Valentine #23 March 1974

Lucy throws herself into her new job at the lost dogs home after Ken breaks things off, forming a deep bond with Sylvester, a Collie who’s gone unclaimed. When Hal Cole, the dog’s long-lost owner, finally returns to take Sylvester home, Lucy faces a quiet heartache—until a new connection begins to bloom between her and Hal.

Lorna’s growing feelings for Tom Harris clash with her doubts when money disappears from the club—just as she begins to believe in him. Now torn between her heart and her instincts, she must decide whether to trust the man she’s come to care for or face the truth about his past.

Ann’s jealousy flares when her younger sister Jo effortlessly wins over her boyfriends, but when Ann tries to one-up her by pursuing Terry, the plan backfires. As tensions rise, Ann comes to realize her mistake—just in time to mend things with Jo.

Candy, reckless and bold, walks away from Brett Dickson’s new casino with more than just winnings on her mind. When Brett nearly hits a boy and panics, Candy sees the man behind the façade—and he’s furious she’s witnessed it. As he flees to his hydrofoil, he dares her to follow, warning she’ll regret it.

Janey’s mother warns her against dating Eric Mason, haunted by the past of his father—now the town drunk, Steve Haven. Though Janey keeps seeing Eric, the shadow of that history lingers, especially when Steve falls ill and draws them both into a tense, unexpected moment.