Page 8 of Matched with the Grumpy Secret Prince

I built the life I wanted here—successful, busy, and full of accomplishments. I used to dream about these things when I was a teenager stuck in Bardstown, feeling like the world was passing me by. I should be proud of everything I’ve done and built.

But instead, I feel… tired.

The planner on the nightstand catches my eye. Its neatly packed squares remind me of how tightly wound my life has become. Every moment is accounted for, and every day is planned to the minute.

I swing my legs off the bed and wander to the window, pressing my forehead against the cool glass. The city is beautiful, vibrant, and alive. But it’s also relentless. For the first time in years, I wonder if stepping away wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

Ethan’s wedding is in three months. It’s the kind of event that Bardstown thrives on—big enough to bring everyone together, small enough to feel personal. Maybe I could use it as an excuse. A change of scenery, a reason to slow down, even just for a little while.

I haven’t thought about Bardstown in years. But now, the memories come rushing back—sun-drenched afternoons at the park, the smell of fresh-baked bread from the corner bakery, the quiet hum of crickets on summer nights.

It wasn’t all bad.

I close my eyes, letting the thought settle. Could I really go back? Not just for the wedding, but for a bit longer? I’ve spent so much time convincing myself there’s nothing left for me there, but maybe I’ve been wrong.

The thought feels fragile, like it might break apart if I poke at it too much.

I grab my phone again and scroll through my calendar. I could wrap up most of my projects in a month, hand off the smaller ones to Claire, and clear my schedule for a few weeks.

It wouldn’t be running away. It would be… a reset.

Maybe Bardstown isn’t home anymore, but it could be a place to rest.

I’m still staring out at the skyline, turning the idea of Bardstown repeatedly in my head, when my phone buzzes again. This time, it’s Mia’s name flashing across the screen.

I swipe to answer. “Mia,” I say with a smile, settling back onto the bed. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” My sister only calls when she wants to rant about something or give me hot gossip.

“Sophie, hey,” she says, her tone bright and warm. “Got a minute? I’ve been meaning to call you.”

“Sure,” I reply, stretching out and propping a pillow behind my back. “What’s up?”

“Well, first of all, I need to know something,” she begins, and I can already hear the teasing lilt in her voice. “How much would it cost us to have the famous Sophie Davis plan Ethan and Riley’s wedding?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Mia, come on. You know I don’t charge family.”

“I know that, and I was only joking,” she replies. “Even though, with your track record, you could probably turn Ethan’s wedding into the event of the decade.”

I roll my eyes, but her words spark a flicker of something—an idea, maybe. “I’m guessing Riley’s already doing a great job planning, though. She seems pretty organized. Ethan says she already picked the color scheme.”

“She is doing a great job, but we might need someone more professional. You know, trained for the job,” Mia admits. “Between running the hardware store and handling all thesewedding details, I think it’s starting to wear on her. She’s going to be so stressed before her big day, and we don’t want that, do we?”

“Absolutely not,” I say, smiling to myself. Mia would never take no for an answer, and I should have known she was up to something when I answered her call.

I let her words settle, my gaze drifting back to the planner on the nightstand. She’s right, though—I’ve been needing a change, something to shake up the routine I’ve built here in Manhattan. Maybe Bardstown could be the break I didn’t realize I needed.

“I’ll think about what you’re offering,” I say finally.

“But I didn’t even say anything yet,” she teases.

“Oh, you don’t have to.” My sister thinks she’s sly, but she’s not.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Besides, I’ve missed you, and Sam is scheduled to return from his honeymoon any day now!” The thought of seeing my brother and sister isn’t so bad. Plus, I would finally meet Emma, Sam’s wife, in person, and Riley, too. There’s only so many ways we can connect over video chats.

I sigh, but a smile tugs at my lips. “You don’t give up, do you?”

“Never,” she says proudly. “Seriously now, though, don’t wear yourself out too much over there, okay? I have to go. Love you”

“Love you too.”

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