Page 25 of Magic in Mistletoe
“Unfortunately,” Mayor Evergreen continued, “the damage is so extensive that we have no choice but to cancel the rest of this year’s holiday festival.” A collective gasp echoed through the room, followed by a cacophony of dismayed murmurs. Sadie exchanged worried glances with Rosie and Caleb, knowing how much the festival meant to the town and its economy.
“Canceling the festival will result in a significant loss of revenue for our town,” the mayor said, his voice strained. “The consequences of this decision will be felt for months, perhaps even years, to come. Next year will be tough, and I fear that if we cannot find a way to recover, our beloved town might go broke.”
“That’s not good,” whispered Rosie.
How would the town pay its employees, maintain essential services, or meet its financial obligations, such as servicing debt or paying vendors? Services would get cut. Taxes would increase. And more businesses would shut. Possibly the Snowflake Sugar Shop. The thought of one day telling Rosie they needed to close broke Sadie’s heart. And what about Caleb? He struggled to make a profit, too. These people, this town, had grown on her. And now, everything was at stake.
“Can’t we do something?” Sadie’s mind raced as she whispered to Rosie and Caleb. She couldn’t bear the thought of this tight-knit community crumbling under financial ruin.
“I don’t know what can be done,” Caleb said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “But we’ll pull through this together, just like we always have.”
Sadie wasn’t so sure, her chest tightening as she took in the worried faces around her. She had to do something, anything, to help save the struggling town. An idea began to form, and before she got cold feet, she raised her hand, drawing the attention of the room.
“Mayor Evergreen, I have an idea,” Sadie said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. “Martin Kringle, the toymaker, placed a large candy order with my store. I’m willing to donate all the profits from the order to start an emergency fund. I know it’s nothing compared to the size of a town budget, but maybe it could prevent a business from closing or help pay someone’s taxes or keep the lights on for a charity, at least until we solve this problem.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they considered her proposal. “The problem is,” she continued, “our store was damaged during the snowstorm, and we’ll need help to make the candy. If anyone is willing to lend a hand, it could make a big difference for our town.”
For a moment, there was only silence. Then Eleanor Frost stood up, eyes narrowing as she fixed her gaze on Sadie. “And why should we trust you?” she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism. “The last time you ran into trouble, you made a fool of yourself—on a reality show, I might add.”
Blood pounded in Sadie’s ears, drowning out the whispers that ricocheted around the room like stray bullets. She hadn’t realized anyone in town knew about her disastrous stint on the reality show, and now she felt exposed and vulnerable. The weight of Eleanor’s accusation hung in the air, suffocating her.
“I...I,” Sadie stuttered, her confidence evaporating. Her heart sank, and she glanced at Rosie. “Maybe I should go.” Her voice was a mere whisper, but it carried with it raw pain.
“Everyone knows about the show,” Rosie whispered so that only Sadie could hear. “We’ve known who you are since you arrived. We do have TV in Alaska, you know.” Rosie gave her a small smile.
“You never said anything,” Sadie replied in a shaky voice.
“I figured, well, we all figured, you might need some time to recuperate. And you’d bring it up when you were ready. If not, no big deal. And besides, the guy was a jerk. You’re better off without him.”
Sadie looked Rosie in the eye, and all she saw was friendship and sincerity. She wanted to both laugh and cry as the reality of her situation hit her like a snowball in the face. All this time, they’d known, and all this time, the townspeople were friendly and kind and non-judgemental—except for Eleanor, of course. How this contrasted with the way in which her so-called friends ghosted her after the airing of that disastrous episode. Not a single person supported or comforted her. But here, in this tiny Alaskan town, they’d welcomed her, yet she hadn’t seen it. She’d kept her distance, afraid of getting hurt, afraid of not being accepted. She’d been wrong the entire time.
Sadie took Rosie’s hand to give her extra strength, then forced herself to meet Eleanor’s icy stare. “That’s in the past, Eleanor,” she said, her tone firm. “I care about this town just as much as anyone else here.”
Eleanor raised one disapproving eyebrow. “I don’t know about that, but at least you care more than Martin Kringle. I don’t see him about tonight. Why should we work to make candy for the likes of him?”
Caleb stepped forward, his face a mixture of determination and support. “Did you miss what Sadie said, Eleanor? She’s willing to donate all her profits to the town. That’s more than you’re doing,” he defended, causing several people to gasp and Eleanor’s mouth to fall open.
Then another voice rang out.
“The Snowflake Sugar Shop has been a staple of this town for years,” Mr. Thompson, the elderly barber shop owner from across the street, declared. “You can’t deny the quality of their sweets or the dedication Sadie’s put into keeping it afloat.”
“Mr. Thompson’s right,” chimed in Mrs. Baker, the local librarian. “Sadie and Rosie have been working tirelessly to keep the Snowflake Sugar Shop alive.”
As more voices joined to support Sadie, their words wrapped around her heart, soothing the sting of Eleanor’s cruel remarks.
“Sadie,” Caleb whispered, his hand gently touching her shoulder. “As I told you before, don’t listen to Eleanor. We all believe in you.”
She looked into his warm, brown eyes, and for the first time since arriving in Mistletoe, Sadie knew this was where she belonged. This town was her new home, filled with people whose friendship was worth something. With renewed determination, she turned back toward the crowd, her piercing blue eyes meeting those of her supporters.
“Thank you,” Sadie said softly, her voice trembling with gratitude. “I won’t let you down.”
“Alright then!” exclaimed Mayor Evergreen, his voice ringing out with authority. “Let’s not waste any more time. Who here would like to volunteer to help Sadie and Rosie make candy for the emergency fund?”
Hands shot up all around the room, and Sadie blinked back tears of gratitude as she watched her neighbors rally around her. Rosie squeezed her hand tightly, a proud smile on her face.
“Count me in,” offered Mr. Thompson. “I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making candy.”
“Me too,” piped up young Tommy from the back of the room, his small hand raised high in the air.
