Chapter 82 – The Announcement

The crowd had gathered near the stage, filling the heart of Rosehill with excited chatter and the sweet lingering aroma of sugar, spices, and summer heat.

Colorful banners fluttered above, kids ran around with sticky fingers, and the festival was alive with music and laughter—but for Ryan and Anna, it was hard to ignore the tension that still followed them like a shadow.

Ryan stood with his arms crossed, eyes flicking from the small wooden stage to where Sarah was setting up coffee samples with a forced smile. Anna stood beside him, her hand brushing his gently but not holding it. Not here. Not after what happened yesterday.

Ben and Savannah flanked them—loyal, easygoing, the way only real friends could be.

Savannah nudged Ryan. "Hey. Win or lose, that cake was fire."

Ben nodded. "Seriously. If we don't win, I'm filing a formal protest."

Anna smiled faintly, but Ryan caught the flicker of worry in her eyes. The cake recipe had been hers—one passed down from her grandmother. Sweet, dense, filled with cinnamon and just enough vanilla glaze to make people go back for seconds.

"Don't be nervous," Ryan whispered. "You nailed it."

Before she could answer, the speakers squeaked to life. Mayor Collins stepped up to the microphone with his usual dramatic flair.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, raising his arms like a conductor before an orchestra, "it's time to announce the winners of this year's Rosehill Food Festival!"

The crowd clapped and cheered. Kids screamed. Someone let go of a balloon.

"In third place…" the mayor glanced at his note card. "The Harper sisters and their infamous spicy chili!"

Applause rippled through the crowd. Mrs. Harper's granddaughters waved excitedly from their booth, faces glowing with pride.

"In second place…" the mayor continued, "Jack Carter and his smoked brisket sliders!"

Ben let out a dramatic gasp. "No way. The meat guy got second?"

Jack, standing a few booths over, threw them a thumbs-up and grinned. "I'll get 'em next year."

Ryan leaned slightly closer to Anna, who was barely breathing.

"And now," Mayor Collins said, dragging the moment out as long as possible, "the first-place winner, for their incredible cinnamon apple cake with vanilla glaze…"

Anna's fingers gripped Ryan's.

"…goes to Anna Morgan and Ryan Whitmore!"

The crowd exploded with applause.

Anna froze. Ryan gave her the smallest push forward. "Go. You earned it."

She looked at him—really looked—and for a second, the stress melted off her face. A real smile broke through.

They stepped onto the stage together, cheeks flushed, as Mayor Collins handed them a gold-ribboned certificate and a basket filled with local goodies and gift cards.

"Congratulations!" he beamed. "Young talent and hometown flavor—Rosehill is proud of you."

Anna stepped up to the mic, hesitant. "Um… thank you. This was actually a family recipe, and it means a lot to me. I'm really grateful we got to share it with everyone."

She looked at Ryan briefly, then added, "And I'm really proud of us. Thank you."

They stepped down to cheers, and for a moment, the world felt a little lighter again—even if only for the rest of the day.

Back among their friends, Ben slung an arm around Ryan. "Food champs and basketball kings. What's next? Prom royalty?"

Savannah grinned. "Don't tempt them."

Ryan looked at Anna, her eyes shining despite everything.

Whatever came next—drama, secrets, awkward stares—right now, they had a win. And sometimes, that was enough.