The Holiday Swap

by Maggie Knox

  “No way! I want to stay away from the word sweet forever. And before we go any further here I have to tell you something, Sasha. It wasn’t me who left,” Charlie began. She knew revealing this to Sasha was risky—she wanted to be executive producer, yes, but she also knew the truth had to come out now or it would be hanging over her head forever. Besides, dishonesty was no way to start a business partnership. “It was my twin sister, Cass . . .”

  When she finished the story of the swap, she waited for Sasha’s reaction. For one sickening moment she thought the silence meant it was all over. But then Sasha started laughing.

  “Oh, this helps a few things make a lot more sense!” Sasha was still chuckling. “Like that sourdough starter face mask she promised me that never materialized.”

  “ ‘Sourdough starter face mask’? What?”

  “Let’s just say your sister is quick on her feet. Cass is a natural, too. This makes me even more certain I want to work with both of you. In fact, I’m calling the streaming network now and then I’ll call you right back.”

  “Okay.” Charlie paused and then said, “Wait, Sasha, it’s Christmas Eve. No one is going to be available. Aren’t you trying to get out of there for the holidays?”

  “It’s my ex-husband’s year to have Christmas with our son. Part of the new custody agreement. It’s fine. I’ll see him on Boxing Day.” But Sasha’s voice wobbled over the word “fine” and Charlie felt a surge of compassion. It was a side of her boss that Charlie had never glimpsed; Sasha didn’t talk about her personal life at work. Only once had she mentioned her family, during a preshow planning session when Sasha and Charlie had found themselves at the reading table alone. Sasha had confided how important it was to her to be both a devoted mother and a successful producer, even if she sometimes felt guilty about how much she worked.

  “This may sound crazy, but why don’t you come here? No one should have to be alone on Christmas Eve. There’s a big party in the town square that starts soon but lasts long into the night, so you’ll make it here in time for sure, and you can stay at my parents’ place.” Charlie paused for a breath, then, “Unless you have other plans? But if not, you’re welcome to come, Sasha. It would be great to see you.”

  “Thank you. That actually sounds perfect. And we could maybe talk more about the show in person?”

  “Yes!” Charlie said with a laugh. “But not too much work talk—it is Christmas Eve, after all.”

  She gave Sasha directions—and a warning to dress warmly—then hung up and turned to pick up the bag of recycling she’d brought outside with her. As she tossed it into the bin, she heard a voice.

  “Hey, I could have done that for you.”

  She turned and smiled. “Jake. You’ve done a lot for me recently, don’t you think?”

  He stood across from her in the darkness. She wished she could see his face more clearly, be certain what he was thinking and feeling.

  “I’m so sorry,” she began. “I shouldn’t have lied to you—”

  But he was stepping closer, slipping his arms around her waist, and pulling her close. “No more apologizing,” he said. “I’ve already realized I have no choice but to forgive you. Last night, seeing how scared you were about Cass being lost and hurt made me realize how scared I’d be if anything happened to you. And how important it is to keep you from ever being that upset again. The thing is, Charlie, I don’t think it matters what name you were using—it’s you I’ve fallen for. I know I thought you were someone else, but I got to know the real you this week. And I love all the things I’ve learned about you.”

  Charlie looked up at him. It felt too good to be true, that this man she had fallen so hard for had the same strong feelings for her—and was willing to forgive. “I still feel like I need to find a way to make it up to you.”

  “There’s one thing I’d like to do actually . . . and it feels like it’s been too long since I have.” He leaned down to kiss her. Charlie closed her eyes, losing herself in his kiss. When she opened her eyes again, Jake rubbed his hands up and down her arms and it reminded her of the first time they had kissed, how careful and caring he had been.

  “You cold? Should we go in?”

  “No, I’m not cold at all. I could stay out here kissing you all night. Like you said, it’s been too long.”

  “In that case . . .” He kissed her again and murmured, “Maybe we need to make a promise to each other never to go longer than, I don’t know, an hour? Does that sound reasonable?”

  Charlie laughed and put her head against his warm, solid chest. “More than reasonable.” Not so long ago she would have said that the idea of staying in Starlight Peak instead of heading straight back to L.A. the moment the holidays were over was preposterous. But now, she was standing in the arms of a man she cared deeply for, not able to imagine a future without him—and fresh off a call that would give her career a major boost while also allowing her to focus on her personal life. With Jake. Maybe she could have it all.

  She pulled back and looked up at the sky above them, visible through the clouds that had just parted. Her heart was pounding—but she was no longer afraid of the depth of her feelings for him. Tonight, it felt like anything was possible.

  “What are you looking for?” he asked.

  “A star to wish on. Did you know Starlight Peak is the wishing capital of the world?”

  “Come on now, you just made that up.”

  She winked. “Maybe I did.” Then she grew serious. “But I promise you, Jake—despite the way things started between us, I am always going to be honest with you about everything, from now on.”

  “I’m not worried,” he said. “You’d have to work pretty damn hard to tick me off, Charlie Goodwin. You just might be my weak spot. Now, tell me, what were you wishing for?”

  “If I tell you, it won’t come true.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him once more. “Speaking of stars, though, we need to get to the Starlight Eve party to set up. Without our bread, it won’t be Christmas in Starlight Peak.”

  He laughed, but he kept hold of her hand and gazed into her eyes. “Here’s my Christmas wish: once the party is over, I want you right back in my arms.”

  Charlie grinned. “That’s exactly what I wished for.”

  24

  Cass

  Friday: 1 Day Until Christmas . . .

  Starlight Peak

  “Are you sure you’re up to this?” Miguel reached out to hold Cass’s hand at her small kitchen table. She squeezed Miguel’s hand, appreciating his concern, and with gentle fingers touched the still-tender area at her temple, where a colorful bruise had formed around the stitches.

  “You made a face just then,” he said, a frown going across his own gorgeous face. “I think you should rest tonight, Cass. Let me make you dinner and tuck you in, okay?”

  “As tempting as that sounds,” Cass said, winking at Miguel to try and soften his worried expression, “this party is important to Woodburn Breads. It’s important to me. Especially this year.”

  “I won’t be able to change your mind, will I?” Miguel asked, sighing and shaking his head, albeit good-naturedly.

  “No, you won’t,” Cass replied. Then she stood, pulling on the parka that had been draped over the back of the chair. “But I could use your help.”

  “Anything you need. I’m yours for the night.” Miguel was already getting his winter gear on in anticipation of the chilly evening in front of them. Luckily the skies were clear, the storm over. Despite the cold temperatures it was a beautiful night for the town square party. As Cass watched Miguel zip up his coat, she still couldn’t believe he was here, in Starlight Peak, with her. Or that he’d driven—through a blizzard—to come to tell her he wasn’t going to give up on this thing between them.

  “Just for the night?” Cass teased, tying up her winter boots.

  “You have me for as
long as you want, Cass Goodwin,” Miguel said softly as he pulled her to him. Their coats were bulky between them, so she pulled him closer.

  “Promise?” she whispered. “I mean, I know we have a lot to work out, not the least of which is how I can be here running Woodburn Breads while you’re in L.A. saving lives.”

  “We will figure this out, together. I promise.” He kissed her then, and though Cass knew they had plenty yet to discuss, and more urgently had to get to the Starlight Eve party, she allowed herself a few extra moments with the man who had helped her see anything was possible.

  * * *

  • • •

  “My girls!” Thomas Goodwin gathered Cass and Charlie into his arms, kissing each one atop the head, through their hats, twice. He was a touch gentler with Cass, because of her stitches. “We are so glad you’re both okay. What a week this has been for the two of you!” Charlie and Cass grinned at each other, used to their father’s effusive nature—even though they had already been through a heartwarming reunion with their parents earlier, they were happy for the endless hugs. The twins were also thrilled to be past the chaos of the last week, and that their parents had been delighted, if not a touch surprised, to learn there would be two more place settings needed for Christmas dinner this year.

  The Goodwin family had gathered in front of the Woodburn Breads booth to prepare for the party. There were a dozen other stalls lining the ice-skating rink in the center of the square, selling everything from the Honey Pot’s cider, to hand-knit mittens and scarves, to the Peak Pub’s chili and pullapart buns, to the local brewery offering pints of their Christmas ale in plastic Solo cups. There was even a new stall this year . . . Sharon’s Top Dog biscuits.

  “Now, while we wish we had been here to help you girls out . . .” Helen Goodwin looked at both her daughters, but then spoke directly to Cass. “We agree it’s time, Cassie. It’s time for your dad and I to step away from the bakery.”

  “Because, let’s be honest, Cabo was spectacular,” Thomas added, putting his arm around Helen now—the two sharing a smile that suggested the trip had been just as rejuvenating as Cass and Charlie had hoped it would be. “And we would like to travel more. Especially now that Woodburn Breads is in such wonderful, capable hands.”

  “It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip.” Helen kissed each of her daughters on the cheek, then rubbed off the hint of lipstick she’d left behind. “But there’s nothing quite like home, is there?”

  “No, there isn’t,” Charlie said, reaching out to hold Cass’s hand.

  “And we’re so glad you got home in time,” Cass said. “It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without all of us here. Together.”

  * * *

  • • •

  With everyone focused on the tasks at hand—setting out trays of gingerbread, lemon squares, cookies and bars, and, of course, the star attraction, the loaves of Starlight Bread—it wasn’t long before the booth was ready for patrons. Cass was busy fiddling with the loaves of bread when Charlie said, “Cass, what’s this?”

  Cass glanced over to see what Charlie was talking about, then smiled at her sister. “That is your Christmas present.”

  Charlie picked up one of the bars, wrapped in clear cellophane. On the cellophane was a sticker, which read: Charlie’s Sweet & Salty Bar. “How . . . When did you do this? Can I open it?”

  “Please!” Cass laughed. “And this afternoon. I had a little help.” She cast a glance at Miguel, who was helping Helen string twinkle lights around the stall. They exchanged a smile, and then Miguel went back to work and Cass turned back to her sister.

  “Tell me what you taste,” she said, watching as Charlie took a bite of the confection.

  Charlie chewed thoughtfully. “Pecans in the shortbread base. Sea salt on top of the dark chocolate.” Charlie closed her eyes, then they popped back open. “And a touch of cardamom in the caramel layer. This is amazing.”

  “I had a feeling you’d like it,” Cass said. “And if you approve, I’d love to start offering them at the bakery.”

  “Do I approve? How can I not approve?” Charlie’s mouth was full, so it came out a bit muffled. “Jake! Come and try this.”

  Jake, just back from getting pints for everyone, along with warm apple ciders for Walter and Charlie, took the bite she offered him. “Wow. That’s delicious.”

  Charlie grinned. “Cass made it for me. Best Christmas present ever.”

  “The first of many new and brilliant ideas to come,” Cass said, winking at Charlie, who gathered her in a hug.

  “Okay, so let’s get this party started, shall we? Miguel, why don’t you and I take the first shift. Mom, Dad, please go say hello to everyone. You have been missed. And Walter, we’ve got it covered. Maybe go have some fun, okay?”

  Walter said he might ice skate with a few friends from school, which Cass said sounded like a great idea. She was happy to see that Walter’s confidence had bloomed, after saving the day with the Starlight loaves and turning the modest Live.Li stream into a nationally watched broadcast.

  “Charlie, why don’t you and Jake go grab something to eat before your shift?” Cass said.

  “Yes, boss.” Charlie beamed at her sister. “You know, I like this side of you.”

  “Me, too,” Cass replied, before settling in beside Miguel at the bakery’s stall, ready to start serving their loyal customers.

  * * *

  • • •

  Fifteen minutes or so later the stall was getting busy as the townspeople began arriving for the party, and Cass heard a familiar voice. “Charlie?”

  “Sasha! I’m so glad you made it. But it’s Cass, actually.”

  Sasha chuckled. “Wow, you two really are identical.”

  Miguel took over serving the customers in line so Cass could come out from behind the stall to talk with Sasha.

  “He’s adorable, you know,” Sasha said. “Does he have an older brother by any chance?”

  “He does, but he’s already spoken for.”

  “Ah, well. Worth the ask.”

  Cass laughed, then took in Sasha’s outfit—snow pants and a ski jacket, solid winter boots on her feet and a skate bag in her hand. “You came prepared.”

  “You wouldn’t know this—actually, Charlie doesn’t even know this—but I grew up in northern Canada. The snow arrived early and left late. Basically, if you didn’t play ringette or hockey, or love the bitter cold, you were miserable most of the year.” Sasha glanced around the square, a wistful look on her face. She seemed so different from the Sasha Cass had been used to on set, and it was then Cass realized this was probably the “real” Sasha.

  “It’s beautiful here. It reminds me of home,” Sasha said. “I can see why Charlie wants to stay.”

  Cass looked over at the Peak Pub’s stall, where Charlie and Jake sat on a picnic bench, eating chili from take-out containers and laughing frequently as they nuzzled each other, staying warm and staying close.

  Sasha followed her gaze. “That’s what I see, anyway. “

  Cass turned to Sasha. “I’m sorry for how things were left on set that day.” She gave Sasha an apologetic smile. “I accidentally eavesdropped on you and Austin in the greenroom, and when I heard that he was getting the job over Charlie, well, I knew I had to come home.”

  Sasha pursed her lips. “I’m sorry you found out like that. The mistake was mine. I should have told Charlie as soon as I knew. I guess we all mess up now and then, right?”

  Cass nodded, taking in the truth of that statement. “I hope you know I had no intention of messing up anything with the show, or with Charlie’s career.”

  “Don’t worry a second longer about any of that,” Sasha said. “I should thank you, actually.”

  “Thank me? Can’t say I was expecting that.” Cass let out a short laugh.

  “It helped me see what I really want,” Sasha
said. “Which is not to spend one more minute with jackasses like Austin Nash! Or as part of an executive team that couldn’t see how much better of a choice Charlie would have been for Bake My Day.”

  “He really was the worst.” Cass scowled, remembering how awful Austin had been.

  “Ugh, the absolute worst.” Sasha looked over again at Charlie and Jake. “I think we’ve all made better choices, don’t you?”

  Cass stole a glance at Miguel. “I sure do.”

  “Well, now that we have that behind us, I came here for a party and a skate because there is nothing more depressing than going to an ice rink with palm trees around it and sand instead of snow.” Sasha opened the zipper of her bag, pulling out a pair of figure skates. “But I can’t wait to chat with you and Charlie more about this new show idea. Outside of a proper white Christmas, there is nothing I am more excited about right now than the three of us ambitious, talented women putting our heads together and coming up with something magical.”

  The week before, when Charlie had called Cass, desperate to swap places, she would never have imagined the seismic shift that would take place in such a short time. And if Charlie had told her the two of them would soon be starring in a new show, with Woodburn Breads and Starlight Peak as the setting, she would have told her that the knock on her head had possibly done some permanent damage.

  Cass wasn’t sure exactly how it had happened, but she was not the same person she had been before the swap. She was even looking forward to being back on camera, except this time she would be in charge of wardrobe—comfortable clogs, yoga pants, and Woodburn Breads aprons. Bringing a reality show to Starlight Peak, and sharing the spotlight and bakery with Charlie hadn’t been part of the original plan, but Cass couldn’t wait to see what adventures awaited them.