Page 53 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Declan pulled two Styrofoam containers from the bag, setting one in front of Lily. “I thought we might not have a chance to eat lunch once the reception’s going.”

“Oh. Good idea.” She supposed it would be poor form to try to snag some of the food arranged on the deluxe charcuterie boards on the table beside theirs, which included fruit and meat cut and folded into roses, plus platters of finger sandwiches that looked gourmet.

“Thanks. What is it—arsenic?” She smiled at him, not sure why.

“Iocane powder. Please. But only because I’ve worked up a tolerance. Pick one.” He held out both containers.

She laughed, took one of the containers, and popped open the lid. The delicious scent of the roast beef sandwich wafted out. “I don’t care if it’s poisoned. I’m ready to perish.”

“I was hoping you’d still like it.”

Oh. Right. And suddenly, their past was right there—the date in the park, when he’d snuck her food from the diner. They’d talked and talked till it was far too late.

Their first kiss since the magic of Disney World.

Far more magical because they’d been home.

She cleared her throat. That was then, this was now. “Wow, I haven’t had anything of your mom’s in forever.”

“Really? Even with being back for a few weeks now?” Declan took a bite of his sandwich.

In the background, Pastor Arnie talked about love and commitment. Of finding forever and holding on when you knew it was right, when God had sent you your match.

Lily tossed him a sad smile. “Harts aren’t exactly welcome at the diner. Well, I think Cody gets away with it. Maybe Mom. But me? I’mpersona non grataover there.”

Declan had been about to take another bite, but set his sandwich down instead. Frowned. “That’s not okay.”

She flicked away a wilted piece of lettuce—the only flawed thing about the perfectly flaky, juicy creation in front of her. But suddenly, her appetite waned.

Lily closed the lid and pushed the container away. “It’s just how it is between our families, Declan. We tried to change their minds once upon a time.”

“Maybe we should have tried harder.”

Her breath caught as he snagged her hand and guided it back to the container. Before letting go, his thumb swiped the inside of her wrist.

She froze. He let go. “Looks like they’re pronouncing them man and wife. Eat up.”

Right. She ate half the sandwich, then closed it. But his touch lingered even as the wedding ceremony ended and the reception festivities had begun.

The reception kept both Lily and Declan busy, her scooping ice cream and both of them handing out their fudge. She couldn’t help but grin in satisfaction that the guests, nearly all from the mainland, were keen on her unique fudge flavors—several even asking if she’d consider a mail-order option. Lily lost herself in conversation with them all, nearly yelping when Declan sidled up next to her, his face solemn. Cheer up, they were at aparty.

“What’s the frown for?” Lily asked. “You look like you need an ice cream.” She twirled the scoop in her hand before setting it down and pulling another box of fudge from under the table.

Declan looked up to the sky. A hard line of clouds hung off the southern tip of the island. “I hope the weather holds.” The air had grown humid as the afternoon waned on, tolerable only because of a breeze that cut across the island.

Lily paused while plating more fudge. “Yikes. Me too.” She moved the plate to the front of their table and greeted several guests. She pulled another stack of waffle cones from the supply box below the table and handed them to him. “Do you mind?”

He took the stack and slid several into a special plexiglass cone-holder that sat in an arch on the table. “I didn’t even know these were a thing.”

“Brilliant, right?”

“What’s brilliant is the easy way you can pivot.”

She stilled, glanced at him. “Um. What do you mean?” And was that genuine admiration in Declan’s tone?

“I’ve been watching you?—”

“Well, that doesn’t sound creepy at all.” She laughed.

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