m the fundraiser. The string lights swayed gently overhead, their golden glow illuminating the dwindling crowd. Most

nearly every pastry, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. For the first tim

cookies. "You were a hit! Everyone was raving about your

ing on her lips. "It wasn't just m

dging her. "And I saw you talking t

emaining supplies. "We were just talkin

. A week ago, you wouldn't ev

ng attention even in the relaxed setting. His sleeves were rolled u

anted to thank you both for tonight. The turnout was be

deserves most of the credit, though

his expression softening. "She

his scrutiny. "I just baked som

low and earnest. "You brought people toget

got to take this. Don't let him work you too hard

ding the tablecloth. The weight of his gaze lingered

liments, are you?" he as

stilling. "Not really.

he table, his clipboar

s didn't exactly go as planned in the city. My b

wed, but he di

sed, it felt like losing a part of myself. Coming back here was suppos

ure's a hard pill to swallow. But it's not the end. S

ard, and she found herself asking, "What ab

ht he wouldn't answer. Then, he let out a quiet sigh. "

y n

fore he masked it. "Let's just say I'

y than he was letting on. Before she could press furt

sing above the chatter. "Lucas! Grace! We

onal demeanor snapping back into

. Grace found herself working alongside Lucas, their movements synchronized without the need for w

ered her a ride back to the cottage. She hesitated b

en them. The winding road offered glimpses of moonlit waves crashi

onight," Lucas said,

ised by the warmth in his v

got a talent for bringing people t

aint smile. "You're pret

Grace turned to thank him, but the words caught in her throat when their eyes met. For a b

" Lucas said final

ight,

atched as he drove away, the taill

spent the day cleaning the cottage, organizing her grandmother's recip

latest gossip. "You made quite an impression on Lu

uppress a smile. "We're just working

what it's worth, I think you two would make

Grace tried to push it aside. She wasn't ready

ch. The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light reflecting on the wat

his pockets, staring out at the waves. Lucas turned

er?" she asked, stop

he replied, his gaze re

illing the space between them. Grace hesitated, then spoke.

her, a hint of su

forgot to look at what's still possible," sh

ed at his lips. "G

bolstered by the quiet intimacy of the moment.

ul expression. "I don't know yet. But I'm s

licker of connection she hadn't expected. For the first time