Page 28 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across the community park as I tighten the last rope on one of the canopy frames. The festival layout is almost done—just a few more adjustments to the vendor areas, and everything will be set for the decorator to add the finishing touches.

I step back, wiping the sweat from my brow as I survey the space. The park looks good. Simple, functional, and ready to welcome the crowds that will show up for the annual pork festival. I’ve been doing this for years now, and it’s become second nature—my quiet way of contributing to the town without drawing too much attention. I take a moment to stare back at what I’ve been able to create. I suppose I should accept that if I eventually have to leave Bardstown, the people here would manage fine without me.

As I gather my tools, I mentally note to talk to Mia later. I’ll let her know I’m stepping back from helping Sophie. The situation with Sophie is turning me into a jerk, and I keep acting out of character when she’s close to me. It’s not a decision I’m makinglightly, but after yesterday, it’s clear that working with her isn’t the best idea. I’ll find someone else. She’ll be fine without me.

The sound of footsteps pulls me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Mia walking toward me, a bright smile on her face, with Dotty trailing behind her.

“Graham,” Mia calls, waving as she approaches. “How’s it coming along?”

“Almost done,” I reply, gesturing to the setup around us. “Just need to finish marking off the vendor spaces.”

Mia takes a slow look around, her smile widening. “You’re a lifesaver, you know that? I don’t know how we’d pull this off without you.”

“You’d manage,” I say, grabbing a measuring tape and heading toward the next section.

She follows me, her tone turning thoughtful. “Seriously, though. You’ve been doing this for years and never once complained. It means a lot, Graham.”

I glance at her, shrugging. “It’s just part of the job.”

“No, it’s not,” she says, her voice soft but firm. “You don’t have to do this, but you always show up anyway. That’s what makes this town special—people like you who make it feel like home.”

Her words make me pause, but I brush it off as I keep working, adjusting the tape lines as Mia continues.

“Bardstown has this way of bringing out the best in people,” she says. “It’s like… no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, you can come back here and feel like you belong. Like Sophie, for example. She’s been gone for years, building this biglife in Manhattan, but she can still come back and feel at home. Because this is home.”

I freeze for a moment, her words sinking in.

Home.

The word hits me harder than I expect, dragging my thoughts back to the castle. I think about the family I left behind, the life I walked away from, and the years I’ve spent trying to convince myself that I don’t need any of it.

Mia doesn’t notice my reaction. She smiles, her voice softening. “It’s important, you know? To have a home. Somewhere to go when life gets overwhelming.”

I swallow hard, the weight of her words settling in my chest. Before I can say anything, Dotty clears her throat, her expression worried.

“We’ve got a problem,” she says, glancing between me and Mia.

Mia frowns. “What kind of problem?”

“There’s no one to play the last set of games. We are short on two people because everyone is on the rides, and we can’t keep waiting,” Dotty says, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “It’s the boat-rowing game.”

Mia turns to me, her brow lifting in silent expectation.

“No, you have already convinced me to do one thing, and that’s enough for me. I’m not playing any games,” I say immediately, shaking my head.

“Graham, it will be fun! Don’t you love sports? Row, row, row your boat!” she sings, and I resist the urge to cringe. There is noway I’m letting her talk me into yet another dilemma. I’m still trying to get myself out of this Sophie situation, thanks to her.

“No,” I repeat firmly. “I’m not playing.”

“You and Sophie could be partners if you’re worried about being paired with someone else,” Dotty interjects.

“I’m not your guy,” I say, stepping away. I am not particularly in the mood to socialize today.

“Graham,” Mia says again, this time more softly. “Come on. You’ve been part of this festival for years. You can’t deny it would actually be fun doing this. You’ve experienced these games before.”

I shake my head, but her next words stop me cold.

“You know the festival isn’t just about the food, games or the decorations,” she says. “It’s about bringing people together. Bardstown is like one big family, and you’ve been part of that family for years now. This is your home, whether you want to admit it or not.”

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