Page 10 of Magic in Mistletoe
After an hour of hard work, Martin’s phone buzzed. He read the text. “Nora, we’re needed at the toy store. Time to go.”
“But Dad, can’t the...crew figure it out on their own?”
“Afraid not. Great-Grandpa’s meeting us there.”
“But Dad,” Nora continued.
Martin placed a hand on her shoulder. “Nora, you know you need to learn the business if you are to take over one day.”
“I know. And I told you the lecture would begin at some point,” she said. “But what if I don’t want to follow in the family business? What if I want to make candy instead?”
“Then you will make candy, but for now, you need to come. Anything you learn can apply to whatever you choose to do. Remember that.”
“Okay,” Nora said, her voice full of resignation. “Thank you,” she said to Sadie and Rosie. “I had a great time. Maybe I can help again?”
“Absolutely. We’re going to need all the help we can get,” Rosie said.
“Yes,” Sadie said in agreement. “You’re both welcome back anytime.”
Martin gave them a quick nod. “Thank you, ladies.” He then ushered Nora outside before turning to give one last wave.
He just might take Sadie up on that offer.
Chapter 6
Sadie’sfingersdeftlytwistedthe gold paper around another chocolate truffle, her movements fluid and precise. The Snowflake Sugar Shop was alive with the scents of sugar and cinnamon, making her wonder what Grandma Mable would think. She wished they could have met, but it wasn’t from lack of trying on her grandmother’s part. When Grandma Mable gave her father up for adoption, she’d been young and naïve and agreed to a sealed adoption. At least according to the attorney Sadie had spoken to. By the time her grandmother had discovered her father’s last known whereabouts, he’d been dead for several years. And Grandma Mable was ill herself. With little time left, she’d changed her will and given the store to her only grandchild, Sadie.
There was no one to be mad at. No letters or diaries left behind, and no one to ask since Grandma Mabel had moved to Mistletoe in her senior year of high school, one year after Sadie’s father had been born. The people of Mistletoe were almost as surprised at the revelation as Sadie herself, Rosie had told her.
And while she initially viewed the inheritance simply as her ticket out of Miami, Sadie now wanted to make this unknown grandmother proud. She’d learn to run the store, but fitting in proved more challenging. There was her disdain for the cold and outdoor activities in general. She’d avoided Bingo night, the town square clean-up event, and the Thanksgiving parade. She’d also declined the invitation to join the Main Street Business Improvement Committee. All that was on her, but she’d had the sinking feeling that people were keeping their distance. An all too painful reminder of the way her friends ghosted her as her life fell apart in Miami. That pain cut deep. Very deep. And she didn’t want to relive anything like it again. So keeping her distance kept her safe.
The bell above the door jingled merrily, announcing a customer. Sadie’s gaze flicked up, and she recognized the unmistakable lumberjack form of Martin Kringle immediately. Clutched in his hand were two steaming lattes, the aroma of fresh espresso mingling with the sugary air.
“Good evening, Sadie,” Martin greeted, his voice as jovial as ever. “I thought you might enjoy a little pick-me-up on this chilly day.”
“Thank you,” Sadie responded.
“Of course. It’s the least I could do after your kindness yesterday,” Martin replied, his eyes twinkling as if sharing a private joke with her.
Sadie allowed herself a small nod—an unspoken acceptance of his offering. After all, it would be rude to turn down such a gesture of gratitude. As her fingers wrapped around the warm cup, she inhaled the enticing aroma of caramel and cinnamon. She took a tentative sip and found herself pleasantly surprised by the drink’s sweetness—it seemed Martin had an uncanny knack for knowing her preferences.
“While I appreciate the gesture, I simply helped a customer,” she said.
“Ah, but you and Rosie went above and beyond,” Martin insisted, leaning against the counter. “Not many would have taken the time to let a young girl and a frazzled single father help wrap candies.”
“Really, it was nothing,” Sadie muttered, turning away from his charismatic smile. She wrapped her hands around the latte, enjoying the heat on her icy fingers. “And you both helped us, so let’s say it was win-win.”
“Win-win. I like that,” Martin replied, taking a sip of his latte.
The room filled with silence. “Is there something you need?” she asked cautiously.
“Nothing more than to express my gratitude,” Martin replied and turned to leave.
The sincerity in his tone disarmed her slightly. “Wait for me,” Sadie said impulsively. “I’m done for the day and was going to leave soon. Hang on, and I’ll walk you out. That is if you don’t mind waiting while I lock up.”Walk you out?What was she thinking? It was about three yards to the door.
Martin’s smile could have melted all the snow in Alaska. “I don’t mind. Can I help?”
“No. I’ll just be a minute. Rosie cleaned and did the prep for tomorrow. I was simply puttering around,” Sadie said over the rustle of candy wrappers as she closed the box and put the tray of truffles in the cooler.
