Page 52 of The Sweetest Ingredient

“Hmmm. Your display looks quite impressive, but taste will decide the winner today.” Her voice sounded measured and authoritative. “What do you recommend I try first?”

Jordan handed her one of Bishop’s cupcakes, and she took a nibble.

She nodded, taking another bite. “Exquisite.”

“That means a lot to me, Miss Shaw.” Bishop gestured at me. “Now, if you don’t mind, we have a special treat for Duchess as well.”

I stepped forward, presenting one of my dog biscuits. “At Doughy Desires, we believe your pet deserves only the best. That’s why our gourmet pet treats are made with all natural ingredients.”

Miranda accepted the treat and offered it to Duchess. The regal poodle sniffed it before devouring the biscuit, her tail wagging.

“Would you look at that?” Miranda’s eyebrows climbed above her blunt-cut bangs. “Duchess is usually more discerning than a food critic at a five-star restaurant.”

I leaned in with a conspiratorial wink. “Word around town is that Duchess has impeccable taste.”

“We’ll take a few more biscuits, if that’s all right,” Miranda said.

“Certainly.” I placed a plastic bag into her hand.

Miranda smiled. “It’s obvious the passion you both have for your baking and customers.” With a graceful twirl, much like her diva dog, Miranda strolled to the next booth.

Bishop’s face lit up with excitement. “The judge loved our samples!”

My chest expanded with warmth. “Was there ever any doubt?”

“She liked Kenzi’s pet treats, too,” Jordan said. “Maybe we have a chance at winning.”

I glanced at Maxwell’s booth, his face twisted into a scowl and my happiness somewhat deflated. He looked like someone had force-fed him a sour lemon. Poor, Maxwell.

“Your cousin looks sorta green,” I whispered to Bishop. “I feel kinda sorry for him.”

My boss stiffened. “Well, don’t. He doesn’t deserve your sympathy.”

I offered our delicious creations to others and chatted with customers, while Bishop took an order for three dozen cupcakes for an upcoming party.

Jordan sidled up to me. “I noticed that you and Bishop have gotten awfully friendly the last few months. And I’ve been meaning to ask, did you talk him into helping you with Bree’s tuition?”

I blinked. “No, I would never do that.”

“Oh…that’s weird. I thought you had.” Jordan frowned. “Because I overheard him talking about it with the school’s director. His parents are on the board and they voted to give Bree a free ride. Seems the boss has a soft spot for you and your sister.”

Mochi pawed at my leg, perhaps sensing the shock washing over me.

“Wow. That was incredibly generous of him and his family...”

I peered over at Bishop, who was talking with the locals. A wave of gratitude and adoration swept over me, and I couldn’t wait to thank him.

“Attention, everyone!” Miranda announced, holding a small microphone she had acquired from somewhere. “It’s time to declare the winner of this year’s Great Serenity Bake-Off!”

I stood beside Bishop, our hands brushing against each other. It was all coming down to this moment.

“Let me say,” Miranda continued, eyeing the township with a serious expression, “that the competition has been fierce. And now…” Miranda paused for dramatic effect. “The winner is Doughy Desires!”

The residents erupted into cheers, and for the first time since I’d met him, a genuine smile broke across Bishop’s face. Caught up in the excitement, he scooped me up into his strong arms, swinging me around like we were the leads in a romantic musical.

“Kenzi,” he breathed, setting me on my feet, “we won.”

I swallowed, unable to form words and still reeling from the feel of his arms holding me.

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