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wanted to argue with her but instead he chose to stifle his emotions.
    Jenny grinned and nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it. If it’s anything like the celebrations we used to have in the town square when we were kids, Joy will really love it!”
    Then, with keys in hand, Jenny followed Holly to the door and waited for Rudy to walk out as well.
    “Merry Christmas,” Holly said to Jenny, purposely ignoring Rudy. The animosity was already beginning, he thought. He had to fix this, and fast.
    “Merry Christmas,” Jenny answered. Holly walked out into the cold, crisp night. The weather had finally cooperated with the season. Not that it made Rudy feel any better. Actually, the cold blast from the open door tore right through him, giving him a deep bone shiver.
    “You need to leave. Gramps and I have to get ready for tomorrow. It’s going to be a big day, not that you care.”
    She ushered him out the door, but he turned back around. “I went to the bank today and signed my share of Sugar Plums over to you. It’s now completely yours, the business, the building, all Gram’s needlepoint, the recipe book, everything. You now own it all. I can’t make the deal without it. I just need you to show up at dinner and confirm it. Simple.”
    All expression left her face. He had no idea what she was thinking. He thought she’d be happy with this news. Instead, she shook her head, cocked a hip, smirked and said, “So that’s how you’re going to handle this? Put it all on me. Tell these guys you can’t make the deal because you don’t own Sugar Plums. You don’t get it, do you? I thought you changed. That you finally got what this town, this bakery, Christmas is all about.” Tears welled up in her eyes. Rudy wanted to die right there. “I’m sorry. I’ve got work to do.”
    And she closed the door, leaving Rudy standing out in the cold.
     
    ***
    Sales in the bakery on Christmas Eve day were so good they made up for the entire year. Not only were Jenny and the two new girls Gramps had hired busy with local orders, but tourists had bought everything the bakery had to offer, including most of the new anise cookies.
    Plus, the on-line orders had been so incredible Kringle Special Delivery had had to make two stops a day for the past week. According to Gramps, the bakery was doing better than it had ever done. Jenny didn’t know what combination of events contributed to all this, but she had a sneaking feeling it had something to do with a strong dose of Christmas magic. Ever since Rudy, Nick and Kris had gotten together at Yule Tide’s the whole town seemed to be happier.
    And miracle of miracles it had been snowing on and off all day, those great big flakes that Jenny, along with a few of the local kids, had caught on their tongues, then laughed and giggled before they caught more.
    “We better close up if we’re gonna get over to that party on time to hand out these here cookies. The city council came through this year and bought enough cookies and hot chocolate for damn near the entire town. So we’d best hustle up and start spreadin’ cheer before they want their money back,” Gramps said with a chuckle.
    It was nice to see Gramps in a good mood again. It had been a long time coming, and Jenny appreciated the moment. She went over and gave him a hug.
    “What’s this all about?” Gramps asked while holding onto her.
    “It’s Christmas Eve and we’re standing under the mistletoe.”
    And sure enough, they were. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and he blushed when she stepped away.
    “Thank you, Jenny. That’s the best present an old fool like me could ever get.”
    “You’re welcome, and you’re a long way from being an old fool.”
    “Not according to my grandson. Ah, well, it’s Christmas Eve. Anything can happen on Christmas Eve.” He slipped on his coat. “You comin’?” he asked, as he fumbled with the buttons.
    He was such a nice man Jenny couldn’t stand to see him glum.
    “I’ll be right