Page 79 of The Holiday Swap

“I won’t be able to change your mind, will I?” Miguel asked, sighing and shaking his head, albeit good-naturedly.

“No, you won’t,” Cass replied. Then she stood, pulling on the parka that had been draped over the back of the chair. “But I could use your help.”

“Anything you need. I’m yours for the night.” Miguel was already getting his winter gear on in anticipation of the chilly evening in front of them. Luckily the skies were clear, the storm over. Despite the cold temperatures it was a beautiful night for the town square party. As Cass watched Miguel zip up his coat, she still couldn’t believe he was here, in Starlight Peak, with her. Or that he’d driven—through a blizzard—to come to tell her he wasn’t going to give up on this thing between them.

“Just for the night?” Cass teased, tying up her winter boots.

“You have me for as long as you want, Cass Goodwin,” Miguel said softly as he pulled her to him. Their coats were bulky between them, so she pulled him closer.

“Promise?” she whispered. “I mean, I know we have a lot to work out, not the least of which is how I can be here running Woodburn Breads while you’re in L.A. saving lives.”

“We will figure this out, together. I promise.” He kissed her then, and though Cass knew they had plenty yet to discuss, and more urgently had to get to the Starlight Eve party, she allowed herself a few extra moments with the man who had helped her see anything was possible.

•••

“My girls!” Thomas Goodwin gathered Cass and Charlie into his arms, kissing each one atop the head, through their hats, twice. He was a touch gentler with Cass, because of her stitches. “We areso glad you’re both okay. What a week this has been for the two of you!” Charlie and Cass grinned at each other, used to their father’s effusive nature—even though they had already been through a heartwarming reunion with their parents earlier, they were happy for the endless hugs. The twins were also thrilled to be past the chaos of the last week, and that their parents had been delighted, if not a touch surprised, to learn there would be two more place settings needed for Christmas dinner this year.

The Goodwin family had gathered in front of the Woodburn Breads booth to prepare for the party. There were a dozen other stalls lining the ice-skating rink in the center of the square, selling everything from the Honey Pot’s cider, to hand-knit mittens and scarves, to the Peak Pub’s chili and pullapart buns, to the local brewery offering pints of their Christmas ale in plastic Solo cups. There was even a new stall this year... Sharon’s Top Dog biscuits.

“Now, while we wish we had been here to help you girls out...” Helen Goodwin looked at both her daughters, but then spoke directly to Cass. “We agree it’s time, Cassie. It’s time for your dad and I to step away from the bakery.”

“Because, let’s be honest, Cabowasspectacular,” Thomas added, putting his arm around Helen now—the two sharing a smile that suggested the trip had been just as rejuvenating as Cass and Charlie had hoped it would be. “And we would like to travel more. Especially now that Woodburn Breads is in such wonderful, capable hands.”

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip.” Helen kissed each of her daughters on the cheek, then rubbed off the hint of lipstick she’d left behind. “But there’s nothing quite like home, is there?”

“No, there isn’t,” Charlie said, reaching out to hold Cass’s hand.

“And we’re so glad you got home in time,” Cass said. “It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without all of us here. Together.”

•••

With everyone focused on the tasks at hand—setting out trays of gingerbread, lemon squares, cookies and bars, and, of course, the star attraction, the loaves of Starlight Bread—it wasn’t long before the booth was ready for patrons. Cass was busy fiddling with the loaves of bread when Charlie said, “Cass, what’s this?”

Cass glanced over to see what Charlie was talking about, then smiled at her sister. “Thatis your Christmas present.”

Charlie picked up one of the bars, wrapped in clear cellophane. On the cellophane was a sticker, which read:Charlie’s Sweet & Salty Bar. “How... When did you do this? Can I open it?”

“Please!” Cass laughed. “And this afternoon. I had a little help.” She cast a glance at Miguel, who was helping Helen string twinkle lights around the stall. They exchanged a smile, and then Miguel went back to work and Cass turned back to her sister.

“Tell me what you taste,” she said, watching as Charlie took a bite of the confection.

Charlie chewed thoughtfully. “Pecans in the shortbread base. Sea salt on top of the dark chocolate.” Charlie closed her eyes, then they popped back open. “And a touch of cardamom in the caramel layer. This is amazing.”

“I had a feeling you’d like it,” Cass said. “And if you approve, I’d love to start offering them at the bakery.”

“Do I approve? How can I not approve?” Charlie’s mouth was full, so it came out a bit muffled. “Jake! Come and try this.”

Jake, just back from getting pints for everyone, along with warm apple ciders for Walter and Charlie, took the bite she offered him. “Wow. That’s delicious.”

Charlie grinned. “Cass made it for me. Best Christmas present ever.”

“The first of many new and brilliant ideas to come,” Cass said, winking at Charlie, who gathered her in a hug.

“Okay, so let’s get this party started, shall we? Miguel, why don’t you and I take the first shift. Mom, Dad, please go say hello to everyone. You have been missed. And Walter, we’ve got it covered. Maybe go have some fun, okay?”

Walter said he might ice skate with a few friends from school, which Cass said sounded like a great idea. She was happy to see that Walter’s confidence had bloomed, after saving the day with the Starlight loaves and turning the modest Live.Li stream into a nationally watched broadcast.

“Charlie, why don’t you and Jake go grab something to eat before your shift?” Cass said.

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