“Stop fussing. Dad and Mom have already checked in a half-dozen times, and Miguel keeps making me sit down.”
From beside her Miguel chimed in, “That’s what you get for falling for a physician assistant.”
“Well, we’re here and ready to take over.” Charlie and Jake were holding hands, and it thrilled Cass that her twin was so obviously smitten and happy. Especially with a guy like Jake. Faye, who had joined the couple, appeared as delighted as Cass felt to see Charlie and Jake together.
“Put me to work, Cassie,” Faye said, setting down her cup of cider. “I am more than capable of selling some cookies.” Then she added, “But I am keeping most of those lemon squares for myself. And for Bonnie, because that fool dog of his has great taste, and it’s Christmas.”
They all laughed, and then Cass and Miguel handed over their elf hats, branded with the Woodburn Breads logo, and Jake, Charlie, and Faye busied themselves getting the white-and-green-striped costume hats to stay put over their warm winter ones. The bakery’s booth had seen a constant stream of customers as the town enjoyed the Starlight Eve activities, and there was a significant dent in the confections and the loaves were nearly gone.
“Miguel, would you mind grabbing another dozen loaves from the car? I just need to take care of something.” Cass had seen a break in the line in front of Sharon’s stall, and she wanted to go and say hello.
“Sure thing. Want to meet up at the chili place?”
“You read my mind,” Cass said, kissing Miguel before he headed off to get the bread.
Once Cass made her way over to Sharon’s stall—stopping here and there to say hello to a few people as she did—she realized Sharon wasn’t alone behind the counter. Brett was there, a Top Dogs apron on over his parka.
“Hey, Sharon. Hi, Brett,” Cass said, initially surprised to see Brett helping Sharon out. But she didn’t feel even a whiff of jealousy. Things were turning out just as they should, for everyone it seemed.
“Thanks again for the starter, Sharon. You are a lifesaver.”
“I am so glad it was helpful, Cass. And thanks for the chat yesterday.” Sharon gave Brett a shy look, and Cass saw her cheeks had reddened more than could be explained by the chill in the air.
“You bet,” Cass said. “I wanted to pick up some biscuits for Bonnie. Any suggestions?”
“Well, Jake’s had Bonnie on a diet so he usually gets her these.” Sharon pointed to the low-calorie biscuits, which Charlie had told Cass that Bonnie hated. “But you know what? It’s Christmastime! So I would suggest these sourdough turkey stuffing biscuits. All-natural, and they are my dogs’ favorites.”
“Sold,” Cass said.
As Sharon happily packed up a bag of treats, Brett turned to Cass. “I’m glad you’re okay, Cass. Scary stuff what happened on the trail,” he said.
Cass touched her fingers to her temple. “Thanks. Me, too.”
“And, uh, I’m also glad we had a chance to talk.” He cast a quick glance to Sharon, who was busy tying multiple pieces of ribbon around the top of the cellophane bag.
Cass raised her eyebrows, glancing at Brett and then Sharon in a questioning way. He grinned and nodded, and then shrugged, as if to say, I wasn’t expecting this, either.
Sharon handed Cass her change and the biscuits, and then she looked at Brett. “Should I tell her? Or do you want to?”
“Tell me what?”
“Okay, I’ll do it.” Sharon was practically bursting with excitement. “You and your family don’t have to worry about Makewell’s, Cass.”
“What? Why?”
Brett looked about as pleased as Sharon but let her deliver the news. “I bought the building! For a Top Dogs bakery and shop!” She clapped her hands together and let out a squeal. “Isn’t that the best news?”
Cass was quiet for a moment, trying to process what Sharon had told her. “But . . . how? I mean, why?”
“Well, I am ready to do what we talked about. To become part of this town again. And you’ve inspired me, Cass. Why shouldn’t I try to give this business thing a go? I have money from my divorce, and I want to use it to build something real for my future. Know what I mean?”
“I do, Sharon,” Cass said, a lump in her throat. “I really do.”
“So, with Brett’s help we told that poser Sarah Rosen that she could take her ‘Fakery’—get it? That’s what I’ve been calling her bakery, because it’s nothing like Woodburn Breads, and we don’t want anyone in Starlight Peak who isn’t the real deal, Cass. Anyway, we told her the building was no longer for sale and she should move on. That she and Makewell’s were not welcome here. Merry Christmas, Cass!”