Page 48 of The Naughty List Agreement

“You do a lot with the locals. I think it’s more than just getting them to show up at your event and buy your special drinks and cookies.”

Cora paused to lean against the railing around the seating area near the bandshell. “Maybe. I don’t overanalyze it. Some kids don’t have a great home life.”

“Like you.”

“Yeah,” she shrugged. “But it’s really not about me. When I took over, everything was geared to small children, some of whom grow up to dread this time of year. I just wanted to make sure those people feel seen. Give them something to do to make their own version of the holiday.”

But it was all about her. It was about that sulky teenager with acne who’d been forced to spend half of every holiday as an interloper in this perfect little family that wasn’t hers. Meeting her elderly neighbor Sarah had been a blessing. Sarah had been forgotten by her family, too, as everyone got older and busier, so Cora had made sure older visitors were as important to her attendance numbers as families.

“Christmas is for everyone.”

“It is,” Nick said, surprising her because she hadn’t realized she’d spoken out loud.

“Glad you agree. I noticed you don’t have many benches between the shops and the castle. I’ll have maintenance put some in tomorrow. Our older visitors need good spots to take a break.”

“I can ask my team⁠—”

“No, Nick. You’ve done enough. I really like the setup. How much did that cost? I’d love to use it again next year and make it part of the festival.”

“I’ll send you the details. If you want to buy the buildings from us, you can keep them for next year.”

Cora found that for once, she didn’t want to talk business. Not with Nick.

“Want me to drop you off at home?” she said. “You can’t drive now that you’ve had Pete’s special eggnog.”

His body didn’t feel the effects of alcohol the way that mortals did. He’d nip back to Hearthvale to wait a few hours and then come back and get his truck before he drove over to UVM to watch the Catamounts play hockey. It was only a little over an hour away.

“I’m good.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you drive, Nick. You drank at the festival grounds.” She held her hand out to him.

“What’s that for?”

“Your keys,” she said.

“Cora—”

“Much like our work arrangement, this is non-negotiable.”

Understanding where she was coming from and the legalities that were involved in him getting into an accident, he pulled his keys from his pocket and handed them to her. He was touched that she was so concerned, though he suspected it wasn’t just about him, but about Winter Wonderland’s reputation.

“Happy?”

“Not really. Now I have to make sure you are responsible.”

Nick couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Does that mean you’re going to drive me to the hockey game over in Burlington?”

“Hockey?”

“The Catamounts are doing good this season and I try not to miss a game,” he admitted.

“I guess I could drive you over,” she said.

“I was kidding. I’ll get a ride with one of the guys.”

“I don’t mind. You’ve been bigging the sport up so much, maybe I should see what all the fuss is about.”

“Uh… Well…”