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.”