Page 34 of Valentine's in Bayberry

His warm-brown eyes widened. “Like you used to make when we were kids?”

“The exact same.” She glanced down at his loose-fit jeans. “It looks like you could use some home cooking.”

“If it’s my favorite meal, I’m all for it.”

“Well, I have to get back to work,” she regretfully said. She was enjoying his company.

“And I should be going. I’m off to see my mother.” He hesitated, as though he was going to say something else but then changed his mind.

“What?” Carrie couldn’t resist knowing what he was thinking.

He glanced back at her. “I was going to invite you to come with me. I know my mother would enjoy the company. She was always fond of you.”

Carrie was touched that he’d invited her. She wanted to go with him. She wanted to be there to support the woman who had been like a second mother to her. But she couldn’t leave Totally Chocolate, especially since this was their opening week, and business was steady with all of the curious people checking out the newest business in town.

Then she had an idea. “I could go with you on Sunday. The shop will be closed, and I don’t have any other plans.”

He smiled and nodded. “It’s a plan. I think I’ll mention it to my mother. It’ll give her something to look forward to.”

“Tell her I said hi.”

He nodded. “I’ll see you later. Looking forward to the taco casserole. I’ll make the guacamole to go with it.”

“Yum. Can’t wait.”

And then he turned and walked away. She tried to tell herself that things were back to normal. But were they? Only time would tell.

This place made him uncomfortable.

Even though the treatment center was newer and nicely decorated, Jackson couldn’t relax when he was there. He paced back and forth in the visitors’ area. He’d been waiting for his mother for ten or so minutes.

He had some big decisions to make. He rubbed his hands together. He wasn’t used to being in a place of indecision. Normally, he was the one everyone came to for answers. Now he was the one with questions, but he didn’t have the answers.

He couldn’t let his mother see he was feeling off kilter. He had to be strong for her. After all, she had always been there for him.

His mother was the strongest person he knew. She might have stumbled and fallen, but she was picking herself up and dusting herself off. This time she wouldn’t have to struggle with her addiction or depression alone. He would be there for her just like she’d always been there for him.

“Jackson?”

His mother’s voice drew him from his thoughts. He turned to find his mother standing there, smiling at him. It was a real smile that made her eyes twinkle. Her genuine happiness lifted some of the weight resting on his shoulders.

He approached her and gave her a hug. When he pulled back, he asked, “How did you sleep?”

“Good. I’m starting to get used to this place.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Did you give the house papers to Brittany?”

He nodded. “I did. But I can call her and tell her the sale is off.”

“Why would you do that?”

He thought that was obvious. “Well, since you’re feeling better, you’re going to want to come home.”

“Jackson, one of the things I’m working on while I’m here is figuring out the changes I need to make in my life. If I go back to the same house, the same routine, the same thing will likely happen. I don’t want that. I don’t want it for me. And I especially don’t want it for you.”

It made sense what she was saying, but the thought of her selling the family home was still tough to digest. And then he had a thought. “Does this mean you’re reconsidering my offer to move to London with me?”

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