“Only hard cheese,” he told Dena. “It’s safe for you and the baby. Healthy.”

“Thank you,” Dena said, her voice sincere. “You’re very sweet.”

“Yeah, don’t let that get around.”

Paisley stared at him as he left. “This is a side of Howard I’ve never seen before. It’s kind of freaking me out.”

“Me, too,” Reggie said, picking up her drink. “To good friends.”

They toasted. Then Shaye said, “So about the guy?”

“I’ll tell it.” Reggie took another sip of the delicious cocktail. “We were madly in love in high school, and then we broke up. He took off and I haven’t seen him since.”

“Then he ended up starting Judy’s Hand Pies,” Dena added. “Named after his grandmother.”

Shaye’s eyes widened. “My Toby?”

Reggie was pleased Paisley and Dena looked as startled as she felt at that particular statement.

“I mean, I work for him,” Shaye said.

“Oh, that ‘my Toby,’” Dena said.

“Is he single?” Paisley sipped her drink. “Asking for a friend.”

“As far as I know,” Shaye told her.

Reggie bumped Paisley. “Your quote unquote friend isn’t interested.”

“Maybe I was asking for Dena.”

“You weren’t.”

Paisley’s smile was unapologetic. “I wasn’t. You should so get back together with him. Everyone adores a first-loves-reunited story. Plus, it’s Christmas.”

“Bite me.”

“So that’s a maybe?”

“Yes, Paisley. Toby and I are getting back together. I’ve spent the past decade pining for him. I can’t wait for us to fall madly in love. It’s going to be epic.”

Paisley grinned. “Sarcasm becomes you.”

Reggie raised her glass. “It’s a classic look that flatters all of us.”

The women laughed. Reggie looked at her sister. “Please change the subject.”

“Well, I have news,” Paisley said, looking excited. “There’s a rumor the town is going to start having a Snow King and Snow Queen again.”

Reggie and Dena exchanged a happy look.

“Really?” Dena asked. “I miss having a royal couple for the holidays.”

“What’s a Snow King and Queen?” Shaye asked.

“People are randomly, or not so randomly, chosen to be the honorary hosts of the holiday season here in town,” Paisley said. She sipped her drink. “They judge cookie contests, participate in Advent events. They used to be a married couple. Then it was whoever put their name in the hat. Oh, if there’s a Snow King and Queen, maybe they’ll start having the Holiday Ball again. That would be fun. Everything will be set up over the next few months so we’re ready to go with them next year.”