The late afternoon sun hung over Griffin Rock’s park, painting the path in golden light. Hayley strolled beside Kade, bouquet in hand, listening to him recount another daring rescue — “flames ten feet high, water mains bursting, and who else but me saving the day?” His grin gleamed brighter than his badge.

Hayley smiled politely, her eyes half-focused on the path ahead. They were passing under the rustling leaves, and she noticed, with quiet amusement, that they were heading straight toward the little ice cream shop at the corner. The pastel umbrellas, the hum of conversation — all familiar.

She didn’t say a word. Kade’s voice kept rolling, proud, confident, a touch too loud. She simply wondered: would he notice? Would he offer her something sweet — a small gesture, nothing heroic — or walk right past, saving his stories for the next admirer?

The smell of vanilla and waffle cones drifted toward them. Hayley’s fingers tightened on the bouquet’s ribbon, and she glanced sideways at him, hiding her tiny, knowing smile.