“I pray Beaufort will stay far too classy for such establishments,” Mrs.Madelyn replied.
“Me too,” Noel agreed.
The simple sounds of Christmas music mixed with customer’s voices reminded Noel and Mrs.Madelyn that they needed to put a pin in this emotional conversation and get back to the floor.
As soon as Noel nudged the kitchen door, Levi came hustling through the opening as if it were made for him.“Excuse me,” he requested.“We have more hot chocolate to make,” he added, passing them by.
Noel dredged up a smile.“I am proud of you two.”
“Thanks, Mom.This hot chocolate stand is really a hit,” he responded enthusiastically as he washed his hands thoroughly.
Impressed by how well the kids remembered to wash their hands anytime they entered the kitchen, Noel smiled.
“We knew it would be,” Mrs.Madelyn encouraged before walking out front to find a handful of cheerful customers wandering the store with cups in hand.A few hovered near the counter, and Mrs.Madelyn rushed to ring up their selections.
“Levi, make another batch of the hot chocolate mix and put the milk in the pot on the warmer while I help Mrs.Madelyn on the floor quickly.Then, I will pour everything into a large thermos and help you transition the product to your table.”
Noel swiftly returned to provide fudge samples and answer questions about specific candies customers sought without luck.After all the time she spent walking the aisles positioning products in the most optimal places, she knew the store like the back of her hand.Noel couldn’t believe the kids already sold three-quarters of the first batch of hot chocolate—she was so proud of their efforts.
Levi read the hot chocolate mix recipe his mother wrote for them earlier, and he made sure to follow it closely while waiting for her to come back.She mentioned consistency being the key ingredient several times, and he recalled her also saying this when he helped make fudge and candy.He loved helping his mom in the kitchen, and he loved even more making things on his own and impressing her and Mrs.Madelyn with his abilities.
The powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, vanilla, chocolate chips, and dehydrated marshmallows were all within reach although he used his stool to grab a couple of the items.He and Laney each had a stool for reaching things on shelves and to create a better vantage point during prep time.Measuring everything was the hardest part of this project, but Levi recalled his mom saying that having the perfect amount of each ingredient was what made their homemade hot chocolate so delicious.
Just before Levi finished sifting all the ingredients and mixing them together in a large bowl, his mom returned and helped him stir the mix into the warmed milk.Then he purposefully walked through the store as they each carried a full thermos.
“Take your time so you don’t accidentally drop it,” Noel suggested as he outpaced her adult steps.
“Customers are probably waiting, Mom,” he replied without looking back although he slowed a bit and steadied the thermos with both hands.The contents still churned like an angry sea, but the tight lid kept the chocolatey waves at bay.
As Levi bounced down the aisle, Noel couldn’t help but notice his resemblance to a cute little elf with his Santa hat flopping to and fro.The kids were growing up way too fast, and she wished life would slow down just a bit.
Cavin made it back to the house in time to catch the taxi he called after leaving the candy shop.He wasn’t sure why he focused so much on getting the rental vehicle’s tires fixed.Although still an important issue, paying for a ride was quick and easy and wouldn’t bankrupt the company.This way he would be sure to make his tee time and could deal with the tires later.
He decided that rather than visit a local sporting goods store, he would purchase clubs from the pro shop.The set would be more expensive but would make a good impression at the country club.
Cavin circled the rental vehicle once more glaring at each of the four tires while shaking his head in disgust.
When the driver pulled into the driveway, Cavin tossed his duffel bag into the backseat and climbed in next to it.The two exchanged pleasantries, and then the guy made him laugh.
“Who did you piss off?”he inquired, staring at the sunken SUV.
“I know, right!At least this time I am confident it was not an ex.”
The man sitting behind the steering wheel chuckled.“Been there, done that.”
It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the country club where Cavin handed the fellow a cash tip before asking if he would be available to pick him up later this afternoon.
“Just let me know when,” the driver offered with an appreciative smile.
It didn’t surprise Cavin that he was the first to arrive for the golf outing.He purposely came early to allow plenty of time to pick out a nice set of clubs, and he was grateful for the club pro’s expert recommendation leading him to the best set for the occasion.
By the time Cavin swiped the company credit card, the other men began showing up.Jeff and Daniel—one of the gentlemen at Georgia’s table last night—were among the first to arrive, and they introduced him to the friends who accompanied them.Cavin quickly realized that everyone seemed to know each other, regardless of who brought whom.
“Fellows, I have already taken care of today’s round as well as the cart fees,” Cavin announced.“I also started a tab for us at the register so make sure to grab beverages and snacks to take with you on me,” he insisted.
“You’re the man, Cavin,” the guy who introduced himself as a chiropractor announced.
“You will fit in well in Beaufort,” the doctor greeted with a strong handshake.
