Page 56 of Mail Order Christmas (Hawthorne Billionaire 5)

“How many is a bunch?” the owner asked. “It’s just me doing the baking.”

“Maybe fifty? More if you could manage it.”

“How long do I have?” She sat the plate of samples down. “If I have time, I could try.”

“The ball is in a week. I could send you help to get them cooked.” I reached for another sample from the plate. “One other thing- it’s in Connecticut.”

“That’s a few hours away!” the owner exclaimed.

“Yes, it is, but I’ll have all the pies picked up and delivered. All you have to do is bake them,” I explained. “It could bring you a lot of new customers.”

She walked around the little shop. I could see she was thinking about it. I decided to add the icing on the cake.

“Also, I was thinking you could set up a booth in the mall to sell pies,” I smiled. “I own a chain of malls. Maybe we could get into a business agreement.”

“New customers would be nice. If you could send me helpers, I’ll make you the pies,” she agreed. “Selling in the mall is great, too.”

“Here’s my card. I’ll have my assistant, Nicole, call you to get it all set up.” I handed her the card. “My name is Asher Hawthorne. What’s yours?”

“Bonnie Hamilton. Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne.” She wiped at a tear running down her cheek. “You’re a Christmas miracle for me.”

“Bonnie, I’m so happy to be that for you, and believe me when I tell you that you are going to make me the favorite ball planner.” I grabbed another sample. “Can I order ten pies to take with me when I leave in the morning?”

“You can, and I want you to take this one with you now.” She handed me a pie, still a little warm.

“Now I know what my dessert is tonight.” I carried the pie out the door.

“Hey Apple. Look what I just got.”I sent a picture of the apple pie with a slice missing.

“I’m not so sure how I feel about that.”

“You’re not a real apple. Don’t be sad about it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

My cell rang, interrupting my texting. I waved and headed to the car.

“Johnny, I’m on my way. I got distracted by an apple orchard.” I got in the limo. “I’m bringing an apple pie with me, though.”

“I forgive you- IF you’re bringing a fresh pie,” Johnny said. “I have to head out in a few hours, so stop playing with pies and apples.”

Playing with Apples? How’d he know about that?

I saw on my watch that it was almost mall closing time. I would have liked to be there with the guys when they inevitably would see what I saw. I sent Gunner a text.

“What’s the plan for capturing an elf tonight?”

“Leaving a trail of candy canes.”

“Nah, Charlie would eat them all before the elf found them.”

“Solid point. A trail of broken toys, then.”

“That should do it. Or just leave decorations out.”

“That’s the plan, sir.”

“Is there any way for me to watch what you’re doing without being there?”

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