Cassie tilts her head, considering. “Like a Hallmark movie, but with more potential for small-town drama.”

Every storefront we pass looks like it was plucked straight off a small-business Instagram page, the kind with hand-painted signs and quirky little details, like the antique shop with a fluffy looking black cat curled up in the window, or the bookstore. Cassie slows when she sees it. “Oh, we’re absolutely going in there later.”

I don’t argue, I let myself absorb it all. The way the town feels slower but not boring. The way people actually smile at each other in passing instead of pretending they don’t exist. The way it already feels like I’m in Carter’s world. And, okay maybe I’m romanticizing too much. Maybe I’m hyping this up in my head, building him up too much. But there’s something weirdly grounding about knowing he’s somewhere here.

Cassie nudges me. “Penny for your dirty thoughts?” I shake my head. “Just… taking it all in.”

She hums like she doesn’t quite believe me, but lets it go. We pass a tiny corner bakery, the door propped open, the smell of cinnamon and coffee practically luring me inside.

Cassie grabs my sleeve, pulling me to a stop. “Wait. You need pre-game fuel before you meet your future husband.”

I swat at her hand. “Cass—”

“You can fight me all you want, but we’re getting snacks.”

She’s right. So I let her drag me inside, the bell over the door chiming softly as we step into the warmth of the bakery.

The display case is stocked with pastries that look way too good to be real, and the girl behind the counter greets us with a friendly, “Hey y’all, what can I get you?” like we’ve lived here for years instead of just pulling in an hour ago.

I scan the menu, wondering what Carter would order if he were here. Then, before I can stop myself, I grab my phone and shoot him a text.

Me: Hey, quick question. If I were to buy you something from a bakery right now, what would you pick?

I don’t think about it. I don’t wait for the overthinking spiral to kick in. And when my phone vibrates seconds later, I don’t hesitate before checking his reply.

Carter: I’d say a cinnamon roll, but only if you promise to steal a bite first. That way it already tastes like you :)

Oh. Oh, I’m in trouble. Cassie looks over my shoulder and screams.

Carter: Can’t wait to see you babe.

I shove my phone in my pocket. “Do not start.” I bite my lip. Cassie watches me, smirking. I ignore her, and I wait. Because soon enough, he’s going to text me saying he’s meeting me at the Airbnb.

4

Carter