Page 6 of Dancing in Lake Mistletoe

I lift the coffee cup from the place setting in front of me and turn it over on the saucer, fill it with the steaming elixir, and add cream and sugar from the lazy Susan in the middle of the table.

“Yes. Everything is wonderful. I especially love the basket you had in the bathroom. The lip balm is amazing,” I say before blowing over the rim of the mug and taking a sip.

“Norah makes those by hand,” Trixie says.

“Norah?”

“She’s Keller’s sister. She owns the flower shop in town, and she grows her own herbs. She makes a variety of homemadetinctures and teas for colds and sore throats, as well as essential oil lip balms and lotions,” Willa explains.

“Does she sell the lip balms and lotions” I ask.

“She does. She has a display at the flower shop, but if you want, I could have her bring some samples over,” she offers.

“I don’t want her to go to any trouble,” I say.

Trixie waves me off. “It’s no trouble. She stops in to deliver fresh flowers every Sunday, and I’m sure she’d be happy to bring a basket of goodies with her for you to try.”

These people are so nice.

“That’d be lovely,” I say.

A petite woman comes in, carrying a tray loaded with scones, and places it on the large sideboard that stands at the far end of the table. It’s loaded down with silver chafing dishes, full of bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, gravy, biscuits, and fresh fruits.

“Thank you, Alice,” Willa bellows. “Come meet Mindi.”

The lady wipes her hands on the apron that’s tied around her waist and stops beside my chair.

“Mindi, this is Alice. She and her husband, Hal, run the kitchen around here. So, she’s the one to thank for all the delicious meals you’ll have during your stay,” Willa introduces.

“Mindi, you’re the dancer, right?” Alice asks.

“I am.”

“I received your dietary instructions last week,” she says.

Dietary instructions?

She must read the question on my face because she explains, “Yes, someone with the ballet company sent over that you would need high-protein, low-carb meals.”

I roll my eyes. “Please don’t go to any trouble. I’ll have what everyone else is having.”

“It’s no trouble. I’ll just make sure that Hal sets aside a double main-course portion for you each evening. You’ll needthat extra protein with all the dancing you’ll be doing. And as far as the carbs go, a little dessert has never hurt anyone,” she says with a wink. “Breakfast is served buffet-style. Would you like some pancakes? I can make them out of buckwheat and add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.”

“That’s very kind of you, but I think I’m going to attack a plate of bacon, eggs, and hash browns,” I say.

“Perfect. Help yourself,” she says, squeezing my shoulder before she disappears through the door.

I stand and take my plate over to the sideboard and load it down with the delicious-smelling food. When I return to my seat, Willa asks about my plans for the day.

“I think I’m going to take a walk and familiarize myself with the town,” I say.

“That sounds like a great idea. Tonight, after dinner, you’re welcome to join us in the great room. We’re going to be stuffing treat bags with candy and toys to pass out on Halloween while we watch horror movies,” Willa says. “You can meet Norah. She and Keller’s cousin, Hannah, will be here.”

“I don’t want to impose,” I say.

“Impose? It’s an inn activity. It’s all part of the Gingerbread Inn guest experience.” She beams.

“Hmm, I do like horror films. How intense are we talking?” I ask.

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