Page 60 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Don’t…

He stepped away, breaking her hold. “Anyway. I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry for the past. For blaming you. For breaking up with you in such a childish way. For putting my desire to be loyal to family above you.”

Lily nodded. “I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have left like that and ignored your calls. But when Sadie invited me to spend the rest of the summer in Florida, I didn’t think. I just went. And stayed.”

“And never came back. Until now.”

“Well, except to visit. But yes.”

They stared at each other for a long moment, breathing in this change between them. The forgiveness. And Declan’s chest…

For the first time in he didn’t know how long, it felt as if he could breathe again. Finally, “Lily, I think this family feud has gone on long enough.”

“I agree, actually.”

“Hold the presses.” He cupped his hands around his mouth and turned like he was making an announcement. “Let it be known that at 8:52 p.m. on Tuesday, July twenty-second, Lily Hart agreed with Declan Kelley.”

“Stop it, you goof.” She smacked him on the arm. “So I agree with you. Big whoop. The point is, we had nothing to do with the old Fudge Wars. We don’t need to bow to this sense of…ofdutythat’s decades old, right?” She set down her coffee. “The past doesn’t have to rule our lives.”

Outside, the sun had begun to set, the colors awash over the lake, cresting into the room. It picked up the lavender highlights in her hair, settled into her eyes, turning them a deep, rich blue.

“Youaretalking about the business, right?” The question popped out—a more regular occurrence since being around Lily. He’d never been more impulsive in his life. Her influence, once again. “Nothing more?”

“Of course.” Her cheeks reddened and she stopped. “Things between us…we were just kids. Young. Impulsive. I wasn’t suggesting…” She held up a hand. “Listen, all these numbers make my brain swim. I’m gonna go whip up some ice cream. Clear my head. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

“Yes, we do.” Because tomorrow, Kent Mercer was going to taste both of their offerings and give Lily a raving review that would ensure an even bigger lead over him.

But right now, Declan honestly couldn’t find it in him to care. Because what if things didn’t have to be an either/or situation with Lily? She wasn’t his enemy. And, okay, he wasn’t sure if she was his friend.

But he was pretty sure that she just might be the one thing that he’d searched the world to find.

Too bad it was on Jonathon Island.

ChapterNine

Declan was leaving.

Win or lose, he wasleaving.

Why did that devastate her so much?

For the last eighteen hours, Lily had hardly been able to think about much else—like the way Declan had patiently shown her how to wrangle her finances. Or the fact that Kent Mercer was on his way to the island.

No, her brain was all clogged up with the softness in his voice when he’d apologized for the past. Or that almost-kiss at the wedding.

Focus.

“Settle down, girl.” Mia laughed and plopped her hand over top of Lily’s as she arranged and rearranged the sample box she’d created for Mr. Mercer. “Why don’t you make some fudge or something? That always calms you right down.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder, pointing to the marble demonstration table in front of the window. “Haven’t seen you use that much. Give the people a show.”

“Bypeople, do you mean Cody and your children?” From Lily’s spot behind the counter, she could see her brother giving two-year-old Maggie a piggyback ride up and down the sidewalk in front of the shop. Five-year-old Finn raced beside him, running a Hot Wheels car over every bench and lamppost along the way. “He sure is cute with them. Can’t wait for the day I can call them my niece and nephew.”

Mia’s mouth fell open, and she let loose an incredulous laugh. “Lily Hart. Don’t be saying that so loudly. People will start rumors that we’re engaged.”

“Oh, please. There’s no one here.” Lily glanced over at Declan, who was assisting an older couple.Hecertainly didn’t seem nervous. Every movement he made was calm and professional, and he spoke in dulcet tones that made her want to?—

Her mind really needed to find another topic of thought.

But she knew, deep in her bones, that if she hadn’t walked away last night, he would have kissed her.

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