should mention that Daphne does host a weekly children’s story time. In full princess costume, I believe. Complete with tiaras for all the little guests...”
Lucy’s gasp of delight was matched only by Finn’s groan of despair.
“Harry Coleman, you are an evil man.”
“Just doing my part to support local businesses.” Harry raised hiswineglass in a mock toast. “And perhaps encourage some... community bonding.”
“Don’t you even—” Finn started.
“Daddy, can we go to story time? Please?” Lucy clasped her hands together. “I promise I won’t become a tea princess. I’ll still be your dragon girl!”
Finn looked at his daughter’s pleading face, then at Harry’s smug expression, and finally at Margaret’s knowing smile. He was fighting a losing battle on all fronts.
“We’ll see,” he conceded.
Lucy squealed with delight. Harry chuckled into his wineglass.
Finn groaned and reached for his own drink. He was going to need it.
To survive this dinner. To survive this town.
And definitely to survive whatever inevitable disaster would come when his impressionable daughter joined forces with Daphne Austen.
Heaven help him.
@TeaThymeNC:Public Service Announcement: If your morning tea tastes slightly more dramatic than usual, don’t worry—it’s just been infused with the stress of waking up to “Under Pressure” blaring through the walls. Some neighbors prefer coffee-fueled chaos. Others appreciate the finer things in life... like peace, quiet, and a properly brewed Earl Grey. #PrayForMySanity #TeaOverTurmoil #SoundproofingFund #SomePeopleHaveNoTaste
Comments:
@TGDPub:Strange. My morning coffee had just the right hint of smug satisfaction. Might be why“Don’t Stop Me Now” has been stuck in my head all day. #PurelyCoincidental #CaffeineAndClassics #SomePeopleAreTooDramatic
@WisteriaWeekly:Breaking: Local café war escalates as Daphne Austen and Finn Dashwood go steep-to-brew over hot beverages. Sources say tension is “positively cozy.” #SipsAndSpats #WisteriaWatch #WillTheyWontThey
@JackAustenPhotography:I’m just here for the inevitable slo-mo montage of Daphne angrily steeping tea to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” #ComingToCinemas #AustenUnhinged #SteepItReal
@WisteriaBookClub:Pretty sure the neighbors are communicating exclusively in Queen lyrics now. Next up: “Somebody To Love.” #LiteraryShenanigans #MusicalMatchmaking #YouHeardItHereFirst
@PastorNateNHC:We are not starting a battle of the brews before morning prayer. Although, hypothetically speaking, if one were to choose a side... #TeaByGrace #EspressoForgiveness #HolyGrounds
@WisteriaInn:Just a gentle reminder that all emotional breakdowns (tea or coffee induced) are welcome at the inn. We have robes and lemon shortbread. #FromBeverageWars2Dating #TheresMoreThanMochaInTheAir
@TeaThymeNC:I’ll respond when my hearing returns. And once I’ve finished brewing tranquili-tea. Which, by the way, pairs beautifully with noise-canceling headphones. Btw, the scones are fresh, so we carry on. #BlessedAndSoundproofed #OneOfUsWillBreak #ItWontBeMe #SurvivalByScone
@SheriffGrady:Wisteria’s version of gang warfare: Tea drinkers with embroidered aprons vs. coffeefolks in vintage band tees. Y’all need to calm down and eat a muffin. #SconePeaceAccords #SmallTownSheriffChronicles
Despite the bridal shower in the books and the possibility of another next month, Daphne’s savings account remained much too low to afford Mr. Lawson’s repairs yet, which meant her lovely shop was a ticking time bomb. At any moment, those pipes could go.
Plus, Daphne desperately needed to replace her refrigerator. One of her ovens edged near extinction too.
But she needed more income. Bigger or more catering options.
