Page 129 of Stupid Matchmaking Love

“And I love you, Rhett Maddox.”

My heart squeezes a little when I say it, and I push Jace’s poisonous words out of my head.

But they stay, feeling as heavy as Rhett’s arm on top of me, and they whisper, You shouldn’t base life decisions on magic, Cristina.

Even if those decisions are the best ones I’ve ever made.

Chapter 43

Cristina

The Bitty Being sits on my nightstand, its healed surface catching the light, and I make a decision. I’m bringing it with me tonight. Not for Rhett. Not to show anyone. For me.

This sculpture’s been cracked since I created it—the first Bitty Being I ever made.

I’ve always kept it, even with the flaw running down its face, because it felt like me. Broken but still standing. Imperfect but mine.

And now, by magic, it’s healed.

I didn’t do that. Love did. Rhett’s love for me, yes. But also the love I’ve found for myself, the parts I’d buried deep.

When Jace’s words creep back tonight, when doubt tries to whisper that the magic didn’t know what it was doing when it put me and Rhett together, I’ll reach into my pocket and touch smooth clay where a crack used to be. This is physical proof that what we have is real enough to work magic.

Jace can think whatever he wants because I know the truth.

I finish getting dressed in drawstring pants and a light sweater and pull my shoes on.

Okay, the challenge starts in fifteen minutes. Rhett had some work to finish up, so he’ll meet me in the tent. I’ve got my purse, my Bitty Being in my pocket, and what else . . . ?

I glance around the room, feeling like there’s something I should bring, but I can’t quite remember what.

Oh, wait. My inhaler.

I pick it up and note how light it feels. I shake the canister—it’s almost empty.

Shoot. I forgot to get my prescription refilled.

Oh well, it should be fine until tomorrow. I haven’t needed it much lately anyway.

I toss it into my purse before grabbing Flame, the unofficial mascot of the competition, and head downstairs.

Rhett takes my hand as soon as he sees me. “I hear there’s going to be a surprise for us tonight.”

Excitement laces my voice when I reply, “Do you think a chocolate fountain’s involved?”

He tosses his head back and laughs. “That would be something—and don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate as much as the next person, but I highly doubt it.”

I snap my fingers in disappointment. “Darn. Thanks for making my chocolate dreams go up in smoke.”

“I think this surprise is going to be better.” He kisses me and I pause a moment, memorizing the feel of his lips against mine, how warm his hand is.

I want to clock every piece of the moment, store it in my memory bank so I’ll never forget.

We’re the last couple to enter the tent, which earns us a disapproving look from Holly. No surprises there. I feel Jace’s eyes on me, but I don’t grant him the satisfaction of glancing in his direction.

I hand Flame to Mina and take my place beside Rhett.

“Contestants, in these past weeks you’ve worked so hard—from baking to creating pottery to trusting each other in the scariest of situations. That’s why tonight we have a special treat for you. You’ve been hidden away in the resort for so long we wanted to give you a break, and for a moment allow you to enjoy one or two surprise visitors.”