Page 53 of Back to December
I don’t know if you’ve found the coin by now. I figure you probably have. Sebastian gave it to me right before we went to Sweetheart Springs last year—he told me “the roads are tricky this time of year”.
I know we all think there’s a story to him, and there probably is… but I think his intentions are in the right place. It helped nudge me to be more honest with you. It might not work the same way with you, but just in case it gets warm, that’s a good thing.
It means you’re on the right track.
I hope it helps you find your way.
Love,
Holden
Laila,
You’re a little thief.
It’s getting chilly here first thing in the morning, and I went to grab my Frost Giant’s sweatshirt. It’s missing. Then I remembered that you were the last person to wear it, and I hope it’s at least keeping you warm.
Maybe I can snag a sweatshirt from the Ever After Farm the next time I make a delivery.
I’m looking into the boxes you suggested, and Annie is really excited about the idea. We’re going totest it at The Storybook before Halloween with sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles. Maybe I’ll save people from buying those awful cookies at the supermarket that you love so much. :)
I’ll let you know how it goes.
Love,
Holden
nineteen
ENCHANTED LETTERS TO LAILA
NOVEMBER
Dear Laila,
The cookie boxes really took off!
No Play-Doh frosting for my customers. I consider that a win. You’re probably wrinkling up your nose at me, but you know how I feel about them. I know you love them…
I saw the first package of Reese’s Christmas Trees in a store today, and I grabbed it. I don’t know when you’re coming back, but just know—when you get home, you’ve already got a nice collection of them going. There was one package of pumpkins left, so I grabbed that, too.
Speaking of pumpkins. Kenna keeps acting like her job here is temporary, but she swapped out the Halloween display for some turkeys, and it looksridiculous.
The farmers’ market crowd has been asking if I’ll do another gingerbread-decorating weekend like last December. I told them maybe. The bakery is staying really busy, and you’re a part of that. You and your ideas.
Love always,
Holden
Dear Laila,
Ella told me you packed up all your things and got a storage unit. I wish I could’ve helped—and yes, I know you can do it by yourself.
But that doesn’t mean you have to.
I’m proud of you, though. You’re taking control of your life like you wanted to, and not everyone can do that.
I keep thinking about everything you’ve told me about Henry and about rituals. How they’re emotional anchors—how we translate faith, love, and hope into physical acts. That’s probably why I love baking so much, and why you love September through December. Enchanted Hollow does the same thing year after year. It’s safe and predictable.
