Page 16 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

Mia leans back in her chair, grinning. “See? My version wasn’t that far off. I just added some flair.”

“Your version included Ethan getting chased by a broom,” I remind her, shaking my head.

“And it made you laugh, didn’t it?”

The table dissolves into laughter, and I can’t help but smile at the way the room feels alive. This is why I came back—to reconnect, to be part of these moments again.

As the conversation shifts to their upcoming trip to France, Ethan leans forward, his expression turning more serious. “We leave in two days,” he says. “It’ll be Riley’s first time meeting my parents in person. My mom’s already planning everything down to the minute.”

“I can imagine,” I say, chuckling. “Your parents aren’t exactly known for keeping things simple.”

“Not at all,” Ethan agrees, shaking his head. “But it’ll be good to see them. And honestly, I think Riley will charm them the same way she’s charmed everyone else.”

Riley blushes, ducking her head. “I hope so.”

Mia clinks her glass with a fork, drawing everyone’s attention. “Speaking of planning,” she says, her grin widening, “Sophie here has graciously offered to help with the wedding. The famous event planner herself!”

I blink, caught off guard at my sister’s words. “I wouldn’t say graciously. You volunteered me.”

“Oh, come on,” Mia says, waving a hand. “You were going to help anyway. I’m just making it official.”

Riley’s eyes widen, and she beams at me. “Really, Sophie? That would be amazing! I’ve been trying my best, but between the hardware store and everything else, it’s been a lot.”

Ethan nods. “We’d appreciate it, Soph. We know you’re the best at what you do.”

I smile, leaning back in my chair. “I’d love to help. But let’s start small. Before you leave for France, how about the three of us sit down for a quick meeting? I can get a sense of what you envision for the wedding and start putting some plans together while you’re away.”

Riley claps her hands together, her excitement infectious. “That would be perfect. Thank you so much, Sophie. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“By the way, I’m surprised you are going to France. Not New York?” I ask my cousin, who just rolls his eyes.

“My parents are doing this thing where they visit countries, and the next one on the list is France. They already booked the flight tickets and everything,” Ethan adds.

I laugh. “Now that makes sense.”

Aunt Dotty clears her throat and raises her glass, her voice warm and full of pride. “To the family—to love, laughter, and the best wedding Bardstown has ever seen.”

The sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the dining room, and I’m just about to take another bite of Aunt Dotty’s apple pie when a sharp knock at the door interrupts the flow of conversation.

Mia tilts her head, frowning slightly. “Did we invite anyone else?”

Ethan shrugs, already pushing his chair back to stand. “Maybe it’s one of the neighbors.”

Aunt Dotty waves a hand. “Or Mr. Willis returning my casserole dish. He’s been holding onto it for weeks.”

But Mia shakes her head, a sly grin spreading across her face. “No, I think this is something better. Ethan, sit down. I’ll get it.”

She hops up and practically skips to the door, her excitement so obvious it’s impossible not to feel curious. I exchange a glance with Ethan, who raises an eyebrow.

The door swings open, and Mia lets out a delighted squeal. “Oh my gosh! Look who it is! My favorite brother and his wife!”

I sit up straighter, my heart skipping as two figures step into the foyer: Sam and Emma.

“Surprise!” Sam says, his deep voice filling the room as he grins at all of us.

My brother stands there, looking as effortlessly charming as ever in a casual button-up and jeans, his arm slung around Emma’s shoulders. She looks radiant, her sun-kissed skin glowing, her smile as warm as I remember.

“Sam!” I exclaim, pushing my chair back so fast it scrapes against the floor.

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