“Thank you for being a part of this competition.”

Kelly perked up. She couldn’t wait to hear the rest, but then the mic went silent.

Four minutes later, the audio came back on in her kitchen. “And then there were three,” Martin said. He made the closing announcements as the credits music began to play. “Join us for the next round of the Four Square Valentine’s Day Bake-off. Next.”

The LIVE light went red, and Kelly practically ran toward the door.

Brenda was there waiting on her. “I’m so happy for you.”

“I can’t believe it.” She wanted so badly to be able to share the news with Sara or Mom. Someone who would truly understand how important this was to her.

“Believe it,” Brenda said.

“You don’t understand. I just beat the executive pastry chef at the fanciest ski resort around. They’re known for their desserts. His bio must have four paragraphs of education and five of awards!”

“I can believe it. Your dish was amazing. I told you not to worry.” She nudged Kelly with her elbow. “See, you’re beating good competition.” Brenda spoke into her radio, asking for approval to take Kelly back to the hotel. “Let’s get you back so you can rest up for tomorrow.”

She’d done what she’d come to achieve. She was as good as the other great bakers. “How am I supposed to sleep after this?”

Brenda clicked her fingers. “Oh, my experience is that as soon as you put your head down, this adrenaline rush is going to start wearing off. You’ll sleep like a rock.”

“I hope you’re right.” But she knew herself better than that. Her mind would be running through scenarios all night long. “Bring on the coffee in heavy doses tomorrow morning.”

“I can do that,” Brenda said, then her radio sounded again. “We’re clear to leave. Let’s go.”

She led Kelly down the long hall to the back elevators. A black limousine waited outside for them.

“Would it be okay if we walked back tonight?” Kelly asked. “It’s not but a few blocks and I sure could use the fresh air.”

“Sure.” Brenda held up a finger and called in the change, then rapped on the passenger window to let the driver know he could take the rest of the night off. She turned to Kelly with a wide grin. “Let’s walk.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six

“Yes!” Andrew punched a fist into the air.

When the other desserts came in, he knew he’d nailed this round. His dessert looked so refined compared to the others. Taste was another matter—they were all pretty tasty, but presentation he had. Only one other plate was a close second.

Lori rushed onto the set. “Congratulations!”

“Thank you.” Energy coursed through him, only it was a bit anticlimactic to have no one to celebrate with. “Can we go somewhere and celebrate?”