Page 14 of Valentine's in Bayberry

“Well, you’re in luck. Mark just stopped by to fix something in the kitchen.” Abby held up her index finger. “I’ll be right back.”

A couple minutes later, Abby returned with Mark right behind her.

“Hey, Carrie, Abby said you needed something.” He sent her a slow lazy smile that had always driven the girls nuts in school. And it didn’t hurt that he had been the star quarterback.

“Yeah. I need a pretty big favor. Would you or a contractor you know have room in your schedule?” Carrie sent him a pleading look.

“What exactly do you have in mind?” He crossed his arms as though ready to gently turn her down.

Carrie figured she didn’t have anything to lose. She told him about Jackson being in over his head with the store next door. “And if I hope to keep the power on and focus on my business, I need to find him some help.”

Mark arched a brow. “Why isn’t he asking me instead of you?”

Carrie shrugged. “You know how he can be. He was never good at asking for help.”

Mark nodded in understanding.

“And my brother here”—Abby rested a hand on his shoulder—“just had a client back out of a big project. So, he has lots of free time.”

Mark frowned at his sister. “And I told you that I was going to take the time to fly down south and soak up some sunshine.”

“But you and Jackson were always good friends, remember?” Abby gently elbowed his side.

He smiled and shook his head. “You two make quite a team. Fine. After I’m done here, I’ll swing by the old restaurant and see what Jackson needs.”

Carrie smiled. “Thank you, Mark. And if you need any help with Valentine’s, I’ve got you covered as far as the chocolate. On the house.”

“Whoa. Slow down,” Mark said. “I didn’t say I would do it. I don’t even know the scope of the job. If it’s too big, I’ll need to call in my guys and they don’t work for free.”

Carrie nodded. “I understand. Any help you can offer would be appreciated.”

His gaze narrowed in on her. “You know I’m going to come calling for that chocolate. I’ve heard it’s the best.”

Carrie’s smile broadened. “So, you’ve got a girlfriend, huh?”

He shook his head. “Even if I did, I’m not sharing that fine chocolate with anyone. It’s all mine.” Then he patted his flat abdomen. “Can’t wait. This might cost you a lot of chocolate.”

“Stop by after you see Jackson, and I can give you a downpayment. But do me one more favor. Don’t tell Jackson I sent you.”

“Why not?” Abby asked.

Carrie shrugged. “I don’t know. Things are just kind of awkward between us. And I don’t want him to reject the help because he knows I had something to do with it.”

“I understand,” Mark said. “Then I better get back to work.” Mark turned and headed back to the kitchen.

Abby got Carrie’s latte and one for Alice. “Can I get you anything else?”

Carrie shook her head. “You and your brother have been a big help. Now I better get back to work. I have a feeling this is going to cost me a lot of chocolate.”

After saying goodbye, Carrie walked back to the shop with the feeling that she’d accomplished something important that day. It would hopefully help Jackson as well as herself. If only he accepted Mark’s offer to help. She had her fingers crossed.

Well, that was a disaster.

Jackson threw himself back into the demo work. He knew he should call in professionals, but he really needed the physical activity. Every time he stopped working, he thought of how he’d let down his mother.

On top of that, he was being a hindrance to Carrie. It was the last thing he wanted because he could really use his best friend right about now. He hadn’t realized how much he missed her companionship and laughter until he saw her again.

“Knock-knock.”

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