Page 18 of Moonlight Over Mistletoe
“Thank you,” Eleanor said. “Sadie, I believe you know our budget and have an idea of what the Silverpine florist was supposed to deliver. You should have received the quote in an email two weeks ago.”
“I did, and I do, so trust us, Eleanor. Rosie and Jack will deliver something amazing. Our centerpiece will be worthy of the ballroom dance competition.”
“Speaking of dancing,” Rosie said, “how are things going with Christopher? I heard you two had a dance lesson.”
Eleanor's spine stiffened. “I fail to see how that's any of your concern.”
“Oh, we didn't mean to pry,” Sadie interjected, her tone softening. “We just thought—”
“You thought wrong,” Eleanor snapped, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. “My personal affairs are precisely that, personal.”
Rosie's smile faltered, but she pressed. “We only asked because—”
“Because what?” Eleanor's voice cracked, betraying her vulnerability. “Because you'd love some gossip about my private life to spread around town?”
The shop fell silent. Eleanor's cheeks burned, realizing how abrasive and defensive she sounded. She closed her eyes briefly, summoning all her inner strength.Change is hard. “I apologize. That was uncalled for.”
Sadie reached out, her hand hovering near Eleanor's but not quite touching. “It's okay, Eleanor.”
Eleanor looked up, surprised by the genuine concern in both women's eyes. There was no judgment, no hidden agenda. Just kindness and understanding.
“Christopher is kind,” Eleanor said. “It's been nice, having someone to dance with and talk to.”
Rosie's smile returned, friendly and encouraging. “That's lovely.”
Nodding curtly, Eleanor made for the exit. “Well, I need to get going. Thank you again for your help with the centerpiece. I have no doubt it will be stunning.”
She was filled with a sense of lightness as she left the Snowflake Sugar Shop. The winter air tingled against her cheeks, but she barely noticed. Her mind whirled with emotions—relief about the centerpiece, yes, but something else, too.
She paused, glancing back at the cheerful storefront. Change was hard, but she’d made progress.One step at a time. Isn’t that what Vivian had said after cutting her hair? Changing her own attitude had shown her that there was more to Sadie and Rosie than she'd initially thought. Maybe there was more to herself.
14
Mondaymorning,Eleanorstoodon the edge of a frozen lake, her breath forming misty clouds. The winter landscape stretched before her, a pristine blanket of white broken only by the dark silhouettes of pine trees. She tugged her scarf tighter, eyeing the expanse of ice with trepidation.
“Beautiful, isn't it?” Christopher’s voice broke through her thoughts. He trudged up beside her, pulling a wagon full of fishing gear.
“If you enjoy being surrounded by nothing but cold and quiet.”
Christopher chuckled. “Oh, you'll see. There's more to it than that. At least, I hope there is.”
Eleanor laughed, slapping him playfully on the arm.
As they ventured onto the ice, Eleanor's steps were hesitant. “Are you certain this is safe?”
“Absolutely. I had Jack check it for me and he’s kind of an ice expert.” Christopher set down his equipment and began to unpack. “Here, why don't you help me set up the auger?”
Eleanor eyed the device skeptically. “And what, pray tell, is an auger?”
“It's for drilling holes in the ice,” Christopher demonstrated. His strong hands guided the tool. “Want to give it a try?”
Reluctantly, she took hold of the auger. Eleanor's gloved hands gripped the handle. The metal blades of the auger bit into the frozen surface with a satisfying crunch. To her surprise, she found a spark of satisfaction in the task. “I suppose it's not entirely unpleasant.”
“Such enthusiasm,” Christopher teased. With the hole drilled, Christopher set up the pop-up shelter and placed two folding chairs inside it. Also in the wagon were blankets, warmer clothes, and a cooler of snacks.
A smile tugged at Eleanor’s lips. “A cooler? Don't you think it's cold enough already?”
“Ah, yes, well. Consider it a warmer. This way, the food won’t completely freeze.”
