Page 44 of Valentine's in Bayberry

She opened it, anxious to know what it said this time. Her eyes sought out the printed text and began to read:

Roses are sweet

But not as sweet as you

I’ve got a treat

It’s just for you.

Your Secret Valentine

P.S. I’m not a poet. Just so you know.

P.S.S. You can find your treat at 100 Main Street.

She smiled. She didn’t know who was behind these valentines, but she was definitely intrigued. Once again, there was no clue to its author.

But she knew the address 100 Main Street was the Bayberry Candle Factory. Now why would she be going there?

She rushed out the door. When she pulled out of the driveway, she saw Jackson’s car heading toward her. When she noticed him slowing down, she did the same.

He put down his window. “Where are you going?”

“I, uh...” She could feel heat swirling in her chest and rushing up her neck to warm her cheeks.

He arched a brow. “What’s going on?”

“I, uh, got another valentine.” This time she felt uncomfortable telling him about it, which was silly. Why shouldn’t she tell him? He was her oldest friend. They’d always talked about their significant others in the past.

His eyes widened in surprise. “Looks like this guy is serious. Any surprises?”

She nodded. “I’m on the way to find out what it is.”

“Well, I won’t keep you.” He put up his window and drove off.

Carrie felt as though something had just shifted between them. As she drove toward the candle shop, she couldn’t put her finger on what felt different as far as Jackson was concerned.

Maybe he was worried that a new romance would come between them, but if that were the case, he was jumping too far ahead. Was she intrigued by this romantic gesture? Sure. Who wouldn’t be? But she didn’t even know who the secret valentine was.

And none of it meant she would ignore Jackson. How could she? She’d longed for him to come home for a long time. Shedidn’t want to miss this time with him. And now with his mother struggling, she wanted to be there for him. Shewouldbe there for him. In fact, that evening after the Happy Hearts event, she was going to Jackson’s place to help him clean and pack his mother’s things.

She pulled into a parking spot near the entrance to the Bayberry Candles gift shop. She didn’t want to go in there and have the employees give her strange looks. She wondered what the chance was that Kate would be around.

She reached for her phone.

Carrie:Hey, are you available?

A minute passed with no response. Then another minute went by. Carrie was just about to slip her phone into her purse when it buzzed.

Kate:What do you need?

Carrie:Can you meet me in the gift shop?

Kate:When?

Carrie:Now.

Kate:OK. Give me a couple of minutes.

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