Page 54 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

He rolled his eyes. “Listen. It’s just that you have a really easy way with customers. When you’re short on an ice cream flavor someone really wants, you find a way to mix two other flavors to get a new combination they’re equally excited about.”

“That’s the fun of it all. Being creative. Coming up with something new.”

“Not sure I’d call it fun, but whatever it is, you excel at it.”

Her cheeks burned, and it had nothing to do with the heat. “Thanks, Top Gun. You’re pretty good at all this yourself.”

And it didn’t hurt at all to say it.

Except, his gaze held hers, and she was instantly back in the shop, her back to the table, his eyes on hers?—

“Ice cream. Melting.” He pointed to the full scoop in her hand.

And right then, the groom’s dad came over to the table holding the flower girl’s hand. The older gentleman stroked his gray mustache. “Do you have any more of the maple-bacon ice cream? Siena doesn’t believe me that it’s a real flavor.”

“What?” Lily acted shocked.

The girl wrinkled her nose. “Is it really true? Is it good?”

“I think so.”

Siena’s grandpa pointed at the little chalkboard menu Lily had written in pretty script a few hours earlier. “She also has lemon custard, chocolate-cherry pie, and black licorice.”

“Eww, I don’t like licorice.”

“That’s okay. Not every flavor is for every person.” Lily lifted an over-stuffed waffle cone to her. “Except for maple-bacon.” She winked. “Everyone likes this one.”

Siena’s eyes widened and she held the cone in her hands for half a second before diving in. “Oh, yummy. This is so good!” She grinned and backhand-wiped ice cream from her lips.

“Great, you’re going to be on a sugar high the rest of the afternoon,” the man said. He stuffed a twenty in Lily’s tip jar. “Thanks a lot.”

“Sorry!” Lily called as they walked away.

“No, you’re not,” Declan said.

“No, I’m not.” Lily put her hands on her hips and let out a little sigh. “This makes me happy.” She glanced around. “This whole wedding is like this little snapshot. A glimpse of what island life used to be.”

Several children played tag on the lawn. A few others blew bubbles from tiny party favor bottles. A deejay serenaded them with big band music, and couples jitterbugged on the dance floor.

Those halcyon days of childhood. The innocence and naiveté—it all tugged at her.

“I remember.” Declan’s voice seemed full of just as much wistfulness.

A gust lifted the tablecloth and made Lily’s dress swirl. She pinned it down against her legs. Looked up at him. And he—he was looking at her too.

She swallowed, throat suddenly dry.

“Okay, you two.” The bride’s mom slid behind the table, making Lily jump and break her eye contact with Declan. “It’s your turn.”

“For?”

“Dancing, of course. Come on—you’ve been working all afternoon. I can’t even tell you how good these desserts are. I’m going to stop by and buy some ice cream on our way back to the mainland.”

Lily paused. “I don’t actually sell the ice cream.”

“You should!” Despite her petite frame and her four-inch heels, Mrs. Stevenson gently tugged both Declan and Lily by the arm around the table. “Now go, or I’ll reduce your tip. I can handle doling out ice cream and fudge for a little bit. It’ll be fun.”

“Are you sure—” Lily started, but Declan took her hand.

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