“Hello, Miss Sutton,” Stewart greeted the mayor.
“Morning!” Hannah replied.
“Good morning, Stewart,” Charlotte added. “It’s a beautiful day.”
“It was.” He nodded. “Until you ruined it.”
“Stewart!” Hannah gasped. “That’s not very nice.”
“Did you come to deliver my bowl?” Charlotte asked, ignoring his comment. “I intended to stop by again later to retrieve it.”
Hannah let out a squeak, eyes darting between Stewart and Charlotte.
The look on Stewart’s face let her know she’d succeeded in her plan.
“No, I, uhh. No,” he said, finally.
“You two… You two, did you?” Hannah stuttered.
“We shared a meal, yes,” Charlotte answered.
“We most definitely did not share a meal,” Stewart groaned.
“Technically, we did. I made a meal and…” Charlotte began, her smile getting bigger by the minute.
“Enough! I’ll leave your bowl on the porch. Come and get it when you want.”
Stewart stalked off toward his house, no doubt grumbling the whole way.
“Is it too forward to ask what that was all about?” Hannah whispered. “Did you really eat with him? Was it a date?”
“Oh, no. I’m happily married. I only said what I did to make him forget about my decorations. Somehow, I knew he was going to have something to say about them,” Charlotte explained.
“Hmm. Outsmarting Stewart is A-Okay in my book. However, he did say he’d leave the bowl for you to pick up. What was that part about?”
“When I met him the other day, he seemed a tad grumpy. Comfort food always helps me when I’m feeling down, so I made some soup and shared it with him.”
“Wow. I’m surprised he agreed to that.” Hannah’s eyes went wide.
“That’s not quite how it happened,” Charlotte said, adjusting her scarf. “How about you come in for something to drink so we can warm up, and I’ll fill you in?”
The women went inside, stripping off their winter outerwear in the entryway, and carried on into the kitchen. Thankfully, Charlotte had gotten Burt to take her to the grocery store. There was no way she could live off the meager items Ian had left behind. She couldn’t fault him, though. He’d had no idea that his mother wasn’t going to be able to be there. Knowing Roxanne, she specifically instructed him not to shop for her. She was a bit of a control freak and wouldn’t want to trouble her son.
“Hot cocoa, hot tea, coffee, warm milk, hot cider?” Charlotte asked, rattling off the options.
Hannah laughed. “How about hot tea?”
“Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chai, Oolong, or…”
“How about hot cocoa?” Hannah tried again. “I really don’t want to make any decisions today. I have enough of that planned for tomorrow at work.”
Charlotte could imagine how hard it was to be the mayor, even of a small town. She’d seen her husband work his life away, albeit enjoying every moment of it, but knew how hard he worked. Charlotte played a significant role in Claus Creations throughout the year, before the Christmas season rolled around, that’s when her husband had the most work to do. She did much better with morale and human resources than anything else. She liked to think that it was her job to keep people happy, and she did so, at all costs.
“Hot cocoa it is. Do you prefer marshmallows or whipped cream? Wait, never mind, don’t answer that. You aren’t making decisions today.” Charlotte put her finger to her chin, pondering. She pulled the whipped cream out of the fridge, making the choice.
“Thanks,” Hannah replied. “I would have said whipped cream, too.”
Charlotte didn’t have any children of her own, and the older she got, the more she loved doting on people. She felt lucky to have met Hannah and was really enjoying her company. Swirling the whipped cream on top of the mug until it threatened to fall, Charlotte felt content. She missed her husband, but the truth was, even if she was in the city with him, he’d be too busy with work to spend much time with her.
“Here you are. I hope it looks okay,” Charlotte said, resting a snowman mug in front of Hannah.
“Out of this world. Thank you. I don’t think someone has made me hot cocoa since I was a kid,” Hannah replied, taking a spoonful of whipped cream off the top of her mug.
Charlotte wanted the best for Hannah. She was thankful that she’d let her into her life and had been so kind to her. After all, Charlotte was a stranger. Not everyone was so welcoming. Definitely not Stewart, but he was next on her list. She’d get him to come around too.
“I meant to tell you this earlier. I drove to town this morning because I forgot my laptop at the office. I stopped for gas, and for the first time in, I don’t even know how many years, they hung up decorations. It’s not much, but he’s got a snowman flag out, and a couple of strings of lights in the windows. I know it’s probably not what you’re used to since you love Christmas so much, but I thought you might want to take a look. It’s all we have to offer around here, I’m afraid. Maybe I could do a little decorating myself to help cheer things up?”
Charlotte felt that familiar tingle once again. Dean had put out decorations. It didn’t matter what or how many, just the fact that he’d done it at all was more than enough for Charlotte.
“I’d love to see what they’ve put out. Anytime someone makes an effort to be festive is good for me. If you want to decorate, I’d be happy to help,” Charlotte offered, glad Hannah was getting in the spirit as well.
“I’d love that. Thanks.”
“Maybe if you decorate, the townspeople will follow your lead.” Charlotte thought that maybe if the mayor started something, it would become a trend.
“Only one way to find out.” Hannah smiled, closed her eyes, and sipped her hot cocoa as Charlotte watched, feeling the magic of Christmas at work.
Chapter 5
Charlotte entered Partridge Point’s Senior Center and instantly fell in love. It was the most quaint and comfortable feeling building both on the inside and the outside. Everyone was smiling, which was a first for Charlotte since she’d arrived. She’d gotten the impression that there were many more grumpy people than friendly people in the town, so a large group of happy faces made Charlotte feel right at home. It didn’t hurt to be around folks that were closer to her own age, either. Hannah was lovely, but they lacked having much in common, and Stewart, well, she wasn’t able to call him a friend quite yet.
“Good afternoon! Can we help you?” a sweet voice chirped.
“Hi! I’m Charlotte Claus. I’m here about the cookie exchange.”
“It’s so good to meet you! Emmy has told us such lovely things about you. When you leave this room, go down the hallway and make a hard left. You’ll see the group you are looking for. Have a great day!”
“Thank you!” Charlotte followed the woman’s directions and came upon a large room with about fifteen women meandering around inside. For a moment, not sure what had come over her, Charlotte felt nervous. That was rare for her. She was brave, courageous, and never had a bad word to say about anyone. That’s what made her nervous. From everything Hannah had told her, and even something Gabby Raye had mentioned on the first day Charlotte arrived, she felt like she wasn’t going to fit in very well with these women. She was an out-of-towner, one that wouldn’t be staying for good. People had no reason to listen to her, and for the first time in Charlotte’s life, she felt legitimately worried about the outcome of something she was involved in. She was glad she had worn the Christmas earrings her husband had given her when they first opened Claus Creations. The small ruby and emerald earrings not only put her in the festive mood but also reminded her, in those rare moments of nervousness, how with a little hard work, she could bring Christmas spirit even to those without.
Drawing in a deep breath, preparing herself for whatever was about to happen, Charlotte stepped into the room. She felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
&nb
sp; “You’re here! I’m glad I got to see you before you went in,” Emmy said. “I was going to call, but I left your number in my handbag, and my son took the car. I’m like a chicken with its head cut off, I swear. Now, I see why all the young people rely on their phones so much.”
“Hi, Emmy. Is everything okay?” Charlotte followed the other woman, who was walking away from the room.
“So far. I just wanted to warn you that Gabby Raye and Kira are already going at it this morning. Kira makes thumbprint cookies every year. Now, Gabby Raye wants her shot and claims that since Kira doesn’t use apple and her cookies are in a different shape, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Is there?” Charlotte asked, perplexed.
“I suppose not.” Emmy didn’t look convinced.
Charlotte loved baking cookies, maybe even more than most. There were so many different recipes, flavors, shapes, and sizes. What one person made might come out totally different from what someone else made, even using a similar recipe. In Charlotte’s mind, there was room for everyone to make whatever they wanted.
“I have a few ideas I’d like to bring up to the group. Would you like to hear them first, or should I take my chances?” Charlotte asked, still feeling nervous, but ready to hit the ground running.
Emmy hesitated. “Well, you might as well just go in there and say what you have to say. I’ll come too, just in case. Teddy should be back soon, but I have time.”
Charlotte took another deep breath and made her way back to the room of women that were probably ready to eat her alive.
“Good morning, ladies!” Charlotte said, entering the room. “Whoops, and gentleman. I didn’t see you back there.”
Charlotte gave a quick headcount, seeing over a dozen women and a single man in the back corner behind them all. Emmy and Hannah thought they needed to worry about Charlotte, but perhaps there was someone else they should be concerned for.
The man waved from the back, a few women said hello, even more muttered something incoherent under their breath. Things were going as expected, at least.
“I’m Charlotte Claus. I’m here in Partridge Point house-sitting for a friend of the family. Some of you may know Ian, and that he lives next door to Hannah, your fearless mayor. She told me about the exchange, and I shared with her how much I enjoy baking. One thing led to another, and now I’d like to introduce myself as the person to direct your questions to about the exchange. I don’t want to be the leader or the boss, or anything like that. I just want to help. I think a fresh set of eyes is a good thing, so that’s what I want to be. I have several ideas and hope you will be willing to listen,” Charlotte said all of this with a smile on her face, hoping she would win them over.
“She has ideas. Did you hear that, Gabby Raye?” A tall, redhead spoke, looking unamused.
Charlotte trained her eyes on Gabby Raye, curious about her response. They’d seemed to have gotten along rather well at the gas station.
“I heard, yes,” was the simple reply.
“I’m also more than willing to listen to what everyone else has to say. Would someone like to go first? We can have an open chat,” Charlotte offered, finding a seat toward the front of the room, but off to the side. She didn’t want to assert herself too much.
“I have something to say.” The redhead came forward. “I don’t see why a person that has never even stepped foot in our town is our leader.”
“Have a seat, everyone.” Charlotte gestured.
The group complied, everyone taking a seat around the room.
“What’s your name, dear?” Charlotte asked, suspecting it was Kira.
“Kira Dade. I’ve lived here my entire life and been part of the exchange since, well... since for as long as I can remember. You don’t know a thing about it.”
“Kira!” Emmy warned.
“It’s okay,” Charlotte said, putting up her hand. “She’s not wrong. I’ve never been here before. I’ve never taken part in this exchange, but I’ve been in my fair share over the years. In addition, I said I didn’t want people to think of me as being the leader. Kira, what kind of cookies are your favorite?”
Kira hesitated, looking confused. “To make or to eat?”
“Both,” Charlotte replied. “In fact, let me see if I can find some paper. I’d love for everyone to write down their favorites.”
Emmy dashed out of the room, rushing back in a moment later with a small notebook. She began passing out a page to each of the group members.
“What do we write?” Gabby Raye asked.
“Rip the paper in half. On one piece, write your favorite cookie to bake. On the other, write your name and your favorite cookie to eat.”
“Then what?” Kira asked, somehow making the simple question seem rude.
Charlotte looked around the room, settling on the man in the back. “Sir, can I borrow your hat?”
“Uhh. Sure,” he said, taking it off and walking it over to her. “I’m Norm, by the way.”
“Hello, Norm. Thanks for the help. Everyone put the paper with their name on it in this hat.” Charlotte instructed, getting a few dirty looks as they passed the hat around.
“What about the other piece?” a woman asked, looking pleasant enough.
Charlotte grinned. “Take that piece and pass it to the person on your left.”
She knew her idea was unconventional and would probably annoy most of the people in the group, but it was an exercise that she thought would work rather well.
“What are we doing right now? It feels like a waste of time. I want to talk about how Gabby Raye here,” Kira pointed, “thinks it’s okay to steal my cookies.”
“I’m not stealing your cookies. I’m making a cookie that doesn’t exist. People like new things, Kira.” Gabby Raye rolled her eyes.
Having previously met Gabby Raye, and having a small connection to her, Charlotte had a soft spot for the Christmas loving woman.
In an attempt to stop the bickering, Charlotte stood. “I know that we need to get baking and get things going for the exchange. I also know that you all have been doing this for a lot of years and know how everything works. I’m going to send you all home early with a bit of homework.”
“You’re right about one thing. We need to be baking,” Kira mumbled. “We are all adults. We don’t do homework.”
“Yes, well. I see what you are saying, but just hear me out,” Charlotte said, taking the hat from the last woman to drop her paper inside. “I’m going to take all of these papers home with me. In addition to the cookies that I bake for the exchange, I’m going to bake your favorite cookies for you. Then, all of you will take the paper you’re holding and go home and bake that cookie and deliver it back here. We will meet again tomorrow to share what we’ve made. I’ll bring the beverages. How does that sound?”
No one answered. They all just looked around the room at one another.
“Personally, I think it’s a fine idea. I know I’m not taking part in the actual exchange this year, but I’d like to believe that you all trust me and my opinion. Please, all of you, take part in this,” Emmy spoke to the group as a whole.
A few groans, a couple of shaking heads, and lots of whispers ensued, but finally, someone spoke. “I’ll do it,” Gabby Raye announced.
The minute Gabby Raye agreed, Kira was on board, mostly because she wanted to compete with her, but nonetheless, after that, everyone else agreed as well.
“I’ll see you all back here tomorrow after lunch. If there is anyone that wants to chat more, I’ll be here for a while longer today.”
Charlotte felt good about her idea and hoped that it would bring everyone together. Not only did she have some cookies to bake for the group, she would also be able to involve Hannah in her baking, giving the younger woman more experience, and more recipes to learn. It was a win-win for everyone.
On her way out, Charlotte got a glimpse of Kira talking with someone she had yet to meet, but assumed was Teddy. She briefly considered introducin
g herself, but Charlotte had enough of Kira for the day and knew Hannah wouldn’t want her talking to Teddy, so she decided to just go on her way. She had one friend in town and wasn’t planning on doing anything to harm that relationship, no matter how badly she wanted to get along with everyone.
Chapter 6
After her meeting, Charlotte decided to stop at Hannah’s office. She wasn’t sure Hannah would be there, or if she’d even be able to talk with her, but would give it a shot. Aside from baking fourteen different cookie options, Charlotte didn’t have a thing to do that day.
“Is Hannah available?” she asked the young woman behind the desk at the entrance of the town offices.
The woman clicked her keyboard a few times and looked up at Charlotte. “I’m sorry, she’s on a call right now. Can I have your name?”
“Charlotte Claus. I can wait if she won’t be long.”
“Well, I can’t be sure about that. But I’ll let her assistant know you’re here.”
Charlotte nodded, looking around the town offices. The building looked small from the outside, but once she’d gotten inside, it looked much larger. There were several doors that she could see. Some were open and some closed, but they all had signs on them, listing who the office belonged to. As she admired everything, one of the doors swung open, and a short, average looking man raced toward her.
Unsure if she should be more concerned by his speed or his bowtie, Charlotte stepped out of his way, thinking he was in a rush to get somewhere. She didn’t want to be knocked over.
“Charlotte?” he asked, stopping in front of her, looking at his clipboard.
“Yes?” she responded.
“You’re here for Hannah, correct?” He spoke even faster than he walked.
“I am. If she’s busy…” Charlotte began.
“She’s always busy. Come with me.” The man began walking away just as fast as he’d arrived, his dress shoes clicking as he went.
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