“It was nothing,” Essie said. “Worth it to see the kids enjoying the snow. And we wouldn’t dream of missing the Goodwin holiday dinner!”

“Speaking of which,” Helen said, casting a concerned glance toward Jake and the stove. “I should really get back to the gravy. Jake! Keep stirring, this is the crucial moment . . .”

“Maybe next year we can do an L.A. Christmas,” Cass had once suggested, but now that she had taken over the bakery Miguel knew she couldn’t be away from Starlight Peak on Christmas Eve until the day she retired. He had officially moved in with Cass the month before, after finally getting the job he had been hoping for at the nearby hospital. Cass said she hoped by next year they would have found the perfect house, too, with room to host both of their families.

As Cass, Miguel and his parents settled in the living room with their ciders, Charlie brought a platter over for her dad to arrange the Woodburn Bakery desserts on. “Let me help you with those, Dad,” Charlie said.

“Thank you, my dear,” Thomas replied. “These sweet and salty bars are selling like crazy, Cass told me. And she’s added a cupcake this season that she said she created for your show last year . . . Something boozy, but I can’t quite—”

“Aperol Spritz cupcakes,” Charlie said, smiling with pride. “She’s on fire, I’m telling you.”

“A new era for the bakery,” Thomas said. “Exciting times ahead.”

They turned at the sound of a cane tapping against the floor, and then, “I believe that platter is missing one important element,” said a familiar voice.

“Faye! You know Cass would never let you down.” Charlie lifted a small box and opened the lid, revealing rows of lemon squares. Faye’s eyes twinkled as she lifted one out, took a bite, then whistled softly. Bonnie sprinted into the room and nearly knocked her over.

“Fool dog,” Faye said, fondly. Then, she whispered, “Don’t tell anyone.” Faye dropped her hand and allowed Bonnie to nibble the half-eaten square from her fingertips. Then, she took another square for herself. “Life is too short to wait for dessert,” she declared. “Now all that needs to happen is someone has to give me a great-grandchild who doesn’t have four legs—and then, my life will be complete.”

Thomas laughed heartily. “All in good time, I’m sure.”

“Well, I’ve been tasked with playing Santa this year,” Faye said. “So I best go take my position by the tree so we’re ready once all the guests arrive.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. “Come in, it’s open,” Charlie called out. Sasha and her son, Declan, entered the foyer, arms full with gifts and snow in their hair. “It’s really starting to come down out there,” Sasha said. Declan, who was ten, stared into the living room at the massive Christmas tree and the piles of gifts surrounding it. “Wow,” he breathed.

“I happen to know quite a few of those are for you, Declan,” Charlie said.