They walked inside. It was even bigger than it appeared from outside. Rows and rows of appliances and equipment lined up under bright lights, taking up one side of the store. Just inside the door was the parts department, and rows of other supplies like linens and china.

“CB McIntyre called in about a part for Main Street Diner,” Andrew said.

“Yes, he sure did. I’ve got it right here.” The bearded man put the box on the counter. “You got lucky. It’s not something we usually stock. I’d ordered it for another fellow, then he went and bought a new oven instead.”

“That’s probably exactly what my dad should be doing,” Kelly said. Hopefully she’d win that competition and be able to buy him one.

Andrew compared the one in his hand with the one in the box. “Yes. This is the right one. Thank you.”

The man rang up the sale, and Kelly paid with the credit card.

“I wish we hadn’t been in such a big hurry,” she said. “That looked like a neat store to browse around in. I can’t believe I never even knew it was here.”

“We could have wasted a day in there.”

“Easily,” she agreed.

As they walked back out to the car, Andrew said, “I should have your dad back and baking in no time.”

“Thanks for looking at the oven. I really appreciate it.”

He studied her. “I didn’t do it for you. I did it for him.” He got in the car. “Your dad wasn’t only my boss when I worked at the diner. He was my mentor. I have a ton of respect for him. I’d do anything to help him out.”

She’d never even considered that. “That’s really kind of you.”

“I’m a little put out that you’re surprised.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.”

He started the car and drove away. “I’m not insulted, really. I shouldn’t have said what I did. I probably did do this a little bit because of you too. I did want to spend time with you.”

As they crossed the county line back into Bailey’s Fork, Andrew said, “I noticed the new fancy sign when I came in the other day. Is that our tree on it?”

The artsy rendering of a huge pine tree was encircled by pine roping and a pinecone border with Welcome to Bailey’s Fork in forest-green and gold writing. Bragging rights of the tallest loblolly pine in the Carolinas and Established in 1801 scrawled across the bottom.

“It’s not our tree. It’s a landmark.”

“Well, our names are on it. My heart used to race when I saw you standing under that tree waiting for me. The prettiest girl in town.”

She didn’t respond.

About two miles up the road, he pulled over on the side of the road.