Small Town Christmas (Blue Harbor #4) - Olivia Miles Page 0,37
then turned away, hiding her smile.
While she went to the hallway where coat racks were set up, she took in the scene. It was the same event, every year, she knew, but this year she could see it had her sisters’ marks on it. As coordinators of the event this year, and typical to the personalities of all the Conway family members, they had embraced the challenge. The rows of decorating tables were covered in red and white striped tablecloths, and the topping options were more than just crushed candy canes and sprinkles. She spotted everything from gumdrops to ribbon candy to mini marshmallows in passing. And then there were the gingerbread baking stations, each with measuring spoons and cups, and canisters of flour and sugar. But the best new additions were the large recipe signs that had been written onto the chalkboards all around the room. Attached to the bottom of each was a tear-away sheet.
“This is clever,” Cora commented, recalling Gladys O’Leary’s rather unimaginative effort last year when she’d simply dumped a grocery bag at each station and called it a day. But then, after twenty years, she was probably ready to pass the torch.
Cora hoped that her sisters would make the tradition last just as long.
“I like that it gives people a chance to gather together and mingle,” Candy said, coming to stand next to her.
Cora could only hope that Candy had washed her hands when she put an arm around her shoulder and gave it a good, hard squeeze. Just in case there was any hope of Phil stopping by, she’d worn her best cashmere sweater, telling herself that a community event was a reason to dress up a bit, anyway.
She glanced at her sisters, who were dressed festively, but practically. If they got flour or icing on their jeans or sweaters, it would wash right out.
Luckily, Candy didn’t seem to be onto anything amiss. Yet.
“And look,” Candy was saying, sweeping her hand over the room, like a game show host. “We have hot chocolate at the concessions stand. I’m in charge.” She waggled her eyebrows, and Cora had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
She should have known that her sisters would have found a creative way to keep Candy occupied without getting too meddlesome. And this solution was perfect. Candy loved to help. And she loved to chat with everyone.
And decorate, Cora thought, considering the garish tinsel that now framed the concession window, complete by flashing lights and a cardboard sign that read, “Candy Cane Hot Chocolate.”
Candy tapped her apron, which bore the print of a large candy cane, suitable for the event, though Cora had to assume there was more to it than that.
She was right.
“That’s me. Candy cane. Just through the season.” Candy laughed until she snorted and gave Cora a heavy swat on the arm to underscore her joke.
Cora forced her mouth into a smile. She reminded herself that Candy meant well, but given Candy’s love of themes, she was beginning to dread what the woman might have planned for their Christmas Eve dinner, now that Amelia would no longer be participating.
Usually Amelia cooked a delicious meal, and they all gathered around the table before settling in for their movie and popcorn. Now she wondered what they would eat. Tomato and mozzarella ball kabobs shaped like a cane? She could see it now.
Speaking of Amelia…She was currently walking toward the industrial kitchen, and now might just be Cora’s chance to get her alone.
Candy, however, had other ideas. “I saw you walking around the tree lighting ceremony with that single father. Quite dashing, isn’t he?”
Her eyes were wide with curiosity, and Cora suppressed a sigh. She should have known she wouldn’t be left off the hook so easily.
“He’s very nice. And it’s good to see tourist activity this time of year!” Anything to throw Candy off the scent. She took credit for matching up Maddie and Cole, and she also felt she played a fair part in reuniting Amelia and Matt. Cora was now the only single sister.
Why couldn’t Candy move on to the other Conway girls? Uncle Steve’s daughters? Or Aunt Miriam’s nieces? Cora knew full well how much Natalie was hoping to find love…which was why it was probably a good thing that she hadn’t been in the shop the few times that Phil came through.
Cora gave an apologetic glance to Candy. “I’m just going to grab Amelia before things get too busy.”