Page 3 of Mistlefoes

The bite of winter was in the air that evening, and the crisp air promised new snowfall on the way as I strolled down the sidewalk toward the development where I lived. The nippy temperature engendered the anticipation of a nostalgic holiday season, amplifying my Christmas spirit. Multi-colored lights twinkled from storefronts and light poles, and evergreen wreaths adorned the old-fashioned streetlights.

As much as I loved the quiet small town peace surrounding me while my footsteps crunched on the crisp snow, it also saddened me. If I didn’t find a way to stay afloat,Happily Ever Afters—both the store and my own—could be over. This could be my last Christmas in Cherish Cove unless something drastic happened.

In a way, the feeling was a continuation of one that had dogged me since last Christmas when I’d broken up with Jack. Low-key sadness and apprehension. It took me back to that dreadful afternoon. I’d been humming carols and thinking of the baking I’d do that weekend, when I’d seen the scantily clad woman coming out of Jack’s house with him following behind her, grinning then grabbing her to him and kissing her.

I’d just stared in aghast shock. I’d thought we were headed for our engagement, and he’d been cheating on me. Lying to me. Of course, I’d confronted him when he showed up at my front door that night. He’d tried to claim he’d been out of town, that Iknewhe wasn’t in Cherish Cove, but I saw what I saw. Perhaps, after that, I should have moved away and not tortured myself for the past year, but this was my home dang it!

Shaking my head. I pushed away the same old memories and turned the corner toward my house. I would have a good night. Nothing could mess with me. I’d settle in with a good book and—

What in the reindeer poop was that?

Skidding to a stop on the slightly icy sidewalk as I rounded the corner, I stared at the house across the street from mine, my mouth dropped open. Since this morning, it appeared Christmas had thrown up in Jack’s front yard. When on earth had he had time? There had been nothing set up when I’d left for work. Yet…now, it appeared he was using half the power available from Cherish Cove Electric.

Judging by this over-the-top garishness, he was out to win this year.

Or try to.

Of course, he was. It was what he did. To annoy me.

Closing my mouth, I slowly shook my head. That catastrophe of synchronized lights and music couldn’t win. In fact, it would likely short out power for the entire block. Even as the bitter thoughts crossed my mind, I saw a few people stop to look at his show, watching the music and lights cycle through some programmed sequence he’d installed.

Fine. He might be one step ahead, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t one-up him—and with a classier display. Resolute, I stomped toward my house.

Jack stood in his driveway as I approached our homes. Was he smirking at me? Seriously, was that a dang smirk? Did he think he’d bested me. Frankly, at the moment, it looked like it—but he still didn’t have tosmirkat me that way.

Thing was, he didn’t know Jill Burke if he thought he’d won. I had plans, too.

The game was on.

Two

Jill

For a Hundred Bucks…

“Mom…” I sighed into the phone later that night after I’d spent a couple hours working on my own holiday décor then prepared my dinner. I’d just started eating when she’d called, and it hadn’t taken long for her to start in on the relationship nagging.

Annoyed by this conversation, I stared outside the window beside my table. My curtains were closed, but through the sheers, I could still see Jack’s light display signaling air traffic. Even without looking, I knew the snow was still pouring down, too, the lake effect turning it into cotton-ball sized clumps of flakes. It would be piled on us by morning.

Averting my eyes, I went back to pushing around the peas from my less-than-great freezer meal.

“I’m just saying, your sister is happily married. Your brother is…”

“Happily dating,” I supplied, thankful she couldn’t see my rolled eyes. My brother hadn’t been in an actual romantic relationship since college when he’d ended up as a single dad. I’d believe he washappily datingwhen I saw proof of female life at his side.

“It’s serious,” she defended.

“It’s not married,” I clarified since that was where she was going with this conversation.

“And you’re the oldest. When are you going to get married?” And there it was.

“Not soon.”

I’d been hearing this spiel since my sister had married her high school sweetheart eight years ago. My mom had gotten it into her head that since I was four years older, I should be settled, too. With anyone, from a man I ran into at the coffee shop to the guy who lived down the street from her, who happened to be ten years younger than me. Call me picky, but I just couldn’t see myself with someone I’d babysat for when he’d been a toddler. On the other hand,shewasn’t picky at all.

“What if I don’t want to get married? Maybe, that’s it,” I threw out.

“Don’t say that. You’ve wanted to get married since you were performing weddings for Barbie and Ken and all your stuffed animals, for years and years.”

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