Page 13 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“You ready, Mom?”

Vivian patted Holly’s arm. “Sure. Sure. Let’s go.”

Holly rubbed her hands together as the trio approached The Gingerbread House, their boots crunching on the light snow-covered sidewalk. Behind the paneled windows, a variety of Christmas-themed cupcakes greeted them. The quaint shop was filled with patrons, from customers taking pleasure in a simple cup of hot chocolate to hungry souls delving into the day’s lunch special, every one of them enjoying themselves.

“Does it look like you remember it, Mom?” Holly lifted her brows and watched her mother’s face.

“Oh, yes. Your father loved this eatery. He was particularly fond of the Bison Fudge.” Vivian turned to Nick. “Do you still make that?”

“Absolutely.” Nick propped the door open for his companions. “I can whip you up one right now if you’d like.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Vivian hooked her arm through Holly’s. “You’ll share it with me, right? I could never finish the dish on my own—something your father always counted on.”

As soon as they strode into the place, they were greeted by Viola, who’d appeared from behind the counter. Though Viola was cheerful, Holly could swear something was troubling her.

“Hey, Nick. Holly.” Viola wiped her hands on her apron. “Need a table?”

“If there’s one available,” Nick replied.

“I just cleared one. Follow me.” Viola led the way.

“This is my mom,” Holly said as they removed their coats and hung them on the chair backs. “Vivian St. Ives.”

“Nice to meet you.” Viola handed her a menu.

“You, too, dear. And I already know what I want. I used to come here years ago and am dying to have an order of Bison Fudge.”

“One of my favorites.” Viola took the menu back and gave her a nod.

“Give her extra whipped cream,” Nick said. “And I’ll have a coffee. Black.”

“A hot chocolate for me.” Holly rubbed her palms together to warm them.

“You got it,” Viola said. “I’ll be back in a sec.”

As Viola left to fulfill their orders, the three of them settled in their chairs.

“This is simply lovely,”Vivian said, looking around and taking in the familiar surroundings.

“Vivian St. Ives?” The voice came from the entrance of the shop.

Holly recognized her baking-obsessed neighbor, Mrs. Miranelli, without having to turn.

“Janice.” Vivian stood and smiled.

The robust, red-headed woman’s faux fur coat added to her girth as she waddled toward them. “Vivian, when did you get into town?” Mrs. Miranelli embraced Holly’s mother. When she released her, Mrs. Miranelli patted her ginger curls as if checking that they hadn’t come undone. “I knew you had to be coming in for the wedding, but I didn’t know when. And it’s close to impossible to find either of these two busybodies to get the scoop.” She gestured to Holly and Nick.

“I just arrived yesterday. I had plans to pop over and visit you as soon as I got settled.” Vivian gave Mrs. Miranelli a friendly pat on her shoulder. “How’s Henry?”

“Still the love of my life and a pain in the butt all rolled into one. So nothing’s changed.” Mrs. Miranelli chuckled heartily.

Viola reappeared, balancing a tray with their orders.

“Oh, this is us,” Vivian announced. “We’ll catch up later, okay?”

“It’s a date.” Mrs. Miranelli removed her scarf and shifted toward the counter. “I need to place my order before Henry files a missing person report.”

Vivian sat at the table as Viola set down their drinks and fudge.

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