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“Wait.” Leah reached into her purse and pulled out some individually wrapped chocolates as well as a box of sour candies. “Will this do?”

Shaun arched a brow. “Do you always carry around a candy store in your purse?”

She struggled not to laugh out loud. “No. The chocolates are from the restaurant. Remember? The server left them with the check.” When Shaun nodded, she continued. “And the other candy I had for my flight here. I forgot they were in there. Do you want some?”

Shaun held out his hand, and she opened the box of sour candy. After giving him some, she relaxed in her seat and listened to the meeting. It was unlike any meeting she’d ever attended.

Informal would be one way to describe the meeting, but it definitely didn’t come close to portraying its amusing qualities. There were complaints about parking chairs. Yes, parking chairs that residents used after digging out their parking spot so no one else could park there. Some were for the chair. Others were vehemently opposed to the chair.

When a boisterous argument broke out over said chair, Santa-look-alike banged his gavel repeatedly to gain everyone’s attention. The subject was tabled until next month. Leah hoped she was around for it because this was better than television. But then she thought about Shaun and realized he wouldn’t be there. The realization dampened her mood.

“Okay, folks, we need to discuss the Christmas parade,” Santa-look-alike said. “This is going to be big for our town. It’s going to draw in a large crowd. Remember, businesses are going to be open late that night. We voted and all businesses on Main Street will stay open until ten o’clock.”

A groan erupted over the crowd.

“That’s too late,” a man called out.

“Yeah,” a woman said. “No one ever shops that late.”

People kept calling out their complaints. Leah was glad she didn’t run that sort of business.

Santa-look-alike once more banged his gavel. “Ladies and gentleman, this subject has already been voted on.”

“That’s not fair,” a person in the front of the auditorium said. “You voted on it when everyone had the flu. There were only like five people at the meeting.”

“It was a legitimate vote. It was four to one that businesses in town will stay open until ten. End of discussion.”

There was a loud murmur that went over the group. She glanced over to Shaun, who had an amused look on his face. Then he held his hand out for more candies. She obliged him.

“Now,” Santa-look-alike said, “we need details about what you are entering in the parade. My wife and a couple of volunteers will be waiting in the lobby to take your information. This is meant for everyone. Don’t go trying to sneak out a side door. You don’t want to end up on Santa’s naughty list. Ho-ho-ho.” Santa-look-alike banged his gavel. “Remember, we’re meeting again next week. Same day. Same time.”

Immediately, the auditorium was filled with voices. Everyone was talking at once as they headed toward the lobby. Words like snow chair and parade float reached her ears.

She looked over at Shaun, who popped his last sour candy into his mouth. “Are you ready to go?”

He glanced over his shoulder at the line of people waiting to give information for the parade. “You might want to wait here until some more people get done registering their parade entry.”

Leah shook her head. “I’m not doing it.”

“What? But you have to.”

She shook her head again. “No. I don’t. My business isn’t right in town. Come on.”

Shaun hesitated, but he didn’t say anything.

They slowly worked their way through the crowd of people. They were almost to the exit when Santa-look-alike stepped in their way. “You’re Leah, right?” When she nodded, he said, “I’m Kris Kringle, mayor of Kringle Falls.”

She was surprised his name was Kris Kringle. She wanted to know if that was his actual name on his birth certificate. But she wouldn’t dare ask the man such an inappropriate question.

“I’ve been meaning to make my way to the inn to welcome you to Kringle Falls, but with this being the first year for the Christmas parade, I’ve been dealing with one problem after the next. So, welcome to town.” He held his hand out to her. She reached out and placed her hand in his. He gave her a warm but firm shake.

“Thank you. You have a lovely town.” She wasn’t sure what else to say.

“We are fond of it. If you need anything at all, just reach out.” He looked past her to Shaun. He held his hand out to him. “Welcome.”

Shaun shook the man’s hand. “Thanks. Happy to be here.”

“Those are some cute puppies you brought to town. My wife can’t stop talking about them.”