Page 17 of Magic in Mistletoe
“Look, Eleanor,” Caleb said, his voice calming and measured. “We’re trying to help each other out, that’s all.”
Eleanor sniffed disdainfully, her eyes still fixed on Sadie. “Well, I suppose we shall see about that, won’t we? And you, Caleb, better look out. Doesn’t it concern you that we have two newcomers attempting to take over the downtown square? They’ve been getting quite cozy, let me tell you. And Martin isn’t even using you for supplies. Have you maybe thought that he’s trying to run you out of business and buy your property?”
Caleb sighed. “And what would be the end goal? All of us merchants do less and less business each year. Why he started his toy store here is beyond me. Beyond logic.”
“Exactly my point,” Eleanor exclaimed, poking Caleb in the chest with her long, bony finger before turning on her heel and stomping out of the store.
Sadie turned to Caleb, and they both burst out laughing.
When they finally calmed down, Caleb promised to call Sadie as soon as the glass arrived, and then Sadie proceeded to the candy shop. The wind picked up as she stepped outside, sending a chill down her spine. Or was that her growing uneasiness over Eleanor’s question?
Had she done it again? Opened herself to someone without learning more about them first? She’d let “he who shall not be named” sweep her off her feet in a series of romantic gestures, even knowing full well they were orchestrated by the reality show. She’d listened to her heart, not her mind, and it had cost her everything. Her friends, her job, her life in Miami.
Martin was only a friend, but still. Was she so desperate for affection that she was making the same mistake twice?
Not knowing if she was being paranoid or cautious, one thing was certain. She would discover why Martin had invested in a toy store in the middle of Alaska.
Chapter 10
Thenextmorning,achilling wind whipped through the streets of the small Alaskan town, rattling windows and sending shivers down spines. Sadie pulled her coat tighter around herself as she stood in the town square. Why the town council insisted on an in-person public announcement instead of a text or news release puzzled her. Still, she dutifully gathered with the rest of the community. A sense of unease settled within her. The townsfolk were abuzz with whispers, their eyes darting nervously toward the dark clouds looming on the horizon.
“Storm of the Century, they’re sayin’,” murmured an old woman next to Sadie, her voice quivering. “Never seen anything like it.”
“Neither have I,” replied Sadie, her gaze fixed on the foreboding skies. The storm’s approach filled her with an inexplicable sense of dread. The wind carried whispers of change, and she could only wonder what that meant.
Suddenly, the doors of the town hall burst open, and Mayor Gregory Evergreen emerged, his regal posture straight and determined. His neatly trimmed mustache bristled with tension as he climbed onto a makeshift stage and raised his hands for silence. The crowd hushed at once, turning their attention to the distinguished-looking man.
“Good citizens of our beloved town,” Mayor Evergreen began, his deep voice resonating throughout the square. “As you all know, there is a storm approaching—a storm unlike any we have faced in generations. In light of this imminent danger, I must make a difficult decision for the safety of our community.”
The crowd murmured as Sadie watched the mayor intently, noting the worry etched into the lines of his face. She knew how much pride he took in upholding the town’s traditions, and she couldn’t help but empathize with the burden of responsibility he bore.
“Regrettably,” continued Mayor Evergreen, “I must announce the cancellation of this year’s Christmas parade, the holiday market, and the Christmas Eve festival. Our priority now must be the safety and well-being of every citizen.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and a pang of disappointment rippled through Sadie. Not only at the thought of missing out on the festivities she’d hoped to attend with Martin but for the local businesses missing out on all the tourist money.
“Please, return to your homes and prepare as best you can,” Mayor Evergreen urged. “Together, we will weather this storm and emerge stronger than ever.”
As the townsfolk dispersed, Sadie longed for the warmth and comfort of her little log cabin, yet the fear of weathering this type of storm alone caused her to shiver. She’d grown accustomed to hurricanes and knew exactly what to do. Here, amongst the trees and snow, not so much. And what about the candy order? If she and Rosie couldn’t get it done, what about Martin’s event, and what would it mean for their growing friendship?
Sadie sent Rosie directly home and closed the shop. As she was leaving, she gave the door a loving tap. “Good luck, my friend.”
The wind whipped through the streets, sending snowflakes swirling into a frenzied dance as Sadie trudged back home. The cold seeped into her bones and fueled her fears about the storm. Anxiety gnawed at her chest, making it difficult to breathe.
“Sadie! Wait up!”
Sadie turned to find Martin hurrying toward her. His cheeks were flushed from the biting wind, and his eyes were filled with concern.
“Martin, what are you doing here?” she asked, hoping he heard her over the howling wind.
“I wanted to make sure you’re alright,” Martin explained, brushing snowflakes from his hair.
“Of course, I’m fine,” Sadie snapped, her fear putting her on edge. There existed also that nagging question of Eleanor’s. Why did Martin set up a toy store in this small town? But—and this was a big but—here he stood before her, during a storm, to make sure she was okay. He cared about her safety.
Sadie’s shoulders slumped. “Actually, no. I’m pretty scared.”
“Then let me help you prepare,” Martin said. “We both know this isn’t an ordinary storm.”
She hesitated, then nodded, unable to resist the genuine concern on his face. “Alright. Thanks.”
