ands on her apron and carefully removed a tray from the oven. Her eyes lingered on the golden-brown pastries, their buttery scent bringing a faint smile to

x, Drew, had been trying to reach her ever since she left the city, his persistent messages swinging between apologies and pleas for closure. Ign

y" the fundraiser planning meeting, a suggestion that quickly escalated into Grace volunteering to provide a preview of her work. She

ts, sign-up sheets, and donation jars, while clusters of volunteers worked on logistics. G

cut through the noise, and Grace spotted

tly. Before she reached Mia, Lucas stepped into her path, his

id, his tone more st

s gaze with a touch of defiance. "I said I

st forming a smile. "Fair e

I'd contribute

, a flicker of approval in his eyes.

uthority, his calm demeanor commanding respect without demanding it. Once they reached the table,

from nearby volunteers. Her hands lingered on the edge of the b

board held with the precision of someone used to getting things done. "I'

to meet you, Brooke. I'm just

t be better. We've been struggling to finalize the menu for the f

beside her, practically bouncing with excitement. "I

d. "Great. Let's discuss ideas after the

and steered her toward the refreshm

ok. "You're impossi

ogetically. "You'l

carried through the room, steady and measured, as he outlined the plans for the community center. Grace found herself watching

ons ranging from silent auctions to live music performances. Grace ke

breeze carried the scent of saltwater, mingling with the faint fragrance of her lave

survi

to find him leaning against the stone raili

ied, a wry smile t

. "Those scones caused a bit of a stir. You'

warmed. "They'r

ul. "But to them, it's a glimpse of what you

, leaving her unsure how to respond. Lucas stud

t, Grace. Don't l

away, leaving her alo

aiser preparations, her initial reluctance giving way to a quiet sense of purpose. She spent ho

te of whatever Grace was working on. Their conversations often veered toward Luca

ia asked one evening, lounging on

own a tray of muffins to cool. "

romance? I'm just sayin

to her baking, unwilling to let

rmed into a lively event space, with string lights casting a warm glow over the booths and tables. Her

eractions with neighbors and visitors alike. The compliments on her ba

e end of the night, his expression s

arly empty trays. "It'

unspoken passing between them. "You've done well,

t a lump to her throat, but she manag

gnaling the start of the evening's final performance. Lu

c began, a soft melody that carried through the night, and for the fir