Andrew hoped he had enough good fortune left to win the Four Square Valentine’s Day Bake-Off like he’d hoped. He’d do his best and let the right thing come his way, but he’d already be going home better than he’d arrived.

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Kelly wasn’t sure how Gray knew the days of the week, but that little pig always knew that on Friday they’d take a long walk since she probably wouldn’t come home at lunchtime. That meant she’d take a right off their street and go back into the neighborhood. Being a social guy, he seemed to like these days best of all, raising his snout with an air of confidence, looking for whoever might offer him a hello or a snack. The next morning, Kelly was walking Gray when Mr. Crews hailed her from his front porch.

“Good morning, young lady.” He took his porch steps two at a time. He had to be in his seventies, but you’d never know it the way he moved. “TGIF.”

Does anyone even use that acronym anymore?

Gray tipped his nose in the air and oinked a greeting.

“Good morning to you,” Kelly called out. “How are things going?”

“Can’t complain.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Bought your tickets for the Valentine’s steak dinner yet?”

She should’ve known that overzealous greeting came with an ulterior motive. “You know I wouldn’t miss it. Dad already got tickets for us.”

“Perfect.” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “Does this mean you’ve got a date this year?”

“No. I—”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed with Andrew being back in town that the two of you—”

There wasn’t a body in this town that hadn’t heard about that. “You assumed incorrectly.” The words came out a little more abrupt than she’d meant. Then she wondered. Did Mr. Crews know something she didn’t know? Is Andrew coming back for the Valentine’s Day dinner? Sweat dampened her palms. “He and I are just friends,” she said, trying to soften her tone.

“Well, that works out quite nicely, actually. My grandson will be here. I’ll introduce you.” Mr. Crews beamed. “You’ll like him. Smart. Handsome too. Works for Bank of America in Charlotte.”

“You must be very proud.” She had no doubt he was nice, but she wasn’t interested in being fixed up. She wasn’t interested in seeing Andrew at the Valentine’s Day dinner, either. That would be just a little too much. So far she’d been able to resist falling back into his charms. Maybe she’d just get Dad to get her steak to go this year.