Page 79 of Valentine's in Bayberry

“Do you want to go back inside?” she asked.

He hesitated. “Did you eat?”

She shook her head. At the moment, her stomach was so full of butterflies she wasn’t sure she had room for food.

“I’m so sorry,” he said. “Could we start this evening over again?”

“I’d like that.”

He opened the door for her. Once inside, he helped her take off her coat. “Wow!” He stared at her. “You are a knockout.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Thank you. The dress and shoes are so pretty.”

“I’d love to take all of credit for them, but your grandmother was a big help. I’m just so glad that you like them.”

Once they were seated, she had a million questions for him. She struggled to ask one at a time. “Why were you late?”

He sighed as he lowered his gaze to the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth. “I really wanted to be here. Everything was on track, and then I got a call from the hospital.”

“The hospital?” Concern pulsed through her veins.

He nodded. “It’s okay. I mean, my mother is okay now. She tripped and fell. She sprained her wrist, banged up her shoulder, and has some bruises, but luckily she didn’t break anything. She isn’t happy that she has to wear a sling for a while.”

“Thank goodness she’s all right.” Carrie felt guilty for thinking that Jackson had blown her off. She should have had more faith in him. She was just so nervous about this big step they were about to take. And then she had a thought. “What are you doing here? You should be with her.”

“I’m right where I need to be.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “My mother is back at the treatment center. When I left, she was going to lie down and rest.”

“Oh. Okay.” Her mind was racing, and so was her heart.

Just then the server appeared to take their order. Carrie hadn’t even considered what to order. After a quick glance at the menu, she ordered chicken parmesan with a side of pasta. Jackson said it sounded good, so he had the same.

When they were once more alone, Jackson said, “I tried to call you, but my phone died. I wanted this evening to be perfect. And now it’s ruined.”

“Nothing is ruined.” Her gaze met his. “We’re here together.” She slid her hand across the table, turning her palm to him. When he placed his hand over hers, she said, “And now we can have a nice dinner and talk.”

“There’s so much I want to tell you. But first, did you like your surprises this week?”

“I loved them. You were so sweet and thoughtful. I can’t believe I convinced myself that the gifts weren’t from you. Why didn’t you just come out and tell me they were from you?”

He shrugged. “You made such a point about us remaining friends that I figured you needed some time to warm up to the idea of being something more.” His gaze met hers. “And it worked.”

She wasn’t sure how she felt about him knowing her so well. “And what makes you think that?”

He smiled at her. His eyes twinkled in the candlelight. “You’re here, aren’t you? And you’re wearing the pendant.”

Her free hand moved to her chest, where the diamond heart hung. She fingered it. “Thank you for the necklace. It’s beautiful.” Feeling overwhelmed, she said. “Thank you for all of the thoughtful gifts.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I can’t believe you planned all of this. If your intent was to impress me, you certainly did that.”

He laughed. “And the evening isn’t even over yet.”

“What does that mean?”

Just then their drinks and salads were delivered. It wasn’t until their server walked away that Jackson said, “Just enjoy the moment.”

She tried to. She really did, but she kept trying to figure out what else he had planned. Or perhaps he was just teasing her. Because he’d already gone above and beyond. To say she was impressed was an understatement.

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