The Goodwin family had gathered in front of the Woodburn Breads booth to prepare for the party. There were a dozen other stalls lining the ice-skating rink in the center of the square, selling everything from the Honey Pot’s cider, to hand-knit mittens and scarves, to the Peak Pub’s chili and pullapart buns, to the local brewery offering pints of their Christmas ale in plastic Solo cups. There was even a new stall this year . . . Sharon’s Top Dog biscuits.
“Now, while we wish we had been here to help you girls out . . .” Helen Goodwin looked at both her daughters, but then spoke directly to Cass. “We agree it’s time, Cassie. It’s time for your dad and I to step away from the bakery.”
“Because, let’s be honest, Cabo was spectacular,” Thomas added, putting his arm around Helen now—the two sharing a smile that suggested the trip had been just as rejuvenating as Cass and Charlie had hoped it would be. “And we would like to travel more. Especially now that Woodburn Breads is in such wonderful, capable hands.”
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip.” Helen kissed each of her daughters on the cheek, then rubbed off the hint of lipstick she’d left behind. “But there’s nothing quite like home, is there?”
“No, there isn’t,” Charlie said, reaching out to hold Cass’s hand.
“And we’re so glad you got home in time,” Cass said. “It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without all of us here. Together.”
* * *
? ? ?
With everyone focused on the tasks at hand—setting out trays of gingerbread, lemon squares, cookies and bars, and, of course, the star attraction, the loaves of Starlight Bread—it wasn’t long before the booth was ready for patrons. Cass was busy fiddling with the loaves of bread when Charlie said, “Cass, what’s this?”
Cass glanced over to see what Charlie was talking about, then smiled at her sister. “That is your Christmas present.”
Charlie picked up one of the bars, wrapped in clear cellophane. On the cellophane was a sticker, which read: Charlie’s Sweet & Salty Bar. “How . . . When did you do this? Can I open it?”
“Please!” Cass laughed. “And this afternoon. I had a little help.” She cast a glance at Miguel, who was helping Helen string twinkle lights around the stall. They exchanged a smile, and then Miguel went back to work and Cass turned back to her sister.
“Tell me what you taste,” she said, watching as Charlie took a bite of the confection.
Charlie chewed thoughtfully. “Pecans in the shortbread base. Sea salt on top of the dark chocolate.” Charlie closed her eyes, then they popped back open. “And a touch of cardamom in the caramel layer. This is amazing.”
“I had a feeling you’d like it,” Cass said. “And if you approve, I’d love to start offering them at the bakery.”
“Do I approve? How can I not approve?” Charlie’s mouth was full, so it came out a bit muffled. “Jake! Come and try this.”
Jake, just back from getting pints for everyone, along with warm apple ciders for Walter and Charlie, took the bite she offered him. “Wow. That’s delicious.”
Charlie grinned. “Cass made it for me. Best Christmas present ever.”
“The first of many new and brilliant ideas to come,” Cass said, winking at Charlie, who gathered her in a hug.
“Okay, so let’s get this party started, shall we? Miguel, why don’t you and I take the first shift. Mom, Dad, please go say hello to everyone. You have been missed. And Walter, we’ve got it covered. Maybe go have some fun, okay?”
Walter said he might ice skate with a few friends from school, which Cass said sounded like a great idea. She was happy to see that Walter’s confidence had bloomed, after saving the day with the Starlight loaves and turning the modest Live.Li stream into a nationally watched broadcast.
“Charlie, why don’t you and Jake go grab something to eat before your shift?” Cass said.
“Yes, boss.” Charlie beamed at her sister. “You know, I like this side of you.”
“Me, too,” Cass replied, before settling in beside Miguel at the bakery’s stall, ready to start serving their loyal customers.
* * *
? ? ?
Fifteen minutes or so later the stall was getting busy as the townspeople began arriving for the party, and Cass heard a familiar voice. “Charlie?”
“Sasha! I’m so glad you made it. But it’s Cass, actually.”
Sasha chuckled. “Wow, you two really are identical.”