Christmas in Bayberry

Heat rushed up Kate’s neck and warmed her face. “I’m not ready to date again. Not Wes. Not anyone.”

Carrie leaned over, resting her elbows on the counter. “It’s been a long time since you and Andy broke up.”

“I concur.” Abby said, as though that was supposed to spur Kate into action.

Sadie didn’t say anything. She was the most reserved of the bunch.

“You mean since he dumped me to go chasing his dream in Chicago.” Kate refused to dwell on her former fiancé.

“But I can’t help wondering if you’re still hung up on him,” Carrie said.

“I’m not.” Kate’s tone was firm. “Not at all.”

“Really?” Abby arched a brow. “You’re still friends with him on social media—”

“That’s right.” Carrie’s eyes twinkled with victory. “He tagged you in a post and you commented.”

Kate shifted in her seat. Why were they making such a big deal out of this? “It would have been rude not to respond.”

“What do you call what he did to you when he just up and left town?” For the first time since the conversation had shifted to Andy, Sadie spoke up.

Both Carrie and Abby started firing off similar criticisms of Andy.

Kate signaled with her hands to quiet down. “Okay. You’ve all made your points. Maybe I’ll mute him—”

“No,” Abby said, “Unfriend him and move on.”

“I am moving on.” Why didn’t anyone believe her?

“For that to be true,” Carrie’s unblinking gaze met hers, “you’d have to start dating again.”

At first, her heart had broken when her engagement to Andy and all their plans had been upended. He’d been offered a job as a DJ for a radio station in a big city. No longer was the local radio station enough for him. He was packed and gone before she even had a chance to wrap her mind around what was happening.

Since then, she’d focused on the family business. She wanted to make her aunt proud of her, but it wasn’t working out the way she’d imagined. Instead of flourishing, Bayberry Candles was struggling. And she knew her aunt wouldn’t retire until the company was back on solid footing.

When Kate noticed her friends staring at her expectantly, she glared at them. “Stop. I get it. And I will date again.”

“Soon?” Carrie asked.

Kate nodded.

“You could start with Wes.” Abby sent her a teasing smile.

“You guys are terrible,” Kate said.

They all laughed.

Carrie wiped off the counter. “What are you going to do without a Santa for the sale?”

“I don’t know.” It was just one more problem that needed solving. “I’ll give it some more thought. Surely there has to be someone in Bayberry who’s the same size as Fred and wouldn’t mind filling in.”

Her friends started naming candidates. One by one, they were excluded, for various reasons.

“Thanks,” Kate said.” I have until tomorrow morning to find a replacement.”

They all apologized for not being much help, and then Carrie leaned forward. “Anyone want dessert? I created a new recipe—banana and blueberry cupcakes.”

Since high school Carrie had had one dream: opening her own bakery. She’d been saving every penny. And from the sound of it, she was getting close. Kate was happy for her. That woman had talent that deserved to be showcased.