Page 92 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Though the thought of opening the shop without Declan at the other end of the counter caused a pinch in her throat.

“You could use the front tables to make fudge. It’ll be a little noisy while the guys work, but I don’t think you need to miss out on sales in the meantime.” Mom leaned against the sink. “Though maybe you should plan a bit of a remodel. Then a grand re-opening.”

“I don’t want to make a big fuss about it.”

“Itisa big fuss—you’re carrying on the family business. You get to marry the old with the new. Make it exactly what you want it to be.”

Cody lifted a shoulder. “Besides, if you have to do repairs anyway, you may as well put in a few design elements to bring the shop into the new century.”

Mom held up her hands. “Wait a minute—we’re not talking industrial modern, are we?”

“You said whatever Lily wants it to be.” Cody grinned.

“And Lily does not want that.” Lily cut Cody a look. “Whatever I do needs to be in alignment with all the charm of Jonathon Island.” She crossed the room and poked her brother in the arm. “Ignore your son, Mom. He only knows fishing-chic.”

Cody pushed her away. “Hilarious.”

“Okay, good.” Mom placed a hand over her heart. “Just making sure.”

She and her family laughed—even Dad—and there was only one thing that would make this moment better.

Declan.

Hopefully, he’d arrive soon. If he hadn’t gotten her text, she might need to go in search of him. His face had seemed to say he was okay with not winning—at least, she’d hoped that was it. But then, she’d also seen Frank step in and she couldn’t imagine that was going to be a pleasant conversation.

She just hoped it wasn’t so bad Declan would be driven off the island. Back to Chicago. But he’d assured her that after the contest was over, they could make decisions about their future—together.

It would finally be them against the world.

Lily hoisted the last bucket of ice cream and stowed it in the freezer. “I’m just going to do a few more things here, and then I’ll head home.”

Mom grabbed her sweater and purse, and Dad ushered her out the door.

Cody turned to her. “You’re meeting Declan, right?”

“And if I am?” She lifted her chin.

“Hey, I know I tease you—which is my right as your pesky little brother—but I just want you to be happy, Sis.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. “If he makes you happy and he treats you well, then it’s all right with me.”

“He does, on both counts. Let’s just hope his family is as okay with it as you are.”

“If they aren’t, that’s their own fault.” He ruffled her hair before stepping away. “And if he hurts you, you know where to find me.” He winked.

Lily laughed. “Yeah. Mia’s house.”

He grinned. “Speaking of, Mia should have the kids down, and we’re going to watch a movie. Would you mind if I took some leftover ice cream?”

“Knock yourself out.”

“Thanks, sis.” Grabbing a container of chocolate mint ice cream, Cody slipped out the door, and Lily headed for the storeroom to put away a handful of items she’d used today.

A few minutes later, she heard voices in the lobby. She froze. Had Declan brought his family here, now? Before they’d had a chance to speak privately? Surely not.

She slipped into the hallway and down toward the lobby, where she found Dani, Tara, and Patrick Kelley.

Tara wore a stricken expression, and Dani took a breath, swallowed. Patrick just stood there, arms crossed over his broad chest, a sort of glimmer in his eyes.

Lily stilled, a sick roil curling in her stomach. “Um, what’s going on?”

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