by Violet Paige
“It’s ok.” Cami blushed. It wasn’t like she was out making the rounds. She had holed up in the apartment and the shop, trying to bring it back to life. And if she was being honest with herself, she was hiding out from Evan .
The mayor seemed to be at every turn. It made sense, he did run the town, but she couldn’t live here and stay indoors like a vampire. Eventually, she had to make it out in the open .
“I even missed the tree lighting last night, but I heard you sang. I can’t believe I wasn’t there. Everyone is still talking about. Mellie Miller is probably wishing she had hauled herself out of bed and loaded up on antibiotics .”
She pulled the gloves from her fingers and hung her dark blue coat on the rack. It was evident she planned on staying a while. Cami noticed everything she wore was stitched with her initials .
“Can I get you something? Cocoa?” Cami offered .
Her friend’s eyes lit like a small child’s. “Oh yes. That sounds perfect. It’s freezing outside .”
“Ok. Coming right up. I have some warm milk on the stove so it will only take a minute .”
Cami bustled around the kitchen, stirring the cocoa into the pan meant for the ganache. She could work on that once the tiny crusts were out of the oven. The timer ticked away the seconds on the shelf next to the giant vent. It was in the shape of a cupcake. It was one of the last Christmas gifts she had given Aunt Sophie .
Jamie settled on a stool and watched her prepare the cocoa .
“So tell me what’s new with you. I can’t believe you’re back in Harpers Point. It’s the surprise of the year. After the football team went to the playoffs, of course .”
Cami topped her mug with a heaping handful of mini marshmallows and placed it in front of her on the counter. Jamie ’s curls hung loose and long around her shoulders. She was one of those girls who didn’t age. Cami wondered if she threw on a backpack and marched into the high school if anyone would realize she had graduated twelve years ago. Probably not. Her voice was still light and her smile sweet .
“Me?” Cami wiped her hands on the front of the embroidered apron, bearing The Sweet Treat logo. “I’m trying to get settled. Trying to get the candy store re-opened and the space next door .”
Jamie pressed her thin lips together. “I know that part. What’s the real story? What happened in Nashville? Why are you back here? It seems out of place .”
“I-I …”
Jamie sighed. “No one else here will say this, but me. So I’ll just say it. You outgrew Harpers Point a long time ago, girl. No one expected you to come back. And certainly, not Evan.” She pulled the mug to her lips, hiding a smirk
The frown on Cami’s face was deep enough to make even her nose crinkle. “Evan? What does he have to do with any of this?” Was she wearing a big he-fucked-me-on-the-baking-island sign ?
“Yes, Evan. That guy you were going to marry .”
Cami shook her head. “That’s in the past. We were just kids .”
“Well, if you haven’t noticed, he grew up to be the hottest mayor in the state .”
She knew that. She didn’t need reminding of just how hot he was. She had seen every part of his hotness last night and felt it burn inside her. He was sexier than she could have dreamed. “It has nothing to do with Evan,” she protested quietly .
“So if it wasn’t Evan that brought you back, you can’t tell me it was this shop.” She looked up, noticing the cracks in the ceiling. “We all love The Sweet Treat , but really Cam ?”
Cami giggled. She felt a flood of relief sweep through her. “How is it that we haven’t talked like this in twelve years and it’s like nothing has changed? You’re exactly the same, Jamie .”
Jamie shrugged. “Some things don’t change .”
Cami pulled up a stool and sat on the other side of the baker’s island. “The truth is I lost my contract. I lost my agent. I had one top twenty hit. The next one hit top forty, and after that it was like I couldn’t gain any traction. It was like all that music magic disappeared. And when the attorney showed up with the deed to the properties, I knew it was a sign .”
“You did always believe in that stuff, didn’t you ?”
She nodded. “I did and I do. I think I did everything I could in Nashville. I gave my heart and soul to that city. It was time to come home. I didn’t have anything left to give .”
“And you’re seriously ok with this? No more big fancy award shows, or big time interviews ?”
It had been a long time since celebrity status had been a part of her daily life. It had been a small addictive taste. But once it ended, she couldn’t see it coming back. “I’m trying to figure this out. That much I know .”
Jamie smiled. “I’m glad you’re home. And I’m really glad you’re opening the candy shop. Just in time for Christmas. It’s perfect .”
“I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever have it ready. I can’t get Aunt Sophie’s fudge right and these peppermint ganaches are in the first test batch stage. I’m wondering if this was a big mistake .”
Jamie stood. “It is not a mistake. I can help. What’s something easy? Peppermint bark? We used to make that all the time .”
Cami shook her head. “You don’t have to do that. I’m sure you want to get things done .”
Jamie glared at her, throwing her hands on her hips. “I have nothing else to do. I’d love to make some candy. Plus, I have a little favor. We could make a little trade .”
Cami flipped through the recipe box looking for the peppermint bark card. She glanced up. “What kind of favor ?”
“I’d like to place your first order. A big one.” She grinned. Jamie always had the prettiest smile. It helped that her daddy was the only dentist in town .
“But I’m not ready for that,” Cami protested. “I’m definitely in the test stage.” There was a burned pan in the sink to prove it .
“Come on, it’s not such a big order you can’t handle it. But tomorrow is the mistletoe shoot and it would be the perfect time to let people know the shop is open. I have a booth rented and I need cookies .”
“A booth? And you need cookies? What’s that all about ?”
“Or fudge. You choose. It can be simple, as long as it’s sweet. And I’ll help.” Jamie rolled out long sheets of waxed paper, and smoothed the ends that started to furl. There was something familiar and comforting with how the pair worked in the kitchen together. The radio was now playing an Elvis Christmas medley. They refilled their hot cocoa .
“I have my own little monogram business now. Jamie’s Creations. I can monogram anything. Anything. You name it and I will stick some initials on it,” she proclaimed proudly. “I’m so busy this time of year, but I take a ton of orders at the mistletoe shoot. Everyone’s in one place, you know ?”
“You need it by tomorrow?” Cami asked. She tried to visualize how she could perfect a recipe and fill an order in less than twenty-four hours .
“Yes, tomorrow. Does that mean you’ll do it?” Her friend’s eyes lit expectantly. “Please say that’s a yes. It would mean a lot to me, and it would be the perfect touch for the mistletoe shoot .”
Cami sighed. She knew arguing would be pointless. She could use the business and the publicity. “I’ll do it. But something very simple. Low key. I don’t want the first order to be a disaster,” she warned, although she had a feeling Jamie wasn’t going to listen no matter what she said .
“It’s not going to be a disaster. When have you ever done anything that wasn’t beautiful and perfect?” Jamie walked to the back door and looped an apron over her head and tied it behind her back. She gathered her hair in a ponytail and attached it in a make-shift bun. “Ok. Tell me what to do to get started .”
Ten
Evan
I t was sunny and cold. He looked up at the sky. There wasn’t a cloud in sight, only shades of blue for miles. It was a perfect North Carolina day. The kind of day they needed for the mistletoe shoot .
Evan pulled into the fie
ld that had been turned into a parking lot for the event. He shifted his truck into park. His boots crunched on the hard ground as he walked toward the crowd gathered near the barn doors .
The old tobacco barn was decorated with fresh pine wreaths and wide swags of garland. The shoot had been held here for as long as he could remember. It was on the McKinley’s property and no one had thought of changing the location. At least it hadn’t come up in any of his town hall meetings over the past year. Harpers Point was not lacking in mistletoe. Any of the founding families could have hosted the shoot, but the town was rooted in tradition and so the McKinley plot was always where it was held .
On the other side of the barn was half an open field bordered by oak trees that had grown for hundreds of years. Their leaves were bare, but at the tops they were dotted with green clumps of mistletoe .
“Mayor Jacobs.” They nodded .
“Good day for the shoot.” He surveyed the residents. In years past they had been plagued by rain or rough winds. A few times the entire event had to be postponed. But not today. The conditions were perfect .
Lottie Beasley scampered toward him. Her cheeks were rosy and her bright red curls bounced around her ears. “The baskets and barrels are ready, Mayor. I have two trucks ready to go. I have huge orders this year. The biggest one is going to Raleigh .”
“That’s great. We’ll get it loaded up for you, Lottie.” Evan tapped her shoulder as he walked toward the barn .
As the owner of the only florist shop in town, Lottie received half of the mistletoe. In exchange, she donated arrangements to the senior center for Christmas. The rest of the mistletoe was sold in the town square to tourists and at the flotilla. The profits went into a fund for next year’s Christmas celebrations. A small portion was allocated to the first responders. It had taken hours of council meetings, but Evan had finally convinced the budget manager that they could provide better services for their residents by capitalizing on the most profitable time of the year .
The red doors were propped open with Christmas trees. He passed between them, entering the building. It had been transformed into a holiday wonderland. The McKinley’s occasionally rented the space out for weddings or reunions, but it was vacant most of the year. Nothing compared to what they did for the mistletoe shoot .
As soon as he walked inside his jaw clenched. What was Cami doing here ?
“Evan, Evan! Come over here,” Jamie Braxton waved to him. He hadn’t turned quickly enough to avoid eye contact .
He saw Cami nudge Jamie in the elbow .
“Hi.” He forced a grin .
“Hi.” Cami’s eyes glittered. Why did they have to do that? Why did she have to be everywhere he turned ?
“Look.” Jamie pointed. “Cami brought snickerdoodle for the mistletoe shoot.” There was a large grapevine basket loaded with wrapped cookies. Each one was tied with a bow .
“I’m sure everyone will enjoy them.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I need to line up,” he explained. “The shoot is about to start.” He saw Jamie pout. “Thanks for coming out today .”
He sauntered off, wishing the feeling under his ribs would go away. It needled him every time she was around. What was worse, was that she wasn’t leaving. Ever since the night in The Sweet Treat , it had only intensified. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. Her bed. Her body .
“There he is.” Joseph Walters pulled on his checked flannel vest. “Waiting on you, Mayor .”
The regular mistletoe hunters were drinking coffee in a circle, huddled together as if they would stay warmer that way .
“Had to make the rounds,” he explained. The circle opened for him .
“Are you ready for me to ring the bells?” Joseph asked .
The ringing of the bells signaled the opening round of the hunt .
“Let’s get started,” Evan answered .
Hamp Stanton leaned over. “I saw who was in the barn .”
Evan shook him off. “I don’t want to talk about it .”
Hamp had been Evan’s best friend since they were five and old enough to run wild between each other’s yards. Hamp was now the volunteer chief at the fire department, and an attorney Monday through Friday .
“Well, she’s on her way over .”
Evan refused to turn around. Instead, he stepped forward as Frank Miller handed each of the hunters a small 20-gauge shotgun .
“Gentleman,” Frank announced in a booming voice. “You have all participated in the mistletoe harvest before, but just a reminder for each of you. Make sure your neighbor knows which tree is your target. We don’t want crossfire. Keep twenty yards between you. And no one steps past the harvest line until the last shot is fired. I’ll announce when it’s time to move to the next section of trees and the gatherers will round up this batch. Any questions ?”
The men shook their heads. They had been doing this since they were old enough to hold a shotgun. The crowd was gathered at their backs to watch the mistletoe fall to the ground in giant clumps. There was usually applause after the first shots, and then once the hunters moved along the tree line, the audience started to disperse .
It was hard for Evan to ignore that Cami was behind him, watching. He could lie to himself and pretend she wasn’t focused on his aim. But he could feel her gaze on his neck. For some reason, he wanted to make sure he hit the jackpot of mistletoe. He grumbled to himself, irritated he cared about impressing her .
“All right.” Frank placed ear protection over his head. “Ready. Aim. Mistletoe.” The red white and green flag was tossed to the ground and the line of hunters pointed toward the highest boughs in the sky .
This year’s harvest was going to set records .
The green leaves fell in clumps. Some of the white berries bounced off the sticks, but that was bound to happen. They continued to fire until the group of trees was harvested .
Frank turned to the crowd, waiting for the applause. The guns were lowered and the harvesters ran toward the mistletoe, carrying baskets on their backs .
“Looks like the mayor showed us up.” Joseph laughed. “Look at that mountain of mistletoe he shot down .”
Hamp added, “Well, we are up against a sharp shooter. He has perfect aim .”
Evan looked at his friend. “Yeah, don’t forget it .”
Lottie Beasley whistled. “Good work, boys .”
“All right, gentlemen, let’s move.” Frank motioned for them to follow him to the next section of the field. The bystanders walked back to the barn .
Evan huffed. At least for the next round, he could relax without Cami’s eyes on him .
Eleven
Cami
I t had been a long time, but she had been to mistletoe shoots before. Nothing affected her like watching Evan just now. It made her skin tingle and her belly do somersaults. He had a commanding presence with the other men. She saw how they respected him, even though he was younger than most of the men on the field .
His eyes were focused and alert. His back muscles clenched. His biceps flexed under his flannel shirt. And of course he was the one to have the biggest heap of mistletoe. He had always been a competitive athlete. She had to stop the fluttering in her belly .
One night together didn’t mean anything. She knew that. It was just something that happened. People hooked up at the holidays all the time. She had to stop thinking about it .
Jamie poked her in the ribs as they walked back to the barn. “I told you he’s the hottest mayor in the state,” she giggled. “I should put that on a monogram,” she teased .
“You keep mentioning it,” Cami whispered .
“Because it’s true. And he’s single. And gorgeous. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed .”
Cami shook her head. She hoped no one around them could hear their conversation. She couldn’t think of anything more mortifying than one of the local gossips picking up a story about her and Evan .
“Uh-uh. That’s not happening again .”
“An
d why not? You’re both single. Both available. Both in Harpers Point. And what’s more romantic than Christmas? It’s the perfect time to fall in love. Again.” She winked devilishly. “I could help .”
Cami didn’t know how to tell her friend the biggest reason was Evan. He made it clear when he dashed out of bed he wasn’t interested in moving beyond the past. He was still angry with her. It was a one-night stand, basically. She was a big girl. She could handle it .
Before Cami could protest Samantha saddled up to them wearing a designer coat and matching boots. “Hey, you two.” She leaned in for a group hug. “Isn’t this crazy? The three of us here like this ?”
“Sam,” Jamie squealed. “When did you get here? You look adorable .”
“Five minutes ago. I missed the opening. How did they do ?”
Jamie smiled. “Fantastic. Especially the mayor .”
Cami rolled her eyes. She wasn’t going to escape this conversation no matter what happened. They walked arm in arm in the McKinley’s barn .
“I bet he did.” Samantha giggled. “He’s always been good with a gun .”
“Can we please talk about something else?” Cami begged. “What about my snickerdoodles? Want to try one, Samantha ?”
They walked to Jamie’s booth. They had spent most of the night baking and wrapping the cookies for the display. Cami was happy with how they had turned out. It might get some buzz going for The Sweet Treat .
She had pulled up her bank account this morning. It wasn’t looking good. It would be another month before she had another royalty payment. Each month those numbers were getting smaller and smaller. She had already opened a new credit card just to buy supplies for the candy. Not to mention, packaging, wrapping, and containers she needed to sell the sweets .
She wished she had a manager to set up a website. But that would cost more money, and right now she had to get through the Christmas season. This could be enough to steady the shop while she planned on how to grow the business .
