Page 61 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

Ethan’s eyes scan the backyard—taking in the long wooden table set under glowing string lights, the soft floral centerpieces, the candles flickering against the crisp night air. The perfect pre-wedding dinner. His gaze finally locks onto mine, and for a moment, he stares, completely thrown.

“Sophie…” He shakes his head slightly like he’s still processing. “Did you?—?”

I smirk, crossing my arms. “Welcome home.”

For a moment, no one moves. Then Ethan lets out a short breath, running a hand over his jaw as a slow, genuine smile spreads across his face.

“You guys are insane,” he mutters.

Aunt Dotty lets out an exaggerated huff. “Boy, don’t just stand there gawking. Sit down before my knees give out watching you.”

Laughter ripples through the group as Ethan mutters something under his breath and guides Riley toward the table. Sam and Emma hug them as guests settle into their seats, the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation filling the space.

For the first time in a while, things feel light.

Well—almost.

Because even as everyone talks and laughter flows easily, I don’t miss the way Ethan subtly straightens when his father sits beside him. The history is still there, simmering beneath the surface.

Ethan’s dad clears his throat, his sharp gaze sweeping over the dinner setup. “This is quite the event.” He picks up his water glass, expression unreadable. “I assume this was your doing, Sophie?”

There’s something about the way he says it—polite but vaguely critical—that reminds me exactly why Ethan left New York in the first place.

I offer a practiced smile. “It was, dear uncle! I thought it’d be a nice way to celebrate before the wedding chaos kicks in.”

Mr. Wilson hums, clearly choosing his words. “I see.” He glances at Ethan. “It’s good to see you’ve… settled here.”

Ethan’s jaw tightens slightly. “I’ve been settled in for a while.”

I don’t miss the way he rephrases it—settled in, notsettled, as though he’s chosen some life beneath what he deserves.

Ethan’s mom, ever the peacekeeper, places a hand on her husband’s arm before turning to Riley with a softer smile. “I must say, the trip was wonderful, but it’s nice to be back in Bardstown; it’s always so idyllic. I imagine you must be relieved to have the final stretch of wedding planning ahead.”

Riley smartly keeps her tone light. “It’s been exciting, but I can’t wait for the big day.”

Aunt Dotty, never one for formalities, leans forward with a knowing smirk. “Now, enough of this stiffness. Ethan, you look like you swallowed a lemon. Relax, boy! You’re home. And Riley, sweetheart, don’t let these city folks scare you. They can be a bit stiff, but deep down, they’re harmless.”

Ethan lets out a sharp laugh, shaking his head, and for a moment, the tension breaks.

Conversation flows, food is passed around, drinks are poured, and the night settles into something warm and familiar.

Then—

Someone brings up Graham.

It happens so casually that it takes a second to register.

“Sophie, you’ve done an incredible job with the wedding plans,” Ethan’s mom says, beaming. “Honestly, I don’t know how you manage all of this.”

Mia, of course, seizes the opportunity. She nudges me playfully. “Yeah, Sophie. Let’s hear it.”

I roll my eyes but smile. “Well, I had help.”

The second the words leave my mouth, I regret them.

Because immediately, the table zeroes in on that one word.

“Help?” Ethan repeats, raising an eyebrow. “From who?”

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