Page 8 of It's the Worst Time of the Year

"Indeed."

He leaned back in his chair. "Look, Bailey, about today's meeting…"

I held up a hand. "Jacob, if you're about to suggest that I convince Edna to drop her claim, you can save your breath. I'm committed to representing her interests."

He sighed. "I figured as much. But you have to see that this case is a long shot. Without solid evidence…"

"That's for the court to decide," I interrupted sharply. "Unless you're afraid we might actually have a chance."

His eyes flashed with something—annoyance? Amusement? It was hard to tell. "Always the fighter."

"Always," I agreed.

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well, you can't say I didn't try."

"Appreciated," I said dryly.

He glanced at his watch. "I should get going. Need to prepare for our meeting."

"Wouldn't want to keep your client waiting," I remarked.

He stood up, pausing for a moment as if considering his next words. "It’s…good to see you, Bailey."

I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral. "You too."

As he walked away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. That was...something. Interacting with Jacob was like navigating a minefield—one wrong step and everything could blow up, including my heart if I wasn’t careful. I wondered if he'd always have this effect on me.

By the time I pulled up to Edna's cottage, the snow was falling steadily, blanketing the quaint neighborhood in a layer of pristine white. Her house was impossible to miss, as it looked like a pinata of holiday cheer had burst open on top of it. Twinkle lights outlined every nook and cranny, candy cane stakes lined the walkway, and a chorus of animatronic elves sang carols on the front lawn.

I knocked on the bright red door, which was promptly flung open.

"Bailey, dear!" Edna exclaimed, her eyes sparkling behind her red frames. Today, she was wearing another Christmas sweater depicting cats with antlers leading Santa’s sleigh, a pair of cotton-candy pink snow pants, and fuzzy boots.

"Good morning, Edna," I greeted her warmly. "Ready for our big meeting?"

"Absolutely! Just let me grab my plans." She disappeared into the house, returning moments later with an overflowing binder and a large poster tube. "Can't wait to show those stuffy old men what we've got up our sleeves!"

I smiled. "They're certainly in for a treat."

As we drove toward Barrington Manor, Edna chatted excitedly about her latest ideas for the sanctuary—a catcafé, adoption events, seasonal festivals. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself genuinely rooting for her vision.

We arrived at the manor just before noon. Jacob accompanied by Theodore Snowcroft was already there, standing by a sleek black Cadillac sedan that I assumed belonged to Theodore. He was an imposing figure—tall and broad-shouldered, with a thick mustache and a scowl on his face. It was clear he'd rather be anywhere else, and I had to admit I related to the feeling.

"Miss Pace," he greeted me with a curt nod. "Miss Twinkleberry."

"Mr. Snowcroft," I replied coolly. Jacob offered a polite smile, which I returned with a professional nod.

"Shall we get started?" Jacob suggested, leading the way up the porch and unlocking the front door, which creaked loudly as he pushed it open. Inside, dust motes floated in the cold air, and the scent of aged wood and neglect permeated the space.

"Charming," Theodore remarked sarcastically.

Edna ignored him, her gaze roaming the grand foyer. "This place has so much potential," she whispered.

We moved into what must have once been a lavish sitting room where I flipped the light switch, illuminating the faded wallpaper peeling from the walls, and a massive fireplace dominated one end of the room. I could imagine the space as it may have been once long ago—filled with warmth and laughter, with a Christmas tree twinkling in the corner.

After we were inside, we took seats on the dusty furniture where Edna wasted no time.

"I've brought some materials to help illustrate my plans," she announced, unfurling a large poster over the marble coffee table. The poster depicted a colorful rendering of themansion transformed into a festive animal-friendly wonderland, complete with happy cats playing with yarn and peeking out from around decorated trees and scratching posts.

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