Liam huffed a quiet laugh. Cassidy had no idea what she was in for or how seriously people took competitions in this town.
Just then, lights began to swirl in front of the Pumpkin Pie Bakery. Large snowflake projections shimmered on the windows, which were draped in orange fabric to match the bakery’s pumpkin theme.
The front door swung open, and Emily stepped outside, giving a little wave to the gathering crowd. Zach, Madison, andAnita were right up front to cheer Emily on. She wore a chunky cream sweater and a pair of dark jeans under a pumpkin-colored apron. Her blonde hair was piled into a messy bun with wisps and bangs framing her heart-shaped face. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she smiled, the glow from the swirling lights catching in her blue eyes, making her look every bit the friendly, small-town baker she was.
Mayor Bloomfield stood beside her, microphone in hand, looking festive as ever. Tonight, he wore a green velvet sport coat topped off with a Santa hat, and a grin that showed how much he lived for moments like this.
His great-niece and assistant, Elsie, stood by, phone at the ready to livestream the entire event.
“Uncle Hank, can you angle slightly left? We need the logo in the shot for the thumbnail.” Elsie tugged him a half-step sideways, earning a chuckle from the mayor.
Emily glanced over, her smile tightening as she noticed Elsie filming. “Do we really need this live?” she whispered.
“It’s for brand reach,” Elsie shot back, not taking her eyes off her screen. “We have to modernize these events if Maple Falls wants to stay relevant.”
From her spot in the crowd, Cassidy heard Elsie’s commentary and rolled her eyes, muttering to Liam, “Relevant? It’s Christmas in Maple Falls, not an influencer launch.”
Liam’s mouth twitched. “Just smile for the camera, Sugarplum.”
Cassidy shot him a look but couldn’t suppress the small, reluctant grin as the lights dimmed and the snowflake projections grew brighter, casting gentle reflections across the street and over the gathered neighbors, all bundled in scarves and mittens.
“Thank you all so much for coming out to our first Christmas light-up night of the season!” the mayor boomed. “Emily wouldlike to remind you that her charity of choice is the City Rescue Mission, a local organization that helps families in need. You can place your donations in…” Mayor Bloomfield looked around for Emily’s donation box.
“Over here,” Emily said, showcasing her oversized, handmade gingerbread house. It was beautifully decorated with icing trim, gumdrop windows, and candy-cane railings. But instead of being purely decorative, the front door was actually a mail-slot-style opening for donations.
“Perfect! Yes, drop your donations off in the gingerbread house. The winning business and charity will be announced following our annual Christmas Eve walk.”
Elsie took the mic from the mayor. “And don’t forget, this year you can donate and vote online! On Christmas Eve, just go onto the competition website to cast your vote!”
Mayor Bloomfield took the mic back. “Er, right, or you can vote at City Hall anytime on Christmas Eve before five o’clock. That’s what I plan to do!” He raised his hand with theatrical flair. “Now, if you’ll all count down with me from five, we’ll see the dazzling display Emily and her crew have created for you!”
The crowd joined in enthusiastically. “Five… four… three… two… one!”
Inside, Emily tugged a gold-tasseled rope, and the orange curtain dropped.
Right as the curtain fell, a brass quartet launched into “Joy to the World,” their bright sound cutting through the nighttime air. At the same moment, gold glitter shot out of hidden cannons, raining sparkles all around them.
Everyone oohed and ahhed as the window display lit up.
The bakery had gone with an elegant silver and gold theme. Faux snow and shimmering silver glitter dusted the front steps. Oversized gold and silver ornaments dangled from the awning. The front window featured a towering five-layerwhite cake, adorned with gold and silver marzipan snowflakes, sugared cranberries, and tiny candied oranges flanked by two silver Christmas trees that were decorated with miniature clay ornaments—tiny pumpkin pies, cupcakes, and coffees. The other window showcased a dazzling display of holiday desserts that appeared to be floating on top of fluffy artificial snow. The dessert plates rotated, bringing each one under the spotlight.
Even Liam had to admit—Emily had pulled out all the stops.
He glanced at Cassidy.
Judging by the stunned expression on her face, she’d just realized the competition was very, very real.
“Woah,” she whispered, taking it all in.
Liam grinned. “Might as well quit now, no?”
She crossed her arms and tilted her chin. Her expression switched from awe to defiance in a heartbeat. “Please. I haven’t even started yet.”
“Uh-huh.” He took a step closer, dropping his voice just enough to make her shiver. “Still time to back out. Save yourself the heartbreak.”
She smirked. “You think I’m scared of that?” She motioned to the bakery. “It’s lovely, sure. But it’s missing one key ingredient.”
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
