Page 13 of Sweet Christmas Comeback
“Well, the repairs anyway,” Jade said with a smile. “Felicity’s responsible for the holiday magic. Though Leo might call it something else.”
“I call it like I see it,” Leo replied, but there was no real bite to it. His attention had shifted to the display case, which now held neat rows of beautifully decorated cookies. “Those look professional.”
“Oh!” Jade suddenly remembered. “Actually, I’m glad you’re here. We just finished a batch of Christmas cookies, and I made some special ones.” She moved to the display case and carefully lifted out a plate—Santas with perfectly piped red suits, snowmen with jaunty carrot noses, Christmas trees dusted with green sugar, and what made Leo’s eyebrows rise: reindeer cookies, each one carefully crafted with brown icing and delicate antler details.
“Reindeer cookies,” she said, offering him the plate. “Seemed appropriate.”
Lila gasped in delight. “They look just like your reindeer, Uncle Leo! Look, this one even has spots like Comet!”
“These are incredible,” Leo said, taking one and examining the detail work. “The antlers are perfect—you even got the branching right.”
“YouTube tutorials,” Jade said with a grin. “Turns out there are instructional videos for everything, including anatomically correct reindeer cookie decoration.”
Felicity climbed down from her stool, wiping her hands on a rag. “I told her the reindeer ones were inspired.”
Leo took a bite of the cookie. His eyebrows rose. “This is really good.”
“That’s all Mabel’s teaching,” Jade said. “I’m still learning. And Felicity’s been transforming the atmosphere while I handle the technical repairs.”
“It definitely feels different,” Leo admitted, glancing around again at the twinkling lights. “More... alive. Even if it does look like?—”
“Like Christmas threw up,” Felicity finished cheerfully. “I get that a lot. But wait until you see how many people stop in just because it catches their eye.”
Just then, the bell rang with such force the entire doorframe seemed to shudder. Mayor Clark Whitcomb filled the space, his barrel chest puffed out and a brightly colored scarf wrapped around his neck.
“Mabel Bennett! Just the woman I wanted to see!” he boomed. He spotted the assembled group, and his grin widened. “Excellent! A full quorum!”
He clapped Leo on the shoulder. “Carter! Good man. And Jade Bennett! Welcome home! Your timing, as it turns out, is providential!”
Jade felt a prickle of unease. Mayor Clark’s enthusiasm was a known natural disaster in Frost Pine Ridge.
“As you all know,” the mayor began, “the Tree Lighting ceremony is in seven days. Seven! And it must be perfect!”
He paused dramatically. Leo looked resigned rather than panicked—the cookie seemed to have mellowed his mood.
“This year, we’re expanding the festivities! Sleigh rides! A festive procession! Refreshment stops! Which brings me to you three.” He pointed between Mabel, Jade and Leo.
“Mabel, your bakery will be the official provider of cocoa and festive treats. Multiple stations along the sleigh route!”
Jade’s mind spun. It was a huge opportunity for the bakery’s revival.
“And Leo, your magnificent reindeer will provide sleigh rides!” Mayor Clark pointed between Jade and Leo. “You two will have to coordinate the route and time the rides to culminate at nine p.m. for the tree lighting. I’m counting on you!”
He beamed at them, oblivious of the thoughtful silence. Lila looked between her uncle and Jade with wide, hopeful eyes. Felicity paused in her decorating to watch with interest.
“You can’t say no to the mayor,” Mabel whispered to Jade.
Jade glanced at Leo, who had stopped chewing his cookie and was staring at the mayor with growing alarm. “Wait,” he said slowly. “What kind of sleigh rides? How many people? The reindeer aren’t circus animals, Mr. Mayor. They’re working animals, not spectacles.”
“Details, details!” Mayor Clark waved his hand dismissively. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You’re the expert!”
“That’s exactly why I’m asking,” Leo said, his voice taking on an edge. “Reindeer have limits. They can’t just parade around for hours carrying loads of tourists. And multiple stations? How many stops are we talking about here?”
The mayor’s enthusiasm faltered slightly. “Well, I hadn’t worked out all the specifics?—”
“You’re talking about using my animals for something you haven’t even planned yet?” Leo’s protective instincts were fully engaged now. “How many people per sleigh? What’s the route? How long are the rides? What happens if the weather turns bad?”
Jade watched this exchange with growing understanding. This wasn’t just Leo being difficult—this was someone who genuinely cared about his animals’ welfare going up against the mayor’s tendency to volunteer other people for his grand visions.
