Cheery Charms: A Christmas Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Bella Falls

Author:Bella Falls [Falls, Bella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evermore Press
Published: 2021-07-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The bell on the front door of Yuletide Yummies chimed as we stopped by to pick up the promised boxes of goodies to take with us to the event site. Instead of being greeted by Vale’s eternally smiling face, she pushed through the swinging door with a frown. She wiped her hands on her dirty apron covered in brown stains.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“The chocolate shipment. The whole thing is ruined,” she complained.

I rushed over to give her a hug despite the threat of staining my own coat. It threw me off to have her be so upset. “How is it ruined? Is there anything salvageable?”

She shook her head. “All of the contents were completely melted when they arrived. It was one big soupy bittersweet mess.”

Wyatt stepped forward. “How did that happen?”

Vale shrugged. “The shipping company said that it had happened in transportation, which they claim is the fault of the supplier. The supplier says it’s the fault of the shipping company. So, basically, I’m stuck in the middle without a very important supply for my business.”

“Can your dad get something sent to him to tide you over?” I asked. The owner of the Gingerbread General could always get his hands on whatever anyone needed.

Vale busied herself putting some of the baked goods into boxes. “Papa says a lot of his delivery was ruined as well. Mama says he’s busy trying to sort things out on his end.”

“What will you do?” I asked, worried for my friend.

She drew in a deep breath and attempted a smile. “Stop moping and figure something out. The chocolate debacle really only affects me and my truffles. There’s plenty more we can make for the store. Here, I hope this helps you gain entrance today.” She handed me the boxes of goodies.

I offered her another hug, but she laughed and pushed me away to avoid getting more chocolate on me. Wyatt and I thanked her and went outside to join Amos. The older man’s arms gesticulated wildly, trying to convince our vampire friend to ride with him.

“It’s much appreciated, old friend,” Clarence said. “But I should stay at the Wassail today.” He waved a greeting to us. “I wish you the best and invite you over for a pint when you are finished.”

Nutty climbed his way to the front of Amos’s snowmobile. “You’re gonna let me drive this time, right?”

“Eh, maybe with a little help,” Amos said, winking at me. “What did you get all over your coat, Rory?”

I handed off the boxes to Wyatt so I could mount the back of his snowmobile. “I’ll tell you later.”

A hard breeze blew down the main street, and I prepared to zip my coat up to the very top. Instead of freezing me, it actually felt warm.

“That’s odd,” I said, glancing up at the gray skies. “The clouds look like they’re promising snow.”

Wyatt sniffed the air. “Doesn’t smell like it. And the temperature is way off.”

“Those aren’t snow clouds. They’re something else,” Amos noticed. “But we better get going.

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