When she turned back around, she blinked. A mound of perfectly round snowballs now sat a few paces beside them. Gretel followed her gaze and laughed.
“Did the house justarmus?” Eliza asked.
“Guess it did.”
They both pounced around the house, rapid-firing them off like Buddy the Elf in Central Park. Lachlan ducked for cover, clearly outmatched. The house’s gutter tilted, dumping an entire stash on his head. The girls laughed, high-fiving each other in triumph.
The house creaked its laughter, too, and the gutter righted itself.
Puffcake raised a candy cane, waving it in the air like a flag. “Round two.”
A notification from SugarPlum Suites popped up, and Eliza immediately slid her phone unlocked to read the message.
Hi there! Unfortunately, since you both booked through third-party sites it seems we accidentally booked you for the same stay. We’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience. Due to the holiday week, there is no additional housing at this time. However, we can offer both of you complimentary stays for your next visit to SugarPlum Suites. Happy Holidays!
“So, I guess that means we’re stuck here for Christmas.” Eliza let out a puff of air, her shoulders sagging. She passed her phone around for the others to read.
Eliza crossed her arms, her throat tightening. She didn’t want a complimentary stay for next year—she wanted the stay she paid forthisyear. Now that her entire stay had been ruined, she didn’t feel like doing anything other than trudging back into the kitchen and getting back to work.
Gretel’s eyes skimmed over the words, but she didn’t seem too surprised by the response. “Guess so. But Hansel and I could’ve told you that.”
“Totally normal Airbnb behavior,” Eliza groaned, dropping her hands to her sides.
Gretel laughed. “You both are, like, honorary locals now. Which means you’llhaveto attend the Reindeer Games. On Christmas Eve Eve.”
Eliza surveyed Gretel. “Even if I wanted to go,howwould I?” Wasn’t the house trapping her inside at all costs? She didn’t feel like getting excited about anything for fear that someone might pull the rug out from underneath her feet once again.
The siblings exchanged looks as Gretel beamed. “Because I already entered you into the baking contest.”
“What?” Eliza gaped. “Why would you do that?”
“Because you’re the best baker the town’s never heard of,” Gretel said, pointing a finger at her chest. “And we’re gonna get you that first-place prize.”
“Which is?”
“Five thousand quid.”
Eliza’s heart nearly stopped. Puffcake accidentally coughed fire out of his mouth.
For a friendly neighborhood competition?
That wouldn’t be enough to start her own business, but it’d certainly give her a head start.
She was breathless. “Then I ... I need to practice!”
“So that means you’ll do it?” Gretel asked enthusiastically.
“Of course!” Eliza said, already dusting off the snow from her coat as she headed inside. “Thank you both for helping us clear the driveway. Even if it was for nothing.”
“It wasn’t for nothing,” Hansel shook his head. “We were happy to help.”
Gretel smiled and gave a small shrug. “And anyway, everything happens for a reason.”
I’ll be Home for Christmas Clementine and Cointreau Mince Pies
Ingredients:
• 8oz Plain Flour
