Cupcakes, Coffee, and Christmas

Cassie hopes to wow a customer with her cute Christmas cupcakes, but her efforts to bring Craig and Angela closer keep backfiring. A sweet holiday romance.

Craig lowered the battered white Cupcakes and Coffee box to the counter.

“What on earth happened?”

The delicate filigree candy heart that once crowned the giant cupcake lay in bits. The surprise inside, peppermint conversation hearts, peeped from within a blob of pumpkin spice icing and red velvet cake.

Most mornings, I scrawled Craig’s name on a Café Americano cup and moved on to the next customer. His first cupcake order had allowed me to slow down and get to know him better, but the results weren’t what I’d hoped. As co-owner of Cupcakes and Coffee, wowing a new client is important to me. A smashed cupcake wasn’t a good start.

“It was our first Thanksgiving together. I wanted to make the day special, so I took Angela to our favorite restaurant and brought the cupcake along for dessert.”

“What a thoughtful idea.” Most single twenty-something guys would opt to stay in, watch football, and order a pizza. “Was she upset about having a cupcake for dessert? Did she have her heart set on pie?”

“Are you kidding?” He bobbed his chin at the mangled mess. “Her face lit up when she saw that cupcake. And when I told her there was a surprise inside, she could barely contain herself. All through dinner, she kept tossing out ideas about the surprise.”

I pictured his girlfriend’s eyes drawn to the giant cupcake, her excitement growing as she worked her way through the meal, eager to tear into the cupcake.

“When dessert time rolled around, Angela tore the cupcake apart, but when she got to the surprise…” He shook his head. “It didn’t work, Cassie. Instead of getting all romantic, she got mad.”

And took it out on my handiwork. “I guarantee my baked goods for freshness and flavor. They’re not a surefire love potion. Why do you think she got angry?”

Craig’s shoulders slumped. “She didn’t find what she wanted.”

I pictured the impatient girlfriend working herself up to the big reveal, then crashing when she realized all she was getting was a stupid cupcake and some candy. “I’m guessing she expected something extra special when you told her there was a surprise inside. Maybe a ring?”

He messaged his temple. “I should have realized. Now I feel like a jerk for disappointing her.”

Craig was good-looking enough with sandy brown hair and hazel eyes framed by dark lashes, but his most attractive feature was his genuine concern for the woman he believed he’d hurt.

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out. How can I make it up to you?”

“It’s not your fault. I’m not blaming you or looking for a refund or anything.” He rested his fingertips on the back of my hand.

His touch startled me, but in a pleasant way, like I’d received unexpected good news. The sudden fluttery sensation left me speechless.

Craig withdrew his hand. “December first is our annual company holiday party. Can you make an ‘I’m sorry I’m a clueless jerk’ cupcake?”

“You and Angela work together?”

“Yeah, but in different departments. Angela’s in marketing. I’m in accounting.”

Craig seemed more romantic than the average accountant and deserved a break. Though it might cost me a commission, I offered a suggestion. “Rather than create an apology cupcake, it might be simpler to get her the bling she expected.”

One corner of his mouth raised in a lopsided grin. “I told her I was saving up and planned to make the engagement ring her Christmas gift. She calmed down, but I ruined her Thanksgiving and want to make it up to her.”

“What a sweet guy.” I blanched when I realized I’d said it aloud and covered my embarrassment by pulling a pad and pencil from beneath the counter. I spoke in a brisk, business-like tone as I sketched. “We’ll do a teddy bear topper holding a large candy heart embossed with ‘I’m sorry.’ And the surprise inside will be a scroll saying IOU One Engagement Ring.”

“She’ll love it.” Craig’s grin expanded into a wide smile. The noon sun streaming in through the shop windows caught the gold flecks in his hazel eyes, making them seem to glow from within.

The effect caused an unexpected glow in me, too.

Craig didn’t seem to notice my adoring gaze. A cute guy like him was probably used to women gawking.

“When can I pick it up?”

I promised the apology cupcake would be ready by four on Thursday, the day before his company party.

He left, and my business partner, Gretchen, edged over to me. “What was that all about?”

I summarized. “Girlfriend expected a ring, got a cupcake instead, smashed same.”

Gretchen scowled. “That’s immature.”

“True, but we got another order out of it.”

“Sweet.”

***

I took up baking to relieve the stress from my divorce and surprised myself by having a knack for my new hobby. Baking involved all my senses and I lost myself in the aromas, flavors, and colors of the batters and frostings. Mostly, however, I enjoyed sharing the results.

Gretchen, another divorced twenty-something, joined the class at the same time, but for different reasons. Gretchen understood coffee. She knew the dozens of coffee bean species and would if you didn’t run fast, describe the various ways to brew coffee and analyze its flavor profile.

Coffee excited Gretchen. Baking did not, but she figured cake and coffee went together and joined the class.

Gretchen had been awarded a bundle in her property settlement. I got a five-year-old Honda and some furniture. When my fellow student and new best friend suggested we open a cupcake and coffee shop, I wanted to go for it but hesitated. Turning my hobby into a career sounded intriguing, but didn’t want to go into debt.

“It’ll take me time to scout locations, buy equipment, and arrange the business side,” Gretchen said. “Save what you can in the meantime.”

Swallowing my pride, I moved back in with my folks and worked full-time and part-time jobs until I’d saved enough. Within months, Cupcakes and Coffee was born. Since then, Gretchen and I had put in twelve-plus hours a day making our venture work. I saw every new client as an opportunity. Craig’s predicament was a special challenge.

After the noon rush the following Thursday, I left the counter to Gretchen and worked on the custom orders, giving extra attention to Craig’s reconciliation cupcake. While it baked, I molded the teddy bear topper and hand-lettered the rice paper IOU scroll with edible ink.

After the cake cooled, I scooped out the insides, inserted the ribbon-wrapped scroll, reassembled the cupcake, swirled on icing, and positioned the marzipan bear. Despite the sweet teddy bear smile, he looked forlorn.

Deciding he needed a festive touch, I plucked a red stocking cap from an elf awaiting placement on a baby shower cupcake. The bell at the cap’s tip gave a gentle jingle as I stretched it over the bear’s head.

Gretchen stepped into the kitchen. “That’s adorable.”

“It better work. Craig’s head over heels in love with this girl.”

“You aren’t getting all wrapped up in his personal business, are you?”

“No.” I waggled my head. “His first cupcake order turned into a disaster. He could have just chalked it up as a bad idea, but he came back. I don’t want to let him down.”

When Craig returned that afternoon, I glowed with pride as I showed off my creation.

“It’s perfect, but I wonder if the office party is the right place to present it? A more intimate setting might be nice,” I suggested.

“You’re right. I’ll try to get Angela off alone.”

“Good thinking.” I closed the box and tied a red bow around it. “I hope this does the trick.” That adorable cupcake and Craig’s golden-brown eyes could certainly melt my heart.

Angela, however, must have been made of sterner stuff because Craig returned on Monday morning with another bashed box. His sandy hair flopped into his eyes as we examined the mess inside.

He looked so defeated I had to fight the urge to brush the stray strands off his forehead. “What happened this time?”

“I gave Angela the cupcake at the office party but suggested we share it at her place Friday evening.”

For an accountant, this guy had first-rate romantic instincts. “Brilliant. You used the cupcake to get yourself back in the door.”

A self-satisfied grin flicked on, then off. “Angela raved over your design, especially the teddy bear. The little elf hat was a cute touch.”

“Thanks, but what about the scroll?”

“She loved it, made a big show of unrolling it and reading the message aloud.”

“I’m a little lost here. It sounds like your plan worked. What happened?”

“Over coffee at her place, I suggested a weekend getaway at my friend’s lakeside cabin.”

I flinched as an unexpected twinge of envy twisted my heart. I’d welcome a weekend holiday with anyone, and I sure wouldn’t turn down a last-minute getaway with a guy like Craig. “She didn’t like that idea?”

“She said she’d prefer a cruise.”

I wouldn’t turn that down, either. “Great idea. What did you say?”

“That I’m all for romance, but I’d have to save up for the cruise. I don’t want to start our life together in debt.”

“I’m with you. I wouldn’t even consider taking out a loan for this place. Running a business is tough enough without fretting over loan payments.”

“Exactly. How can you lose yourself in the moment when you’ve got money stuff nagging at you? I told Angela I loved the idea but wanted us to relax and enjoy ourselves. I promised to save for a cruise after I’d paid off her ring. She called me a loser and a cheapskate. I tried to explain, but she threw the box at me and told me to take a hike.”

Rage shuddered through me. “Did you leave? I would if someone told me to take a hike.”

“I can’t give up on Angela.” Craig’s tone became strained and tinged with sadness. “I got her to agree to give me another chance. We’re having dinner Friday night at her favorite Thai place.”

My heart ached for the guy. He tried so hard, but dinner wouldn’t be enough if this Angela person was anything like I thought she was. “Look, I’m just a baker, but maybe you should spring for the ring.”

He reared his head back. “Is a ring more important than time together?”

I wanted to tell him, no, but my inner entrepreneur screamed minefield. Setting aside my imaginary baker’s hat, I donned my diplomat’s bowler. “You’ve knocked yourself out on the romance angle.”

Craig reared back again, this time with a smile. “Do you think so?”

“I do, but it appears you’ve reached a point in your relationship where Angela needs a token, a tangible assurance of your devotion.”

His smile melted into an uncertain frown. “I assumed telling her how I felt was more important than a ring.”

“At least think about it.” And, while you’re at it, rethink your relationship. I left that part unsaid but tried to send the message telepathically.

His frown deepened. “Do you have time for a coffee?”

I blinked in surprise. Had my message gotten through? “You want to go for coffee?”

Craig shifted his eyes to the empty seating area. “We seem to be in a coffee shop.”

“Oh, sure.” Light-headed with anticipation, I untied my apron and stepped around the counter. But Craig wasn’t interested in a relationship with his cupcake lady.

He tented his fingers and leaned toward me at one of our white faux-wrought-iron bistro tables. “I appreciate you taking a few minutes. I’ve been bumbling around, upsetting Angela with silly gestures when I meant to sweep her off her feet. You seem to have a real grasp on her needs. Maybe you could get me moving in the right direction.”

Fearful the disappointment showed on my face, I was relieved when Gretchen buzzed to our table with two mugs.

“Try our cinnamon and maple spice latte. It’s a limited run, just for the holidays. Tell your friends.” She flitted off again.

Craig aimed a smile at her back and wrapped his hands around the mug. The steam wreathed his face in a cinnamon-scented mist. “In college, I was all about grades, then I worked forty-plus hours a week while studying for my CPA exams. The few girlfriends I’ve had got tired of competing for my attention.” A wistful sigh escaped him as he recalled those fleeting romances. “When Angela came into my life, I promised I wouldn’t let my career overshadow love again.”

That’s why he’s so committed to the romance angle. “What is it about Angela that attracted you?” Maybe I’d learn something to put me in the running.

“For starters, she’s gorgeous.”

Darn. Out already.

“And smart. She’s creative and has a knack for getting people to see things her way.”

It’s certainly working on you. How to phrase this next question diplomatically? “Would you say Angela is concerned with appearances?”

Craig nodded. “She works hard at making a good impression and even gives me tips.”

“On what to wear?”

He leveled an index finger at me. “Exactly. She got on me for still dressing like a college kid at the office. Everyone at work says I’m lucky to have her.”

That was debatable, but it gave me insight into their disconnect. “It’s not that Angela doesn’t value your time together. She wants to let the world know you’re officially a couple. What better way than to sport an engagement ring to post on social media for everyone to see?”

His brow knit in contemplation. As the furrows smoothed away, his gaze transformed from a somber puzzle to a canvas of pure joy. “Of course! I should have realized that. When I get to the office today, I’ll suggest we go ring shopping after lunch tomorrow.”

“That will certainly get her attention.”

He reached across the table, covered my hands with his, and squeezed. “Thank you for helping me see this from Angela’s perspective.”

My gaze dropped to our intertwined hands. I stifled a sigh and retrieved one hand to raise the coffee mug to my lips. “Glad I could help.”

***

I didn’t intend to spy on Craig and Angela, but Gretchen wanted a Christmas tree for the shop.

“Just a small one,” she said. We were sharing coffee in the kitchen, our morning ritual before opening. “We’ll set it on a corner table and put our branded travel mugs, teapots, and that sort of thing around it. Are the cupcake ornaments ready?”

“The clay is painted and ready for sealer. I’ll do that in a minute, so they’ll have time to dry by the end of the day.”

“Super. How about I hold down the fort this afternoon while you shop for a tree? You’ve got a better eye than I do.”

After the lunch rush, I pulled on a knit cap and wound a scarf right up to my nose, but the brisk December wind stung my cheeks during the four-block walk to Engle’s Housewares and Home Decor. As I reached the entrance, I glanced down the sidewalk and spotted a familiar face outside Downtown Classic Jewelry.

Beneath my scarf, my jaw dropped. Craig and a willowy brunette stood at the display window, laughing.

Curious, I shuffled further down the sidewalk toward the jewelry shop, pretending to be fascinated by the small appliances displayed in Engle’s window.

Craig spoke to the woman I presumed to be Angela. “Which one’s your favorite?”

“I love that setting, but the stone should be at least three carats.” Her tone was light but resolute.

“Three? Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer a smaller stone with a better cut?” Craig sounded concerned but not angry.

Angela laughed, a light tinkling sound. “You’re going all cheap on me again. Don’t you want people to know we’re engaged?”

“Of course, I do.”

“If they need a magnifying glass to see my ring, that defeats the purpose.”

“We could just tell them, Angela.”

The laugh returned but sounded forced this time. “Go big or go home, I say.”

I groaned. Aloud. Fearing I’d caught their attention, I slipped into Engle’s to select a tree from their holiday décor section.

Gretchen would say it was none of my business, but the couple’s chat convinced me Craig’s relationship with Angela was a mistake. He deserved someone who valued love over appearances. Perhaps a small business owner who worked hard to earn a buck and wanted nothing more than a sympathetic ear at the end of a long day.

Knock it off. He’s a customer, and Gretchen would most definitely not approve.

By the time I paid for the tree and a cute copper cookie-cutter star to use as a topper, my thoughts had moved past the Craig and Angela show. With my mind focused on tree-decorating, I didn’t notice them strolling arm-in-arm down the sidewalk and stepped into their path as I left Engle’s Housewares.

Angela’s green eyes narrowed, and I suspected she was about to tell me to watch my step, but Craig spoke first.

“Cassie, what are you doing here?”

Hoping my wind-burned cheeks disguised my blush, I raised my Engle’s shopping bag waist-high. “We needed a tabletop tree for the shop.”

Craig touched Angela’s arm. “Honey, this is Cassie Jordan. She made those cupcakes I bought you.”

Amusement replaced the annoyance in Angela’s eyes. “Those adorable little things? How sweet.”

“Delicious too.” I knew she hadn’t tasted a crumb.

Her smile faltered. “Craig says you own the shop.”

“Cupcakes and Coffee. It’s not far. Please stop in sometime.”

“We will.” Angela slid her arm through Craig’s. “We were picking out an engagement ring.”

“Well, we were sharing ideas for a ring,” Craig said.

Angela’s posture stiffened, but her smile remained. “We can’t wait too long if we’re going to announce our engagement on Christmas Eve, babe.”

Craig tilted his head to catch her eyes. “When did we decide that?”

She cranked up the wattage on her smile. “It just seems right, don’t you think?”

I don’t know why I said what I did next. Maybe it was a forgotten dream from before my failed marriage.

“You could propose under the mistletoe.” I raised a gloved forefinger to my chapped lips and envisioned the scene. “Slide the ring on her finger, then make the big announcement right there under the mistletoe.”

Angela’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll have the photographer from the office set up the shot. We’ll share it on social media, then make the photo into ‘save the date’ postcards.”

Craig’s frown deepened. “But we haven’t set a date.”

“There’s plenty of time to plan a June wedding,” Angela said.

Craig’s eyes grew wide, and his arms dropped to his side. “This coming June? Our families haven’t even met yet.”

“They’ll meet at the rehearsal dinner. And that cruise we discussed can be our honeymoon.”

From looking at rings to a June wedding and honeymoon cruise in under five minutes. No wonder an easy-going guy like Craig got swept up by this whirlwind of a woman.

He ran a gloved hand through his hair. “That’s a lot to plan and save for in six months. We’ll talk about it.”

Angela clutched Craig’s arm and pulled herself close to his side. “Nice to meet you, Cassie. Thanks for the mistletoe idea. It’s a winner.”

“Glad I could help.” I turned into the wind and trudged back to the shop.

***

“I’m telling you, Gretchen, that woman isn’t right for a Steady-Eddie like Craig.”

We’d cranked up the holiday music and closed the shop for the day. I hung pastel-colored clay cupcake ornaments on our little white Christmas tree while Gretchen draped lights in the shop’s windows.

“Maybe she’s exactly what he needs to keep from becoming a big old bore of an accountant.”

“I’d agree if she compromised, met him halfway, but she strikes me as a my-way-or-the-highway kind of woman.”

Gretchen plugged in the lights and then fluffed a white tablecloth around the tree’s base. “What does it matter as long as he keeps buying his coffee here?”

When I didn’t answer, Gretchen stopped fussing with the tablecloth. “Why are you so interested?”

I hesitated, caught in a swirl of thoughts, unable to articulate the emotions that tugged at my heart.

Gretchen gripped my arms and turned me to face her. Her tone softened, laden with a mixture of caution and genuine care. “Are you falling for this Craig guy?”

I shrugged from her grasp. “He’s sweet. A little nerdy, but I like that.”

“Bad idea, Cassie. If you break them up, she’ll bad-mouth our shop all over town. She sounds like the type.”

“I don’t want to break them up. I want Craig to realize they’re not right for each other.”

Gretchen scrunched up her face. “How is that different?”

“It means I’m not talking about getting into a relationship with Craig.”

“Good.” She gave the tablecloth a final fluff. “Let’s go in the back and get the gift items to display around the tree.

***

We opened the shop in a snowstorm the following day. Business was sparse, and my thoughts went to Craig and the weekend getaway Angela had rejected.

Our laughter harmonized with the crunch of snow under our boots as we strolled through a forest of aromatic pines, their scent dancing on the crisp air. Sipping marshmallow-topped hot chocolates, our breaths misted in the frosty air, mingling with shared laughter and easy conversation. We kicked at snowdrifts with our fur-lined boots, leaving a trail of clumsy footsteps behind us. And then, amidst the gentle snowfall and the serene landscape, our gazes met, lingering in an unspoken language. In that tender moment, under the soft veil of snowflakes, our lips drew closer, bridging the gap between friendship and something more.

A customer clamoring for espresso interrupted my fantasy.

Though the day remained blustery and gray, the snow eased up, and traffic improved. Toward the end of a meager lunch rush, Craig and Angela blew in, trailed by swirling flakes.

I nudged Gretchen with an elbow to the ribs.

She spun from the register. “What?”

I unfurled my most welcoming smile. “Craig, Angela. Thanks for stopping in on such a rotten day.”

“It is foul, isn’t it?” Craig said. “Two cinnamon and maple spice lattes, please.”

Gretchen jumped to fill their order.

While the couple waited, I folded my hands on the counter. “Did you settle on a ring?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Angela’s smile beamed like a well-lit billboard, while Craig seemed caught in a fog of indecision.

“We’ve selected a design,” he said. “We’re still discussing the stone.”

Angela shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Gretchen swooped in with their lattes, filling the air with a spicy-sweet scent. “Enjoy and don’t forget to like us on all your social media channels.”

Angela gave a knowing smirk. “I’ll do more than that. I’m in marketing and understand the importance of authentic reviews.”

Gretchen bounced on her over-caffeinated toes. “Thank you. If you have questions about our products or services, please ask.”

The happy couple took their coffees to a table where they sat and sipped with heads close. Angela was a stunner. She had the slender figure and erect posture of a runway model. Her porcelain skin and green eyes added a fragile touch that softened her assertive bearing, making her more approachable.

I’m short, and thanks to my new passion for baked goods, roundish. My hair, I determined, was better than hers. Gingery waves had to be more alluring than glossy brunette strands, right?

Nice try, but the laughter drifting from their table filled me with aching disappointment. I slunk to the kitchen to fetch goodies to refill the display case. When I returned five minutes later, Craig sat alone with his eyes focused on his cup.

I shot Gretchen a questioning glance.

She sidled up to me and helped refill the case. “Big blow up,” she whispered. “I couldn’t hear the entire conversation, but Angela told Craig to take a hike, then stormed out.”

As I slipped around the counter and headed toward Craig, Gretchen shook her head and made a slashing gesture across her throat.

“Another coffee?” I asked.

Craig blinked at me. “No thanks. I have to get back to the office.” He dropped his gaze to the empty cup. “You know what I would like, though?”

He didn’t object when I settled into the chair opposite him.

“What would you like?” I asked.

“Angela and me under the mistletoe without an audience, twenty-carat diamond, or paparazzi. No symbols, grand gestures, or photo opportunities. Is that too much to ask?”

The urge to take his hand nearly overpowered me, but I caught myself in time and let my palm rest on his wrist. “Maybe you two need more time.”

“We’ve been going together for almost a year.”

“A year isn’t really that long.”

He shifted in his seat and studied the tabletop. “Maybe I’m being impatient, but I knew Angela was the one the moment I met her. It felt right, you know?”

I probed gently. “And does she feel the same?”

A heavy sigh escaped Craig, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his uncertainty. “I thought she did, but perhaps it’s what I wanted to see.”

Well, that’s something. Still, I hated seeing him upset and struggled to cheer him up. “Are you two that far apart? You want a quiet kiss under the mistletoe. She wants to proclaim your love to the world. Your starting points are different, but you end up together. Isn’t that all that matters?”

The tension left Craig’s shoulders. “You’re right. This engagement thing is just a speed bump. We’ve got a lifetime together. A few jolts are inevitable.”

I squeezed his wrist, then withdrew my hand. “That’s the spirit. Focus on the areas where you agree and compromise on the others.”

Craig squinted and stared deep into my eyes as if searching for something. “You always say the right thing. Everyone else just tells me I’m lucky to have her or go with the flow. You really seem to understand.”

My lips parted, but I couldn’t tell him the truth. He loved Angela and wouldn’t want to hear they were in for more than a few jolts, no matter how much compromising he did.

Craig popped up from his seat so suddenly I jerked back from the table.

“I’ll make the first move by getting Angela the ring she wants. Thanks for your help, Cassie.” He pulled a bill from his wallet, tossed it on the table, and strode out into the flurries.

I stared at the money on the table. A tip. He’d left me a flipping tip.

“Glad I could help,” I said to no one.

Elvis Presley crooned “Blue Christmas” as Craig disappeared into the gray afternoon.

***

The week dragged on. The weather and sales of our gift items improved which put Gretchen in high spirits. Until the following Thursday.

We were in the back, taking our break before opening the shop. Gretchen had her phone out but paused her scrolling to shriek, “That arrogant witch!”

“What?”

“Listen to this. ‘Cupcakes and Coffee is an adorable little shop offering baked goods and coffee at reasonable prices.’”

“What’s wrong with that?”

She continued. “‘The coffee is so-so, but the atmosphere is friendly. Worth a visit.’ So-so! She called my coffee so-so.”

“Who did?”

“Angela. What’s his face’s girlfriend.”

“Craig’s Angela?”

She shoved her phone at me. “She gave us three stars and called my coffee so-so.”

I shrugged. “Three stars are better than one, and she said we’re friendly.”

Gretchen would not be pacified. She muttered under her breath throughout the morning rush. When Craig appeared for his usual takeaway Café Americano, she grunted in my direction but refused to look at him.

I did and with a growing longing. For the first time, I admitted my objection to Angela was petty selfishness. I was falling for Craig, enchanted by his awkward attempts at romance, nerdy practicality, and eager trust in the woman who poured his coffee.

I wished away my growing shame. “You’re looking chipper today. Did you and Angela come to an agreement?”

“Better than that.” Craig pulled a black velvet box from an inside jacket pocket and set it on the counter between us. Wearing a sheepish grin, he popped the lid. A princess-cut diamond solitaire blazed in the overhead lights from within the crimson-lined box. “I’ve planned a party at my place Saturday night, complete with mistletoe, just like you suggested.”

My heart and head swam. “Beautiful.”

“Since you helped me express myself, I’d like you to take me through the next step and put this in a giant cupcake. Can you do that?”

“Absolutely,” I said with an enthusiasm I didn’t feel. “And to ensure Angela is clear about what’s inside, I’ll shape the topper like a diamond ring. Oh, as this is your third order, you get ten percent off.”

Craig reached across the counter and cupped a hand around my upper arm, sending chills down my spine. “You’ve been a real encouragement.”

His touch ignited a flurry of emotions and sent a blush spreading across my cheeks. Our eyes locked in an electric moment, a silent connection crackling between us.

“I’m glad I could help,” I murmured, my gaze softening into a dreamy mist.

Craig’s hand dropped from my arm, and he studied me intently. His lips parted.

I leaned in closer to catch his words.

Gretchen slammed two takeout cups on the counter between us.

“Two cinnamon and maple spice lattes for you and your fiancée as thanks for her fantastic review.” Gretchen spoke through clenched teeth, making her words come out in a snarl. “Thank her for taking the time.”

Oblivious to the sarcasm, Craig gathered a cup in each hand.

After a long moment, I cleared my throat. “Come back with the ring at four tomorrow. Can you wait while I place the ring box and frost the cupcake?”

“Waiting’s no problem. I’m a patient guy.”

Unexpected, unwelcomed tears filled my eyes, making Craig appear out of focus.

He tilted his head and frowned. “Are you okay, Cassie? You look a little tired.”

“I’m excited for you.” I couldn’t tell him how I really felt. Not on the eve of him sealing the deal with the woman he loved.

“You don’t put this much effort into every cupcake order, do you?”

Was my mooning that obvious? “Your situation is special.”

Craig rocked his head. “It’s nice you think so. Anyway, I’m grateful. You’ve given me a lot to think about.” He winked and stepped into the December afternoon, his plaid scarf flapping in the frosty breeze.

Watching his lean form disappear, I pictured the scene.

We’d lift the lid on the Cupcakes and Coffee box together, then shove cake and frosting aside until we found the ring box. He’d open it, get down on one knee, and slip the ring on my finger. We’d laugh as I pulled him to his feet, then we’d embrace and kiss under the mistletoe. Somewhere in the room, unseen, Angela ordered the photographer to make sure she got the Christmas tree in the shot.

The next day, I helped Gretchen at the counter until two, then ducked into the kitchen to work on the engagement cupcake. I spooned the fluffy angel food batter into an oversized mold, smoothed the top with the flat end of my spatula, and then popped the giant cupcake into the oven.

The kitchen filled with a warm, sugary aroma as it baked. While the cupcake cooled, I molded the topper but couldn’t focus.

Gretchen slipped into the kitchen for more croissants. “What’s wrong? You’ve been working on that thing for an hour.”

“I can’t get the facets on the ring right.”

She draped an arm around my shoulders. “You’re sure that’s all?”

I shrugged her arm away. “It’s not what you think. Craig is a sweet guy. He’s considerate and down to earth. Angela’s selfish and unappreciative.”

“You’ll get no argument from me, but Craig’s relationships aren’t your problem. He’s a customer. Just give him what he wants. It’s his funeral.”

“You mean wedding?”

“With that woman? Same thing. And there’s a bright side. He’ll for sure hire you to make the wedding cake.”

I set my wounded feelings aside and got back to work, but my thoughts drifted to Craig rather than the project, and I kept messing up the facets. I moaned in frustration when Gretchen interrupted me to say I had a customer.

Craig waited at the counter wearing his goofy, lopsided smile.

I stammered an apology. “Sorry. Your order isn’t ready yet.”

“No problem. I just have a question for you.”

I offered a tentative smile, curious about what was on his mind.

“Have you ever looked at a person and seen them in a whole new light?”

My smile faltered, sensing a shift in the conversation. “What do you mean?”

“Like you think you know a person, then one day you notice things. Little things.”

The hairs on my arm quivered, certain he was referring to my misty eyes and feelings I’d inadvertently revealed the day before.

“Like what things?” My throat constricted, making my words high-pitched.

“The way they look at you. Their tone of voice. The offhand comments. And when all the little things come together like puzzle pieces, the picture isn’t what you imagined it would be.”

I’ve made a fool of myself, and he’s trying to let me down easy. My heart pounded with self-conscious dread. I struggled to keep the trembling from my voice. “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

“You don’t?”

My gaze drifted to the floor, and I considered crawling under the display case. A flush rose on my chest and worked its way up my throat. “Craig, I don’t — ”

“No worries,” he chirped. “I’ve just been rethinking that cupcake.”

He’d been talking about Angela, not me. Dizzy with relief, I grasped the counter to steady myself.

Craig appeared oblivious to my discomfort. “I know it’s last minute, but I want to alter the design.” He extended a hand toward me. “Pass me your drawing pad.”

Happy to have dodged the spotlight, I slid the pad and pencil across the counter, then twisted my head around to watch Craig work.

I squinted at the pad, perplexed, then stunned as his design took shape.

His sketch was clumsy, but I got the idea. “I can do that, but I suggest you have this one delivered.”

“Agreed, and since there’s no rush, do you have time to join me for coffee?”

Freed from guilt and self-doubt, I slipped the white apron over my head and stepped around the counter.

Over hazelnut cappuccinos and my hand-decorated gingerbread cookies, Craig explained what happened.

“When I refused to rush the wedding plans, Angela told me yet again to take a hike, and I finally saw what I’d been missing. To her, I’m the means to a fairytale wedding. I’m part of some idealized vision of herself, not a life partner. I should have seen the signs, but I got so drawn into keeping the romance going I didn’t notice.”

I’d seen those signs, but it still didn’t make sense for him to fall out of love so fast. “You cared about Angela. You didn’t fake that.”

Craig rocked his head. “After years of false starts, the idea that someone so beautiful and accomplished could care for me made me blind to Angela’s faults. My head wanted the perfect romance so badly, I didn’t recognize my heart wasn’t in it.”

“Angela’s heart wasn’t in it, either. She’s focused on other things. You deserve better.”

“I’m to blame, too. Love isn’t a series of silly gestures. You either feel it, or you don’t. Angela didn’t. I didn’t get that until I noticed how you looked at me yesterday. That, I said to myself, is how someone looks at the person they love.”

I lowered my face and pressed my fingers to my brows to hide my embarrassment. “Was I that obvious?”

“Then I’m not wrong?”

Willing away tears, I shook my head and raised my face to his. “I just want to get to know you better.”

“That’s all I’m asking.” He squeezed my hand. “Let’s start by making time for each other. Can you do dinner tonight?”

His eyes mirrored my longing, and his gentle touch held a promise of something genuine, a connection untainted by illusions. I didn’t want to wait until dinner time. The anticipation of sharing moments with Craig made me wish the afternoon away, but I had custom orders to complete, including his.

“That would be lovely.” I glanced over my shoulder at Gretchen bustling behind the counter. “I’d better get back to work.”

Craig kissed my cheek when we parted and promised to pick me up for dinner at seven.

Giddy but focused, I slipped into the gingerbread-scented kitchen, turned up the Christmas music, and popped a giant devil’s food cupcake into the oven. After studying Craig’s rough sketch, I fashioned a knapsack from almond paste and carved a cinnamon stick into a tiny hiking staff. When the cupcake cooled, I scooped out the insides to accommodate the surprise inside — Craig’s key to Angela’s apartment.

The giant confection was one of my best efforts, and I was glad I wouldn’t be on hand to watch its destruction. I comforted my inner artist by whipping up a small dessert cupcake for Craig. It was nothing fancy, no surprise inside, but I topped it with a sprig of plastic mistletoe that I’d be sure to put to good use.

Craig lowered the battered white Cupcakes and Coffee box to the counter.

“What on earth happened?”

The delicate filigree candy heart that once crowned the giant cupcake lay in bits. The surprise inside, peppermint conversation hearts, peeped from within a blob of pumpkin spice icing and red velvet cake.

Most mornings, I scrawled Craig’s name on a Café Americano cup and moved on to the next customer. His first cupcake order had allowed me to slow down and get to know him better, but the results weren’t what I’d hoped. As co-owner of Cupcakes and Coffee, wowing a new client is important to me. A smashed cupcake wasn’t a good start.

“It was our first Thanksgiving together. I wanted to make the day special, so I took Angela to our favorite restaurant and brought the cupcake along for dessert.”

“What a thoughtful idea.” Most single twenty-something guys would opt to stay in, watch football, and order a pizza. “Was she upset about having a cupcake for dessert? Did she have her heart set on pie?”

“Are you kidding?” He bobbed his chin at the mangled mess. “Her face lit up when she saw that cupcake. And when I told her there was a surprise inside, she could barely contain herself. All through dinner, she kept tossing out ideas about the surprise.”

I pictured his girlfriend’s eyes drawn to the giant cupcake, her excitement growing as she worked her way through the meal, eager to tear into the cupcake.

“When dessert time rolled around, Angela tore the cupcake apart, but when she got to the surprise…” He shook his head. “It didn’t work, Cassie. Instead of getting all romantic, she got mad.”

And took it out on my handiwork. “I guarantee my baked goods for freshness and flavor. They’re not a surefire love potion. Why do you think she got angry?”

Craig’s shoulders slumped. “She didn’t find what she wanted.”

I pictured the impatient girlfriend working herself up to the big reveal, then crashing when she realized all she was getting was a stupid cupcake and some candy. “I’m guessing she expected something extra special when you told her there was a surprise inside. Maybe a ring?”

He messaged his temple. “I should have realized. Now I feel like a jerk for disappointing her.”

Craig was good-looking enough with sandy brown hair and hazel eyes framed by dark lashes, but his most attractive feature was his genuine concern for the woman he believed he’d hurt.

“I’m sorry things didn’t work out. How can I make it up to you?”

“It’s not your fault. I’m not blaming you or looking for a refund or anything.” He rested his fingertips on the back of my hand.

His touch startled me, but in a pleasant way, like I’d received unexpected good news. The sudden fluttery sensation left me speechless.

Craig withdrew his hand. “December first is our annual company holiday party. Can you make an ‘I’m sorry I’m a clueless jerk’ cupcake?”

“You and Angela work together?”

“Yeah, but in different departments. Angela’s in marketing. I’m in accounting.”

Craig seemed more romantic than the average accountant and deserved a break. Though it might cost me a commission, I offered a suggestion. “Rather than create an apology cupcake, it might be simpler to get her the bling she expected.”

One corner of his mouth raised in a lopsided grin. “I told her I was saving up and planned to make the engagement ring her Christmas gift. She calmed down, but I ruined her Thanksgiving and want to make it up to her.”

“What a sweet guy.” I blanched when I realized I’d said it aloud and covered my embarrassment by pulling a pad and pencil from beneath the counter. I spoke in a brisk, business-like tone as I sketched. “We’ll do a teddy bear topper holding a large candy heart embossed with ‘I’m sorry.’ And the surprise inside will be a scroll saying IOU One Engagement Ring.”

“She’ll love it.” Craig’s grin expanded into a wide smile. The noon sun streaming in through the shop windows caught the gold flecks in his hazel eyes, making them seem to glow from within.

The effect caused an unexpected glow in me, too.

Craig didn’t seem to notice my adoring gaze. A cute guy like him was probably used to women gawking.

“When can I pick it up?”

I promised the apology cupcake would be ready by four on Thursday, the day before his company party.

He left, and my business partner, Gretchen, edged over to me. “What was that all about?”

I summarized. “Girlfriend expected a ring, got a cupcake instead, smashed same.”

Gretchen scowled. “That’s immature.”

“True, but we got another order out of it.”

“Sweet.”

***

I took up baking to relieve the stress from my divorce and surprised myself by having a knack for my new hobby. Baking involved all my senses and I lost myself in the aromas, flavors, and colors of the batters and frostings. Mostly, however, I enjoyed sharing the results.

Gretchen, another divorced twenty-something, joined the class at the same time, but for different reasons. Gretchen, I learned understood coffee. She knew the dozens of coffee bean species and would, if you didn’t run fast, describe the various ways to brew coffee and analyze its flavor profile.

Coffee excited Gretchen. Baking did not, but she figured cake and coffee went together and joined the class.

Gretchen had been awarded a bundle in her property settlement. I got a five-year-old Honda and some furniture. When my fellow student and new best friend suggested we open a cupcake and coffee shop, I wanted to go for it but hesitated. Turning my hobby into a career sounded intriguing but didn’t want to go into debt.

“It’ll take me time to scout locations, buy equipment, and arrange the business side,” Gretchen said. “Save what you can in the meantime.”

Swallowing my pride, I moved back in with my folks and worked full-time and part-time jobs until I’d saved enough. Within months, Cupcakes and Coffee was born. Since then, Gretchen and I had put in twelve-plus hours a day making our venture work. I saw every new client as an opportunity. Craig’s predicament was a special challenge.

After the noon rush the following Thursday, I left the counter to Gretchen and worked on the custom orders, giving extra attention to Craig’s reconciliation cupcake. While it baked, I molded the teddy bear topper and hand-lettered the rice paper IOU scroll with edible ink.

After the cake cooled, I scooped out the insides, inserted the ribbon-wrapped scroll, reassembled the cupcake, swirled on icing, and positioned the marzipan bear. Despite the sweet teddy bear smile, he looked forlorn.

Deciding he needed a festive touch, I plucked a red stocking cap from an elf awaiting placement on a baby shower cupcake. The bell at the cap’s tip gave a gentle jingle as I stretched it over the bear’s head.

Gretchen stepped into the kitchen. “That’s adorable.”

“It better work. Craig’s head over heels in love with this girl.”

“You aren’t getting all wrapped up in his personal business, are you?”

“No.” I waggled my head. “His first cupcake order turned into a disaster. He could have just chalked it up as a bad idea, but he came back. I don’t want to let him down.”

When Craig returned that afternoon, I glowed with pride as I showed off my creation.

“It’s perfect, but I wonder if the office party is the right place to present it? A more intimate setting might be nice,” I suggested.

“You’re right. I’ll try to get Angela off alone.”

“Good thinking.” I closed the box and tied a red bow around it. “I hope this does the trick.” That adorable cupcake and Craig’s golden-brown eyes could certainly melt my heart.

Angela, however, must have been made of sterner stuff because Craig returned on Monday morning with another bashed box. His sandy hair flopped into his eyes as we examined the mess inside.

He looked so defeated I had to fight the urge to brush the stray strands off his forehead. “What happened this time?”

“I gave Angela the cupcake at the office party but suggested we share it at her place Friday evening.”

For an accountant, this guy had first-rate romantic instincts. “Brilliant. You used the cupcake to get yourself back in the door.”

A self-satisfied grin flicked on, then off. “Angela raved over your design, especially the teddy bear. The little elf hat was a cute touch.”

“Thanks, but what about the scroll?”

“She loved it, made a big show of unrolling it and reading the message aloud.”

“I’m a little lost here. It sounds like your plan worked. What happened?”

“Over coffee at her place, I suggested a weekend getaway at my friend’s lakeside cabin.”

I flinched as an unexpected twinge of envy twisted my heart. I’d welcome a weekend holiday with anyone, and I sure wouldn’t turn down a last-minute getaway with a guy like Craig. “She didn’t like that idea?”

“She said she’d prefer a cruise.”

I wouldn’t turn that down, either. “Great idea. What did you say?”

“That I’m all for romance, but I’d have to save up for the cruise. I don’t want to start our life together in debt.”

“I’m with you. I wouldn’t even consider taking out a loan for this place. Running a business is tough enough without fretting over loan payments.”

“Exactly. How can you lose yourself in the moment when you’ve got money stuff nagging at you? I told Angela I loved the idea but wanted us to relax and enjoy ourselves. I promised to save for a cruise after I’d paid off her ring. She called me a loser and a cheapskate. I tried to explain, but she threw the box at me and told me to take a hike.”

Rage shuddered through me. “Did you leave? I would if someone told me to take a hike.”

“I can’t give up on Angela.” Craig’s tone became strained and tinged with sadness. “I got her to agree to give me another chance. We’re having dinner Friday night at her favorite Thai place.”

My heart ached for the guy. He tried so hard, but dinner wouldn’t be enough if this Angela person was anything like I thought she was. “Look, I’m just a baker, but maybe you should spring for the ring.”

He reared his head back. “Is a ring more important than time together?”

I wanted to tell him, no, but my inner entrepreneur screamed minefield. Setting aside my imaginary baker’s hat, I donned my diplomat’s bowler. “You’ve knocked yourself out on the romance angle.”

Craig reared back again, this time with a smile. “Do you think so?”

“I do, but it appears you’ve reached a point in your relationship where Angela needs a token, a tangible assurance of your devotion.”

His smile melted into an uncertain frown. “I assumed telling her how I felt was more important than a ring.”

“At least think about it.” And, while you’re at it, rethink your relationship. I left that part unsaid but tried to send the message telepathically.

His frown deepened. “Do you have time for a coffee?”

I blinked in surprise. Had my message gotten through? “You want to go for coffee?”

Craig shifted his eyes to the empty seating area. “We seem to be in a coffee shop.”

“Oh, sure.” Light-headed with anticipation, I untied my apron and stepped around the counter. But Craig wasn’t interested in a relationship with his cupcake lady.

He tented his fingers and leaned toward me at one of our white faux-wrought-iron bistro tables. “I appreciate you taking a few minutes. I’ve been bumbling around, upsetting Angela with silly gestures when I meant to sweep her off her feet. You seem to have a real grasp on her needs. Maybe you could get me moving in the right direction.”

Fearful the disappointment showed on my face, I was relieved when Gretchen buzzed to our table with two mugs.

“Try our cinnamon and maple spice latte. It’s a limited run, just for the holidays. Tell your friends.” She flitted off again.

Craig aimed a smile at her back and wrapped his hands around the mug. The steam wreathed his face in a cinnamon-scented mist. “In college, I was all about grades, then I worked forty-plus hours a week while studying for my CPA exams. The few girlfriends I’ve had got tired of competing for my attention.” A wistful sigh escaped him as he recalled those fleeting romances. “When Angela came into my life, I promised I wouldn’t let my career overshadow love again.”

That’s why he’s so committed to the romance angle. “What is it about Angela that attracted you?” Maybe I’d learn something to put me in the running.

“For starters, she’s gorgeous.”

Darn. Out already.

“And smart. She’s creative and has a knack for getting people to see things her way.”

It’s certainly working on you. How to phrase this next question diplomatically? “Would you say Angela is concerned with appearances?”

Craig nodded. “She works hard at making a good impression and even gives me tips.”

“On what to wear?”

He leveled an index finger at me. “Exactly. She got on me for still dressing like a college kid at the office. Everyone at work says I’m lucky to have her.”

That was debatable, but it gave me insight into their disconnect. “It’s not that Angela doesn’t value your time together. She wants to let the world know you’re officially a couple. What better way than to sport an engagement ring to post on social media for everyone to see?”

His brow knit in contemplation. As the furrows smoothed away, his gaze transformed from a somber puzzle to a canvas of pure joy. “Of course! I should have realized that. When I get to the office today, I’ll suggest we go ring shopping after lunch tomorrow.”

“That will certainly get her attention.”

He reached across the table, covered my hands with his, and squeezed. “Thank you for helping me see this from Angela’s perspective.”

My gaze dropped to our intertwined hands. I stifled a sigh and retrieved one hand to raise the coffee mug to my lips. “Glad I could help.”

***

I didn’t intend to spy on Craig and Angela, but Gretchen wanted a Christmas tree for the shop.

“Just a small one,” she said. We were sharing coffee in the kitchen, our morning ritual before opening. “We’ll set it on a corner table and put our branded travel mugs, teapots, and that sort of thing around it. Are the cupcake ornaments ready?”

“The clay is painted and ready for sealer. I’ll do that in a minute, so they’ll have time to dry by the end of the day.”

“Super. How about I hold down the fort this afternoon while you shop for a tree? You’ve got a better eye than I do.”

After the lunch rush, I pulled on a knit cap and wound a scarf right up to my nose, but the brisk December wind stung my cheeks during the four-block walk to Engle’s Housewares and Home Decor. As I reached the entrance, I glanced down the sidewalk and spotted a familiar face outside Downtown Classic Jewelry.

Beneath my scarf, my jaw dropped. Craig and a willowy brunette stood at the display window, laughing.

Curious, I shuffled further down the sidewalk toward the jewelry shop, pretending to be fascinated by the small appliances displayed in Engle’s window.

Craig spoke to the woman I presumed to be Angela. “Which one’s your favorite?”

“I love that setting, but the stone should be at least three carats.” Her tone was light but resolute.

“Three? Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer a smaller stone with a better cut?” Craig sounded concerned but not angry.

Angela laughed, a light tinkling sound. “You’re going all cheap on me again. Don’t you want people to know we’re engaged?”

“Of course, I do.”

“If they need a magnifying glass to see my ring, that defeats the purpose.”

“We could just tell them, Angela.”

The laugh returned but sounded forced this time. “Go big or go home, I say.”

I groaned. Aloud. Fearing I’d caught their attention, I slipped into Engle’s to select a tree from their holiday décor section.

Gretchen would say it was none of my business, but the couple’s chat convinced me Craig’s relationship with Angela was a mistake. He deserved someone who valued love over appearances. Perhaps a small business owner who worked hard to earn a buck and wanted nothing more than a sympathetic ear at the end of a long day.

Knock it off. He’s a customer, and Gretchen would most definitely not approve.

By the time I paid for the tree and a cute copper cookie-cutter star to use as a topper, my thoughts had moved past the Craig and Angela show. With my mind focused on tree-decorating, I didn’t notice them strolling arm-in-arm down the sidewalk and stepped into their path as I left Engle’s Housewares.

Angela’s green eyes narrowed, and I suspected she was about to tell me to watch my step, but Craig spoke first.

“Cassie, what are you doing here?”

Hoping my wind-burned cheeks disguised my blush, I raised my Engle’s shopping bag waist-high. “We needed a tabletop tree for the shop.”

Craig touched Angela’s arm. “Honey, this is Cassie Jordan. She made those cupcakes I bought you.”

Amusement replaced the annoyance in Angela’s eyes. “Those adorable little things? How sweet.”

“Delicious too.” I knew she hadn’t tasted a crumb.

Her smile faltered. “Craig says you own the shop.”

“Cupcakes and Coffee. It’s not far. Please stop in sometime.”

“We will.” Angela slid her arm through Craig’s. “We were picking out an engagement ring.”

“Well, we were sharing ideas for a ring,” Craig said.

Angela’s posture stiffened, but her smile remained. “We can’t wait too long if we’re going to announce our engagement on Christmas Eve, babe.”

Craig tilted his head to catch her eyes. “When did we decide that?”

She cranked up the wattage on her smile. “It just seems right, don’t you think?”

I don’t know why I said what I did next. Maybe it was a forgotten dream from before my failed marriage.

“You could propose under the mistletoe.” I raised a gloved forefinger to my chapped lips and envisioned the scene. “Slide the ring on her finger, then make the big announcement right there under the mistletoe.”

Angela’s eyes sparkled. “I’ll have the photographer from the office set up the shot. We’ll share it on social media, then make the photo into ‘save the date’ postcards.”

Craig’s frown deepened. “But we haven’t set a date.”

“There’s plenty of time to plan a June wedding,” Angela said.

Craig’s eyes grew wide, and his arms dropped to his side. “This coming June? Our families haven’t even met yet.”

“They’ll meet at the rehearsal dinner. And that cruise we discussed can be our honeymoon.”

From looking at rings to a June wedding and honeymoon cruise in under five minutes. No wonder an easy-going guy like Craig got swept up by this whirlwind of a woman.

He ran a gloved hand through his hair. “That’s a lot to plan and save for in six months. We’ll talk about it.”

Angela clutched Craig’s arm and pulled herself close to his side. “Nice to meet you, Cassie. Thanks for the mistletoe idea. It’s a winner.”

“Glad I could help.” I turned into the wind and trudged back to the shop.

***

“I’m telling you, Gretchen, that woman isn’t right for a Steady-Eddie like Craig.”

We’d cranked up the holiday music and closed the shop for the day. I hung pastel-colored clay cupcake ornaments on our little white Christmas tree while Gretchen draped lights in the shop’s windows.

“Maybe she’s exactly what he needs to keep from becoming a big old bore of an accountant.”

“I’d agree if she compromised, met him halfway, but she strikes me as a my-way-or-the-highway kind of woman.”

Gretchen plugged in the lights and then fluffed a white tablecloth around the tree’s base. “What does it matter as long as he keeps buying his coffee here?”

When I didn’t answer, Gretchen stopped fussing with the tablecloth. “Why are you so interested?”

I hesitated, caught in a swirl of thoughts, unable to articulate the emotions that tugged at my heart.

Gretchen gripped my arms and turned me to face her. Her tone softened, laden with a mixture of caution and genuine care. “Are you falling for this Craig guy?”

I shrugged from her grasp. “He’s sweet. A little nerdy, but I like that.”

“Bad idea, Cassie. If you break them up, she’ll bad-mouth our shop all over town. She sounds like the type.”

“I don’t want to break them up. I want Craig to realize they’re not right for each other.”

Gretchen scrunched up her face. “How is that different?”

“It means I’m not talking about getting into a relationship with Craig.”

“Good.” She gave the tablecloth a final fluff. “Let’s go in the back and get the gift items to display around the tree.

***

We opened the shop in a snowstorm the following day. Business was sparse, and my thoughts went to Craig and the weekend getaway Angela had rejected.

Our laughter harmonized with the crunch of snow under our boots as we strolled through a forest of aromatic pines, their scent dancing on the crisp air. Sipping marshmallow-topped hot chocolates, our breaths misted in the frosty air, mingling with shared laughter and easy conversation. We kicked at snowdrifts with our fur-lined boots, leaving a trail of clumsy footsteps behind us. And then, amidst the gentle snowfall and the serene landscape, our gazes met, lingering in an unspoken language. In that tender moment, under the soft veil of snowflakes, our lips drew closer, bridging the gap between friendship and something more.

A customer clamoring for espresso interrupted my fantasy.

Though the day remained blustery and gray, the snow eased up, and traffic improved. Toward the end of a meager lunch rush, Craig and Angela blew in, trailed by swirling flakes.

I nudged Gretchen with an elbow to the ribs.

She spun from the register. “What?”

I unfurled my most welcoming smile. “Craig, Angela. Thanks for stopping in on such a rotten day.”

“It is foul, isn’t it?” Craig said. “Two cinnamon and maple spice lattes, please.”

Gretchen jumped to fill their order.

While the couple waited, I folded my hands on the counter. “Did you settle on a ring?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Angela’s smile beamed like a well-lit billboard, while Craig seemed caught in a fog of indecision.

“We’ve selected a design,” he said. “We’re still discussing the stone.”

Angela shook her head and rolled her eyes.

Gretchen swooped in with their lattes, filling the air with a spicy-sweet scent. “Enjoy and don’t forget to like us on all your social media channels.”

Angela gave a knowing smirk. “I’ll do more than that. I’m in marketing and understand the importance of authentic reviews.”

Gretchen bounced on her over-caffeinated toes. “Thank you. If you have questions about our products or services, please ask.”

The happy couple took their coffees to a table where they sat and sipped with heads close. Angela was a stunner. She had the slender figure and erect posture of a runway model. Her porcelain skin and green eyes added a fragile touch that softened her assertive bearing, making her more approachable.

I’m short, and thanks to my new passion for baked goods, roundish. My hair, I determined, was better than hers. Gingery waves had to be more alluring than glossy brunette strands, right?

Nice try, but the laughter drifting from their table filled me with aching disappointment. I slunk to the kitchen to fetch goodies to refill the display case. When I returned five minutes later, Craig sat alone with his eyes focused on his cup.

I shot Gretchen a questioning glance.

She sidled up to me and helped refill the case. “Big blow up,” she whispered. “I couldn’t hear the entire conversation, but Angela told Craig to take a hike, then stormed out.”

As I slipped around the counter and headed toward Craig, Gretchen shook her head and made a slashing gesture across her throat.

“Another coffee?” I asked.

Craig blinked at me. “No thanks. I have to get back to the office.” He dropped his gaze to the empty cup. “You know what I would like, though?”

He didn’t object when I settled into the chair opposite him.

“What would you like?” I asked.

“Angela and me under the mistletoe without an audience, twenty-carat diamond, or paparazzi. No symbols, grand gestures, or photo opportunities. Is that too much to ask?”

The urge to take his hand nearly overpowered me, but I caught myself in time and let my palm rest on his wrist. “Maybe you two need more time.”

“We’ve been going together for almost a year.”

“A year isn’t really that long.”

He shifted in his seat and studied the tabletop. “Maybe I’m being impatient, but I knew Angela was the one the moment I met her. It felt right, you know?”

I probed gently. “And does she feel the same?”

A heavy sigh escaped Craig, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his uncertainty. “I thought she did, but perhaps it’s what I wanted to see.”

Well, that’s something. Still, I hated seeing him upset and struggled to cheer him up. “Are you two that far apart? You want a quiet kiss under the mistletoe. She wants to proclaim your love to the world. Your starting points are different, but you end up together. Isn’t that all that matters?”

The tension left Craig’s shoulders. “You’re right. This engagement thing is just a speed bump. We’ve got a lifetime together. A few jolts are inevitable.”

I squeezed his wrist, then withdrew my hand. “That’s the spirit. Focus on the areas where you agree and compromise on the others.”

Craig squinted and stared deep into my eyes as if searching for something. “You always say the right thing. Everyone else just tells me I’m lucky to have her or go with the flow. You really seem to understand.”

My lips parted, but I couldn’t tell him the truth. He loved Angela and wouldn’t want to hear they were in for more than a few jolts, no matter how much compromising he did.

Craig popped up from his seat so suddenly I jerked back from the table.

“I’ll make the first move by getting Angela the ring she wants. Thanks for your help, Cassie.” He pulled a bill from his wallet, tossed it on the table, and strode out into the flurries.

I stared at the money on the table. A tip. He’d left me a flipping tip.

“Glad I could help,” I said to no one.

Elvis Presley crooned “Blue Christmas” as Craig disappeared into the gray afternoon.

***

The week dragged on. The weather and sales of our gift items improved which put Gretchen in high spirits. Until the following Thursday.

We were in the back, taking our break before opening the shop. Gretchen had her phone out but paused her scrolling to shriek, “That arrogant witch!”

“What?”

“Listen to this. ‘Cupcakes and Coffee is an adorable little shop offering baked goods and coffee at reasonable prices.’”

“What’s wrong with that?”

She continued. “‘The coffee is so-so, but the atmosphere is friendly. Worth a visit.’ So-so! She called my coffee so-so.”

“Who did?”

“Angela. What’s his face’s girlfriend.”

“Craig’s Angela?”

She shoved her phone at me. “She gave us three stars and called my coffee so-so.”

I shrugged. “Three stars are better than one, and she said we’re friendly.”

Gretchen would not be pacified. She muttered under her breath throughout the morning rush. When Craig appeared for his usual takeaway Café Americano, she grunted in my direction but refused to look at him.

I did and with a growing longing. For the first time, I admitted my objection to Angela was petty selfishness. I was falling for Craig, enchanted by his awkward attempts at romance, nerdy practicality, and eager trust in the woman who poured his coffee.

I wished away my growing shame. “You’re looking chipper today. Did you and Angela come to an agreement?”

“Better than that.” Craig pulled a black velvet box from an inside jacket pocket and set it on the counter between us. Wearing a sheepish grin, he popped the lid. A princess-cut diamond solitaire blazed in the overhead lights from within the crimson-lined box. “I’ve planned a party at my place Saturday night, complete with mistletoe, just like you suggested.”

My heart and head swam. “Beautiful.”

“Since you helped me express myself, I’d like you to take me through the next step and put this in a giant cupcake. Can you do that?”

“Absolutely,” I said with an enthusiasm I didn’t feel. “And to ensure Angela is clear about what’s inside, I’ll shape the topper like a diamond ring. Oh, as this is your third order, you get ten percent off.”

Craig reached across the counter and cupped a hand around my upper arm, sending chills down my spine. “You’ve been a real encouragement.”

His touch ignited a flurry of emotions and sent a blush spreading across my cheeks. Our eyes locked in an electric moment, a silent connection crackling between us.

“I’m glad I could help,” I murmured, my gaze softening into a dreamy mist.

Craig’s hand dropped from my arm, and he studied me intently. His lips parted.

I leaned in closer to catch his words.

Gretchen slammed two takeout cups on the counter between us.

“Two cinnamon and maple spice lattes for you and your fiancée as thanks for her fantastic review.” Gretchen spoke through clenched teeth, making her words come out in a snarl. “Thank her for taking the time.”

Oblivious to the sarcasm, Craig gathered a cup in each hand.

After a long moment, I cleared my throat. “Come back with the ring at four tomorrow. Can you wait while I place the ring box and frost the cupcake?”

“Waiting’s no problem. I’m a patient guy.”

Unexpected, unwelcome tears filled my eyes, making Craig appear out of focus.

He tilted his head and frowned. “Are you okay, Cassie? You look a little tired.”

“I’m excited for you.” I couldn’t tell him how I really felt. Not on the eve of him sealing the deal with the woman he loved.

“You don’t put this much effort into every cupcake order, do you?”

Was my mooning that obvious? “Your situation is special.”

Craig rocked his head. “It’s nice you think so. Anyway, I’m grateful. You’ve given me a lot to think about.” He winked and stepped into the December afternoon, his plaid scarf flapping in the frosty breeze.

Watching his lean form disappear, I pictured the scene.

We’d lift the lid on the Cupcakes and Coffee box together, then shove cake and frosting aside until we found the ring box. He’d open it, get down on one knee, and slip the ring on my finger. We’d laugh as I pulled him to his feet, then we’d embrace and kiss under the mistletoe. Somewhere in the room, unseen, Angela ordered the photographer to make sure she got the Christmas tree in the shot.

The next day, I helped Gretchen at the counter until two, then ducked into the kitchen to work on the engagement cupcake. I spooned the fluffy angel food batter into an oversized mold, smoothed the top with the flat end of my spatula, and then popped the giant cupcake into the oven.

The kitchen filled with a warm, sugary aroma as it baked. While the cupcake cooled, I molded the topper but couldn’t focus.

Gretchen slipped into the kitchen for more croissants. “What’s wrong? You’ve been working on that thing for an hour.”

“I can’t get the facets on the ring right.”

She draped an arm around my shoulders. “You’re sure that’s all?”

I shrugged her arm away. “It’s not what you think. Craig is a sweet guy. He’s considerate and down to earth. Angela’s selfish and unappreciative.”

“You’ll get no argument from me, but Craig’s relationships aren’t your problem. He’s a customer. Just give him what he wants. It’s his funeral.”

“You mean wedding?”

“With that woman? Same thing. And there’s a bright side. He’ll for sure hire you to make the wedding cake.”

I set my wounded feelings aside and got back to work, but my thoughts drifted to Craig rather than the project, and I kept messing up the facets. I moaned in frustration when Gretchen interrupted me to say I had a customer.

Craig waited at the counter wearing his goofy, lopsided smile.

I stammered an apology. “Sorry. Your order isn’t ready yet.”

“No problem. I just have a question for you.”

I offered a tentative smile, curious about what was on his mind.

“Have you ever looked at a person and seen them in a whole new light?”

My smile faltered, sensing a shift in the conversation. “What do you mean?”

“Like you think you know a person, then one day you notice things. Little things.”

The hairs on my arm quivered, certain he was referring to my misty eyes and feelings I’d inadvertently revealed the day before.

“Like what things?” My throat constricted, making my words high-pitched.

“The way they look at you. Their tone of voice. The offhand comments. And when all the little things come together like puzzle pieces, the picture isn’t what you imagined it would be.”

I’ve made a fool of myself, and he’s trying to let me down easy. My heart pounded with self-conscious dread. I struggled to keep the trembling from my voice. “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re getting at.”

“You don’t?”

My gaze drifted to the floor, and I considered crawling under the display case. A flush rose on my chest and worked its way up my throat. “Craig, I don’t — ”

“No worries,” he chirped. “I’ve just been rethinking that cupcake.”

He’d been talking about Angela, not me. Dizzy with relief, I grasped the counter to steady myself.

Craig appeared oblivious to my discomfort. “I know it’s last minute, but I want to alter the design.” He extended a hand toward me. “Pass me your drawing pad.”

Happy to have dodged the spotlight, I slid the pad and pencil across the counter, then twisted my head around to watch Craig work.

I squinted at the pad, perplexed, then stunned as his design took shape.

His sketch was clumsy, but I got the idea. “I can do that, but I suggest you have this one delivered.”

“Agreed, and since there’s no rush, do you have time to join me for coffee?”

Freed from guilt and self-doubt, I slipped the white apron over my head and stepped around the counter.

Over hazelnut cappuccinos and my hand-decorated gingerbread cookies, Craig explained what happened.

“When I refused to rush the wedding plans, Angela told me yet again to take a hike, and I finally saw what I’d been missing. To her, I’m the means to a fairytale wedding. I’m part of some idealized vision of herself, not a life partner. I should have seen the signs, but I got so drawn into keeping the romance going I didn’t notice.”

I’d seen those signs, but it still didn’t make sense for him to fall out of love so fast. “You cared about Angela. You didn’t fake that.”

Craig rocked his head. “After years of false starts, the idea that someone so beautiful and accomplished could care for me made me blind to Angela’s faults. My head wanted the perfect romance so badly, I didn’t recognize my heart wasn’t in it.”

“Angela’s heart wasn’t in it, either. She’s focused on other things. You deserve better.”

“I’m to blame, too. Love isn’t a series of silly gestures. You either feel it, or you don’t. Angela didn’t. I didn’t get that until I noticed how you looked at me yesterday. That, I said to myself, is how someone looks at the person they love.”

I lowered my face and pressed my fingers to my brows to hide my embarrassment. “Was I that obvious?”

“Then I’m not wrong?”

Willing away tears, I shook my head and raised my face to his. “I just want to get to know you better.”

“That’s all I’m asking.” He squeezed my hand. “Let’s start by making time for each other. Can you do dinner tonight?”

His eyes mirrored my longing, and his gentle touch held a promise of something genuine, a connection untainted by illusions. I didn’t want to wait until dinner time. The anticipation of sharing moments with Craig made me wish the afternoon away, but I had custom orders to complete, including his.

“That would be lovely.” I glanced over my shoulder at Gretchen bustling behind the counter. “I’d better get back to work.”

Craig kissed my cheek when we parted and promised to pick me up for dinner at seven.

Giddy but focused, I slipped into the gingerbread-scented kitchen, turned up the Christmas music, and popped a giant devil’s food cupcake into the oven. After studying Craig’s rough sketch, I fashioned a knapsack from almond paste and carved a cinnamon stick into a tiny hiking staff. When the cupcake cooled, I scooped out the insides to accommodate the surprise inside — Craig’s key to Angela’s apartment.

The giant confection was one of my best efforts, and I was glad I wouldn’t be on hand to watch its destruction. I comforted my inner artist by whipping up a small dessert cupcake for Craig. It was nothing fancy, no surprise inside, but I topped it with a sprig of plastic mistletoe that I’d be sure to put to good use.