A Very Cookie Christmas by Anne Chase

Author:Anne Chase [Chase, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Publishing
Published: 2017-11-19T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Fifteen minutes later, with the chocolate-making session arranged and a box of delectable treats tucked under her arm, Clara walked with Melody back to the Inn, snow crunching beneath her boots and frigid air whipping across her cheeks. The air smelled fresh and crisp — so unlike what she was used to in the big city. The moon was rising above, its pale white light reflecting on the snow blanketing the tree branches and front yards.

"Would you like to get dinner later?" Clara asked Melody as they approached the Inn.

"Oh, darling, thank you," Melody said, "but Barbara said she was whipping up something for the guests. And to be completely honest, I'm knackered. Such a busy day."

"No worries," Clara said, relieved by her client's answer. "I'll see you in the morning?"

"Of course." Melody reached out and pulled Clara in for a big hug. "You've been such a dear to me today. I know I can be a bother sometimes. I truly appreciate everything you do."

Once again, Clara found herself battling unexpected tears. Her client sounded so sincere — almost like the day had been an escape for her. "I'm glad to help."

Melody stepped back to look Clara in the face. "Now, about the bake-off. You seem awfully confident about your mother's recipe."

"I'm confident because I truly believe her recipe is the best."

"Do I detect a gleam in your eye?"

Clara grinned. "Let's just say a certain secret ingredient is required."

"Aha," Melody said. "A secret ingredient! No chance you'll go easy on Luke and give him a fighting shot?"

"Not a chance."

"Good girl. See you tomorrow."

She watched Melody make her way into the Inn. With a smile on her face, she turned and walked the two blocks home. Her client's true motive for rushing here before Christmas remained a mystery, but at least she'd succeeded in getting Melody settled at the Inn and giving her lots of small-town video moments. Even amidst the craziness of this very crazy day, she'd managed to do a good job for her client.

As she pushed open the front door of her childhood home, a wave of weariness hit her. How silly she'd been this morning, believing she might actually find rest and relaxation at home for Christmas. The day had been a nonstop rush — catching a subway and a bus, improvising media opportunities, creating a window display from scratch — starting the moment her alarm had yanked her from sleep at 6:23 a.m.

Sadly, the rush wasn't over. Thanks to the cookie contest, she now had one more errand. She pulled open the top-right drawer of the entryway sideboard, grabbed the town phone book, flipped to the name she was looking for, and used her phone to punch in the numbers. On the third ring, a familiar voice picked up.

"Hello?" a man said, his voice hearty and raspy.

"Mr. Merrigold?" Clara said. "It's Clara Cane."

"Clara! So good to hear your voice. How are you?"

"I'm great," Clara said. "I just got back to town today."

"I heard. Home for Christmas with your dad.

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