“Keeping the show a secret from you was the hardest part. That night at your house I wanted to tell you about this so badly,” he admitted.

“I was dying to tell you too, because I knew you’d understand how exciting this is, but I couldn’t risk breaking the rules.”

“I know.” He took both of her hands in his and squeezed them. “I have to wonder how things would’ve turned out if I’d never left.”

“Don’t have regrets.”

He pulled his hands together, then put one on her leg. “But maybe we—”

A production assistant came into the room. “Back on the set in two minutes. I need you both right here.”

He and Kelly both sprung to their feet and ran to the door.

She ran her hands through her hair and straightened her jacket. When she turned to him, she raised her hand in a high five. “Good luck.”

“I’m going to need it,” he said, slapping her hand mid-air, holding it there for an extra second. “I want you to know that I don’t care who wins. For once in my life, this isn’t about me or what I want. I want you to have what you want and deserve, and I honestly think you’re the best baker in this competition.” He laced his fingers through hers and pulled their hands to his side.

He pulled her closer, but they were interrupted.

“Follow me.” The production assistant rushed them back to the set. “Right here.” She raised her hand, showing three fingers, then two, one. “Now.”

They took their places back under the hot lights. His cake looked like it could use a little refrigeration right about now. He hoped the WILL YOU MARRY ME? topper wasn’t going to go toppling onto the stage and break into a million pieces on national television. That wouldn’t be a good omen at all.

Martin Schlipshel faced them.

The studio audience cheered.

Andrew’s heart pounded. Right now. All of this. He couldn’t imagine being here with anyone but Kelly. He turned to her and extended his hand. What a magical moment to share together.

She laughed that incredible laugh of hers, her nose crinkling as she smiled, then leaned in and whispered to him, “Break an egg.”

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Three

The energy of the studio audience amped Kelly as she walked back out on stage with Andrew right behind her.

The applause seemed to wrap all the way around them in a dizzying fashion. She looked at her cake. She was proud of what she’d put together. But looking over toward Andrew’s, she couldn’t be angry if he took the prize home. The cake he’d made was the perfect proposal.

“We’ve been so impressed by your culinary skills. Both of you. Your execution and presentation have been toe-to-toe throughout this competition,” Martin said.