Cody Schaefer loves the Christmas season and a benefit to working from home means that he gets to be surrounded by his decoration collections all the time. And as a bonus, he starts getting deliveries from a local café containing holiday treats flavored with gingerbread. The notes aren’t signed, but they clearly come from someone who knows him.<br><br>Out of all of Cody’s friends, Jason van Buren is the only one level-headed about the mysterious treats, and Cody begins talking to him daily. Cody enjoys their chats, and the two men grow closer. One Christmas Eve, no delivery appears. But Jason shows up on his doorstep, ready to back gingerbread cookies. It’s then Cody realizes just who is behind the deliveries. And perhaps, Cody will get Jason as his Christmas gift this year.

Gingerbread and Good Tidings

“Pounds and Grounds, this is Joshua. How may I help you?”


“Hi. My name is Cody Schaefer. I just received a delivery.”


Joshua made a small, distressed sound. “Was there something wrong? Taylor was careful with the cheesecake, wasn’t he?”


And the last bit of worry melted away. “Oh, no. He was very careful and it arrived in perfect condition. I just want to make sure it was actually from your café.” And then realizing how that sounded, and not wanting to accuse anyone of anything, I quickly added, “I wasn’t aware you had gingerbread cheesecake, is all.”


Joshua laughed. “It’s new this season. With so much of our business being delivery instead of in person, our head baker has been experimenting. I hope you enjoy it.”


“I’m sure I will. Thanks so much!”


Chapter 4