“Then I’ll take one of those,” the woman said, bending down to peer at the bottom shelves of the glass case. “And a few salted caramel brownies, two eclairs, a couple of these cinnamon buns, and . . .” The woman put her fingers on her chin and pursed her lips, trying to choose. “What are those linzer cookies filled with?”

“They’re plum cardamom,” Charlie said. The linzer cookies were pretty—the dainty star-shaped cutout in the top cookie showcasing the fruit filling, the whole thing gently dusted with icing sugar—but also delicious. “Probably my favorite cookie in the entire case, to be honest.”

“Sold. A few of those as well.”

Charlie packed up the treats carefully, then closed up the boxes with Woodburn Bread stickers. She reached for one of the Starlight loaves, sliding it into a paper bag. “This loaf is on the house,” she said to the woman.

As she rang up the purchases, Charlie said, “You know, you look so familiar to me. I’m trying to sort out if we’ve met before?”

“I get that a lot. I have one of those faces, I guess.”

“I guess so,” Charlie said, smiling. “So, what brings you to Starlight Peak today?”

The woman took off her gloves so she could reach into her purse. “Just passing through. I’m on the road quite a bit for work.” She handed Charlie cash. “And I have a serious sweet tooth.”

“Good news for us, I guess,” Charlie said. “I’m Cass. Cass Goodwin. This is my family’s bakery.”

“I’m Sarah,” the woman said. “Nice to meet you, Cass. I’m looking forward to these.” Sarah held the boxes in one arm, the bag of Starlight loaf in the other. “Maybe we’ll run into each other again.”

“Anytime you’re passing through, please come back and visit.” Charlie came out from behind the counter. “I’ll get the door for you. Do you need a hand getting these to your car?”

“I’m okay, thanks. Happy Holidays!” Sarah said, as she walked out the door.

“To you, too,” Charlie said, and was about to close the bakery’s door—the chill of the outdoors seeping quickly into her—when she saw someone approaching the bakery.

Someone familiar, and wholly unexpected.

She was about to say, “Cass?” when her twin turned, having been recognized by someone else. Someone tall, with red hair and a beard that worked so well on him it made Charlie’s knees weak . . . Oh no, this can’t be happening.

Unsure exactly what to do, Charlie’s instincts took over and she quickly shut the bakery door and then ducked behind the gingerbread house display. “Oh no no no no no . . .” she said, coming slightly out of her crouched position so she could see what was happening outside.

Jake and Cass stood just to the right of the bakery’s door, and while Charlie couldn’t hear what they were saying, she knew this was bad. Very, very bad. Charlie leaned closer to the window on the front door, trying to read her sister’s lips as she spoke with Jake. They hugged briefly, though it seemed awkward, and Charlie saw Cass was the one who let go before Jake did.