Page 17 of Moonlight Over Mistletoe
“Now, don't knock it 'til you've tried it,” Christopher said. “Picture this: a crisp winter morning, the lake like a sheet of glass. You're bundled up, a thermos of hot cocoa at your side. The anticipation as you drop your line through the ice.”
“Sounds cold.”
“Ah, but there's more,” Christopher said. “Think of the camaraderie, the stories shared. And when you feel that first tug on your line? There's nothing like it.”
“I thought you said you've never tried it.”
“I haven't, but that's how the website describes it.”
Much to his relief, Eleanor laughed. “You know I'm responsible for the dance contest. I can't possibly take time away now.”
“Oh, I understand completely. It's my busy season too, what with toy production ramping up. But sometimes a break can do wonders for productivity and creativity.”
There was a long pause. “Perhaps.”
“Think about it. A little adventure might be what you need to breathe new life into your contest planning.”
“Well, I suppose I could give it a try.”
“Great.” Christopher flipped through his planner. “How about Monday?”
Eleanor agreed, and he hung up the phone before sending out an email informing his staff that he would be unavailable on Monday. Shelly would question him right away, of course. But he'd deal with that when it happened. Right then, he wanted to savor the moment.
13
ThebellabovetheSnowflake Sugar Shop door jingled merrily as Eleanor stepped inside, her lips pressed into a thin line. The sweet scent of frosting and sugar assaulted her senses. She straightened her spine, steeling herself for the task ahead.
Eleanor's eyes swept across the quaint shop bursting with color, from the rainbow display of glittering candies to the pastel-painted walls with whimsical paintings. Glass jars and metal tins of various sizes lined the shelves, each one packed with sugary treats. The floor was a checkered pattern of white and pink tiles, and a large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. Combined with the sweet smell of sugar and chocolate, Eleanor's senses were overwhelmed. Was that why she'd always been so rude?
Her attention turned to Sadie and Rosie, organizing a new truffle selection. With measured steps, she approached them, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
Sadie looked up. “Good morning, Eleanor. What can we do for you?”
“I need your assistance,” Eleanor began, the words tasting bitter on her tongue, but she forced herself to continue. “For the upcoming ballroom dance competition. The florist, who was supposed to create our main centerpiece, lives in Silverpine Ridge and—”
“Did they get hit by the power outage?” Rosie interrupted. “I heard half the town is without power.”
“Yes, that's correct, and even though it is still two weeks away, they fear they will not be up and running soon enough to provide us with the centerpiece. That's where you two come in.”
Sadie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Of course, Eleanor. We'd be happy to help.”
Rosie's eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. “We’ll come up with something fabulous. Don't you worry.”
“Perhaps a cascade of sugar snowflakes?” Sadie suggested.
Rosie chimed in, “Or a miniature ice palace with spun sugar icicles!”
Eleanor blinked, taken aback by their eagerness. These women were certainly exuberant.
“We could incorporate edible glitter for extra sparkle,” Sadie said.
“And maybe some delicate sugar ribbons in cool blues and silvers,” Rosie added.
Eleanor's brow furrowed. “It mustn't be gaudy or overstated.”
Sadie nodded solemnly. “Of course not. We'll make sure it's elegant and refined, just like ballroom dancing.”
“We promise to work hard and create something perfect for you,” Rosie assured her, her smile friendly and genuine.
