Page 25 of Baking Spirits Bright!

“Did you read it?”

I lift a finger to her and drop my eyes to the phone.

Ryan goes on to say how he never believed in instant love or attraction until me. He writes that his biggest regret was getting on the plane without explaining to me why he never revealed his true identity and why from now on, he plans to be up-front when he visits new locations.

He ends with saying he doesn’t regret that his time spent with me focused on his personal side and nothing to do withSpoon of the South. Oh, and he says he totally regrets not trying to kiss me.

I cover my mouth, shocked that he would publish such intimate thoughts on the internet—about me!

I slowly hold the phone toward Brooke and lift my gaze to her. She’s still grinning stupidly.

“What do you think?”

“Well, he didn’t say my name.”

Brooke slaps the cushion beside her, causing me to jolt to attention.

“Seriously, Erica? Everyone knows you write the orchard blog. Did he really have to say your name?”

I slump down in my chair. “I knew the guy like less than a week.”

“So?”

“So? You and Nate grew up together.”

“Why should that matter? You’re older and you’ve had experience to know what you want and don’t want in a guy.”

I waver my head. “But don’t you think it’s weird to say you love someone after a week?”

“Not if you know.” Brooke leans closer to me. “Look, I’m meant to marry my high school boyfriend and live in Apple Cart. That doesn’t mean you are. We’re all different.”

“I have been itching to go other places.”

“I know.”

“You do?” My jaw drops.

“We all do.” Brooke laughs. “As much as your parents and everyone would enjoy you staying in town, it’s pretty obvious you’re itching for more.”

I sigh. “I don’t mean to show that.”

She reaches out and takes my hand. “It’s okay. Never apologize for having your own dreams. That’s what I admire about you. You’re braver than most of us. You had the courage to call off an engagement when it wasn’t right, and I believe you should go see Ryan if you think that’s right.”

I chew on my bottom lip as I mull over what she suggested.

“You really think I should go see him?”

“If you have feelings for him, yes. Because we all know he has feelings for you.” She lifts the phone and wiggles her eyebrows.

Ryan

“Ryan, someone’s here to see you.”

I raise my head to Suni, ourSpoon of the Southreceptionist. With the coy grin she’s wearing, I’m a little apprehensive to meet with the person.

“They came all the way from Apple Cart County.” Suni’s lips curve into a smile that covers her entire face.

“It’s not Paul, is it?”

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