Page 13 of Bittersweet Valentine

But it was The Chocolate Hart that drew me in. She'd captured it perfectly—the vintage display cases, the open kitchen, even the gold lettering on the window. And rising from its roof, a spiral of chocolate hearts carried messages that told our story: "Dream." "Leave." "Learn." "Return." "Remember." "Choose." And at the very top, a single heart that simply said "Home."

The technical skill was extraordinary. Every element showed perfect tempering, clear-cut construction, artistic vision.But it was more than that. She'd captured the essence of Kings Valley—not just its appearance, but its heart. The way this town held onto tradition while embracing change. The way it welcomed people home, even after years away.

I moved between the pieces with the other judges, making notes, maintaining professional distance. But when I reached Kandi's creation, I had to pause. Because there, in the tiny chocolate kitchen of The Chocolate Hart, two small figures worked side by side at a marble counter—one teaching, one learning, both creating something new together.

"The piece is called 'Sweet Homecoming,'" Kandi explained to the judges. "It's about the way some places, some people, some moments, stay with us even when we leave. About how coming home isn't always about finding what was but about discovering what could be."

The judging took hours. Each piece was evaluated for technical execution, artistic merit, storytelling, and overall impact. The other judges asked questions about technique, inspiration, and about the future of artisanal chocolate-making. I asked my own questions, kept my voice professional, wrote detailed notes.

But my eyes kept returning to those two figures at the chocolate counter, to the way they leaned toward each other, to the future they suggested.

Finally, all the scores were tallied. The ballroom had filled with spectators, including what seemed like half of Kings Valley. Granny Mae stood with Meredith and her boyfriend, Kris, near the front. Eleanor from The Velvet Vine was taking pictures for the local paper. Even Liam had shown up, grinning knowingly at me from the back of the room.

"Before we announce the winners," I said, addressing the crowd, "I want to thank all our contestants for reminding usthat chocolate-making isn't just about technique or innovation. It's about creating moments, memories, and magic that bring people together."

My eyes found Kandi's as I continued. "Sometimes we have to go away to appreciate what we had all along. Sometimes true success isn't found in the biggest cities or the fanciest restaurants, but in small towns where tradition and innovation blend as perfectly as sugar and spice."

I opened the envelope containing the final scores, though I already knew what I would find. In every category—technical skill, artistic vision, storytelling, impact—one piece had stood above the rest.

"The winner of this year's Kings Valley Valentine's Chocolate Competition, with a perfect score in all categories... Kandi Hart of The Chocolate Hart."

The room erupted in applause. Sophie squealed and hugged Kandi. Granny Mae wiped tears from her eyes. But all I could see was Kandi's smile—proud, joyful, and full of possibilities.

Later, after the crowds had dispersed and the other contestants had packed up their pieces, I found Kandi still standing by her creation, studying those two miniature figures in the chocolate kitchen.

"Your work deserved to win," I said softly. "Personal history aside, it was extraordinary."

"Thank you." She touched one of the chocolate hearts gently, before turning to face me,and in her eyes I saw everything I'd been looking for all these years.

I reached up and brushed a smudge of gold luster dust from her cheek. Outside, snow began to fall again, adding magicto Valentine's Day in Kings Valley. Inside, we were surrounded by chocolate roses and tiny buildings and celebration.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Kandi," I whispered, and when I kissed her, she tasted like love.

Epilogue

Kandi

One Year Later – Valentine’s Day

Kings Valley had never looked more beautiful. Snow blanketed the town like a pristine white quilt, the glow of lanterns casting golden halos over the cobblestone streets. The annual Valentine’s Day Chocolate Competition had once again drawn visitors from across the state, filling the air with the scent of rich cocoa, caramel, and warm spices.

From the window ofThe Chocolate Hart, I watched the townspeople celebrate, couples strolling hand in hand, children pressing their

noses against shop windows to admire the holiday displays. A year ago, I never would have imagined that I’d be standing here, looking out at this town—the town that had shaped me—with such deep gratitude.

A warm hand settled on my waist, pulling me from my thoughts.

"You're staring out that window like you’re waiting for something," Roman murmured, pressing a light kiss to my temple. "Second thoughts about letting me help with the new storefront design?"

I laughed, turning to face him. "If I had second thoughts, I wouldn’t have let you set up a ‘Critic’s Choice’ shelf in the shop, now would I?"

Roman smirked, his blue eyes twinkling. "I’m just saying—it’s good branding. ‘Endorsed by award-winning food critic Roman Archer’ has a nice ring to it."

"Mm-hmm." I looped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Still adjusting to small-town life?"

He sighed dramatically. "If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be living in the town where I grew up, waking up at 5 a.m. to help temper chocolate, and getting roped into every community festival, I would have laughed in your face."

"And now?"

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