Page 47 of Valentine's in Bayberry

And so, this evening as he got ready for Carrie’s visit, he turned off his phone. He didn’t want them to be disturbed. He might have gotten a little carried away with his plans. All of the cleaning this past week had him walking down memory lane, which was his excuse for this evening’s entertainment.

He was already in the backyard when Carrie traipsed across the snow-covered lawn. It was dark out, and there was a light snowfall. He was sitting next to the lit firepit when she approached him.

“What are you doing out here?” she asked.

“I needed to get out of the house for a while.”

“I can understand that. Emptying a house of all of its memories can take a toll on a person.”

“Yes, it can. It can also remind you of fun memories from the past.”

She took a seat next to him as the flames in the pit danced against the dark backdrop. The pop and crackle of the logs broke up the silence of the evening.

“Did you get another valentine?” he asked.

She nodded. “I did.”

“And are you any closer to finding out who they’re from?”

She shook her head. For a moment quietness settled over them. As she stared into the fire, she asked, “Do you remember how many nights we spent sitting around this pit, roasting marshmallows?”

“And making s’mores.” He had a thought. “I wonder if my mother has the makings for s’mores.”

“Are you serious?”

“Of course, but first, I have something else in mind.”

“And what would that be?”

He got to his feet and held his hand out to her. “Come with me and find out.”

She hesitated and arched a brow. “Jackson, what are you up to?”

“I’m not telling. Just come with me.”

She sat there, staring up at him for a moment before she placed her hand in his. His fingers wrapped around hers, and he gave her a gentle tug upright.

Once she was standing, he didn’t let go of her hand. He merely adjusted his hold on her. She didn’t seem to mind.

He regretfully had to release her hand when they reached the house. He opened the back door and let her pass in front of him.

When he flicked on the lights, she saw snow clothes laid out on the kitchen table. “What is all of this?”

“This is called taking a trip down memory lane.” He turned to her. “Would you like to take the trip with me?”

She smiled at him. “How could I resist?” But then her smile faltered. “But what about all of the work around the house?”

“There will be time for that later.” He turned to pick up the clothes he’d picked out for her. “I hope they fit. I had to guess, and it wasn’t easy.”

Her smile returned. She held up the clothes. “They might be a little big, but better too big than too small.”

“Well, put them on. As I recall, I have a title to defend.” He reached for the black snow pants.

“What title?” She slipped off her coat and her boots.

“Sled-racing champ.”

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t remember that. Are you sure you aren’t making this stuff up?”

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