Sara had to go back to the bakery to fill an order of thirty cupcakes for a school class party. “It’s been a really good day,” she said to Kelly as she came back with the order. “We’re going to be sold out before one at this pace.”

“Sooner than that,” Bettie, who worked down at the library, said. “I’ll take the rest of the cookies and any stragglers you’ve got in the case. Miss Erma’s got a cold. She didn’t make the treats for this month’s book club meeting tonight.”

“Oh, no.” Kelly grabbed a box and started filling it. “I hope she’s feeling better soon. You’re in luck though, there’s a nice, random assortment of things left.”

“Thank goodness.” Bettie paid for her order and headed for the door. “Hungry readers are no fun. Thanks for rescuing me.”

“Our pleasure,” Kelly called after her. She tugged on her apron strings. “That’s it. Earliest we’ve closed since Christmas. Is there a pre-Valentine’s sweet tooth challenge going on someone forgot to tell me about? We’re usually slow right until the week of Valentine’s.” She walked over to the door and flipped the sign to closed. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Me neither.” Sara wiped down the counter. “It’s such a pretty day. You should take the rest of the day off. I can cover for you. Didn’t Johnny Ray ask you out to lunch today?”

“He did.” Kelly untied her apron. “But I said no. Besides, I know just the guy I want to spend the day with.”

“Don’t tell me. Gray?” Sara rolled her eyes. “Really?”

“He’s great. Don’t be so judgmental. He’s always happy to see me and has never let me down.” Kelly grabbed her keys from the hook and headed for the door. “And he’s very cute.”

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Andrew got out of the bright yellow Mustang. It was only a rental, a splurge for sure, but if he was going to drive from North Carolina to New York next week he might as well do it in style.

He strolled up the walkway of the ranch house where he’d grown up. The faded shutters could use a fresh coat of paint. His room had been the last one at the far left of the house. He’d climbed out that window many a night in high school to meet up with friends at the old barn down near the river. Not just friends. Kelly too. The thought of the way things had ended between him and Kelly made him uncomfortable. Maybe coming back to Bailey’s Fork wasn’t the best idea. He ran a finger under his collar.

It’s only for a couple of days.