Page 89 of Fire and Icing

Another judge says, “We had a hard time deciding between two of you for this last spot. If not for the failed lemon curd, Emberleigh and Dustin would’ve won by a landslide. That being said, we have chosen Dax and Shelly.”

I stand frozen as they call out the last couple’s names.

We lost.

My chest tightens—I let Vanessa get in my head.

I look up at Dustin. His brow is creased and his lips thin into a straight line.

“You should be in that spot,” he says with such faith in me I nearly cry. Then he asks, “Did I mess us up?”

“No. I did.”

All I want is to head to our room, throw everything into my suitcase and get out of here. Having Vanessa witness one of my most epic fails feels especially cruel. She’ll have enough material saved up in her gloating bank to live off for years.

We’re waiting for Kamela to wrap up her final words into the camera when one of the judges raises his hand. “Hold on.”

The entire room pauses.

A few of the couples whisper. Dustin’s arm returns to my waist as if he instinctively knows when I’m going to need the extra support.

He’s incredible. Regardless of the outcome, I’ll never regret having him with me through this experience. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else.

The judge who raised his hand addresses the couples. “It has come to our attention that Shelly and Dax used some ingredients they brought from home. They violated the contract and broke one of the essential rules of the competition. This means they are disqualified and will be going home tonight. Our runner up couple, Emberleigh and Dustin, will continue on into the semi-finals.”

At first I’m stunned. I look up at Dustin.

“We’re still in?” I ask him.

“We’re still in,” he confirms. “We get a chance to show them what you’re really made of.”

He’s smiling down at me—beaming, actually.

I turn toward him. “We’re still in?”

I can’t believe it.

“We’re still in, Firecracker.”

The reality hits me so hard, I jump up. And when I do, Dustin lifts me up in the air.

“We’re still in this thing!” he shouts as he lowers me.

My arms seem to act of their own volition, wrapping around his neck in what starts as a hug.

Dustin’s face is so close to mine, I can feel every breath.

His eyes meet mine and our gazes lock.

We made it!

I thought we were going home. I let Vanessa get to me. If we lost, it would have been due to my carelessness and lack of focus.

And now, we have another chance.

Dustin’s got me. Literally. I’m still in his arms, and he’s smiling and whooping. I rest my head on his forehead, relief flooding me.

The other contestants and the hosts are cheering for us.

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