Chapter 2

My girl needed a walk before I got sucked into work for the day. She used to get them in the early mornings, but we both preferred to sleep until the last possible moment so she was just as glad as I was that we got extra time. Pippa trotted into the living room with the sweater my friend Maddie had knitted her clutched in her mouth. When it got this cold—the weather app said it was only fifteen degrees this morning—I always gave her a little extra protection. She refused to wear the booties I’d gotten her to protect her feet, but she was fine with the fuzzy purple sweater. I’d take what I could get and keep the walk short.

Pippa sat like a good dog and lifted her paws so I could pull on the sweater and get it zipped up, only giving an impatient huff as I fiddled with her harness to get it to fit comfortably over the sweater. Once she was set, she trotted to the door and sat patiently while I bundled up.

Two circles of the block later, we were back inside. She’d done her business, I’d cleaned it up, and we were both chilled to the bone. It hadn’t snowed overnight, but we’d had a good amount fall over the past week. Though sidewalks and roads were clear, it was piled on lawns and curbs, which gave everything a hushed, winter wonderland feeling.

I hummed a Christmas carol as I got myself and Pippa out of our outerwear. Then flicked on the twinkle lights so the tree lit up. With just four days left until Christmas, I wanted all cheer all the time. Another bonus of working from my bungalow was that I got to be surrounded by all my decorations and holiday cheer twenty-four-seven.

I loved the holiday season. Absolutely loved it. Starting with Thanksgiving and going straight through to New Year’s. It made me happy in a way few other things did. And this year, because of limited socialization, I went all out in my home. The tree—though fake, it looked nearly real—was packed full of every ornament I owned and a bunch more that I’d ordered over the past couple of months. I had mistletoe hanging in the doorway and boughs of holly and evergreen strategically placed. Twinkle lights on the tree and draped on walls. Scented candles to bring in the smells of the season as well as give my place a warm glow, and other battery-operated ones to add to the feeling.

But my pride and joy was my gingerbread people collection. I had tons of ornaments depicting the cookies in various activities, but it didn’t stop there. I had ceramic and porcelain figurines placed in various spots, stuffies that had a place of honor in my wide window ledge and on the couch, and glasses, mugs, and tableware that I used exclusively throughout the month. I thought they were adorable, and I couldn’t resist adding to my collection if I saw something that caught my eye.

I let out a little sigh as I raked my gaze through the room. It just made me happy and content to see all the decorations. Pleased and joyous, I tapped my phone until my Christmas playlist filled the air, and got down to work.

* * * *

Somehow, Mr. Campbell had accidentally scheduled himself for two meetings at the same time, one in person and one online. I was in the process of sorting out that mess and trying to reschedule when Pippa lifted her head and let out one, single booming bark. Two seconds later, the doorbell rang. I jumped up and tried to beat her to the door, but of course, she was faster than me. I pushed her back and snapped my fingers.

“Go lay down.” A lot of people were afraid of pits, and I didn’t want to scare whoever was at the door. At least not at first. I didn’t generally get door to door salespeople or a missionary, and certainly not during fifteen degree weather when it was still practice to socially distance.

I peeked through the window beside the door and saw someone holding a familiar-looking box. Or at least the logo on top of the white box was familiar. I knew the rainbow and the script, but what I couldn’t figure out was why someone I didn’t know was standing on my porch holding said box.

Cautiously, I opened the door, and the young man gave me a bright smile. “Cody Schaefer?”

“That’s me,” I confirmed, still keeping the door between us, only cracked wide enough to see each other clearly.

“Delivery. Enjoy!”

I took the box he practically shoved at me, and returned his wave. But I was confused. I hadn’t ordered anything from Pounds and Grounds, so this had to be sent from someone. But who? There was only one way to find out.