Page 40 of Valentine's in Bayberry

“Well... Maybe.”

“Hey… That’s not nice.”

She laughed. “I’ll see you soon.”

When they ended the phone call, she grabbed her coat and barely had it on when she rushed out into the blustery day. She was in such a rush that she didn’t have time to think about the brutal wind. She jumped into the car and headed back to town. Luckily, it was only a few minutes down the road.

She’d lived in Bayberry her whole life, but she didn’t know the street addresses. More often than not, directions were given by mentioning landmarks.

She maneuvered onto Main Street and quickly figured out that she was going in the wrong direction. It took her a moment to get turned around. She moved slower than normal as she kept glancing over at the passing buildings and searching for their street address.

Finally, she located 247 Main Street. It was the Steaming Brew. She smiled. Whoever was behind the valentine was kind enough to send her to her favorite coffee spot.

She found a parking spot a little way down the road. In her rush, she jumped out and closed the door before she realized her purse was inside. She unlocked the door and grabbed it.

As she started down the sidewalk, big lazy snowflakes twirled and danced through the air. Their warm break was over, and it was time to get back to winter.

She rushed in the door. There were a couple of people in line already. Abby glanced up from where she stood behind the counter and spotted her. She smiled and Carrie smiled back.

While she waited in line, Carrie tried to figure out who might be behind the valentine. There was Archie Crosby, who delivered her supplies. Alice kept telling her that he was interested in her.

Or there was Codi Reynolds, her ex. He’d actually visited the chocolate shop a couple of times since it opened. Alice kindly waited on him, so Carrie hadn’t actually spoken to him.

And then there was James Hall, who had his own yard service. Any time he cleared the driveway, he would stop and take time to shovel her sidewalk. She knew for a fact that wasn’t part of his normal service. She’d casually asked her mother about it, and her mother had confirmed that he only plowed the driveway.

“Carrie?” Abby’s voice drew her from her musings.

She stepped forward. “Hi.”

“What can I get you?”

“Um, well...” She knew this was going to sound strange, but she was too curious now not to say something. “Do you have something here for me?”

Abby’s brows drew together as confusion shone in her eyes. “Is this a new way of asking me for your favorite latte?”

Carrie shook her head, even though a latte did sound like the perfect midday pick-me-up. She tried again. “Did someone leave something here for me?”

Abby gave her another strange look. “Like what?”

Carrie sighed. “I don’t know.”

“Maybe you should start at the beginning.”

Luckily, there was no one in line behind her. Carrie lifted her hand with the envelope in it. “When I got home today, I found this in the mailbox.” She held it out to her friend. “Go ahead. Read it. Maybe you’ll have a clue.”

Abby smiled when she opened the envelope. “Someone made you a valentine. Aw... That’s so sweet.” After Abby read it, she said, “I think I know why you’re here.”

Carrie’s gaze narrowed in on her friend. “You know all about this, don’t you?” When her friend grinned as she shrugged her shoulders, Carrie said, “Abby, out with it. Who sent this?”

Abby continued to smile as she shrugged again. “Let me get your treat for you.”

She walked away at a rather quick pace, as though hoping to avoid being interrogated. But if she thought they were done discussing this, she was in for a big surprise.

A moment later, Abby returned with a to-go cup and handed it over.

“How much do I owe you?” Carrie asked.

“Nothing. It’s already been paid for.”

---