Festive Romance Unfolds

Chapter 3 Meet the Lovers

The late morning sun streamed through frosty windows as Ginger Snickerdoodle frantically attempted to perfect her gingerbread house. Her green cable-knit sweater hugged her arms, and red mittens dangled from her wrists, adding a touch of festive cheer to her determined expression. Flour-dusted surfaces and the sweet aroma of gingerbread filled her cozy kitchen.

“Just a pinch more cinnamon,” Ginger muttered, reaching for the spice rack. Her elbow caught the edge of a mixing bowl, sending it flying onto the counter with a resounding clatter. A cloud of flour erupted, settling over her like snowfall. She stood frozen for a moment, a floury ghost of herself before a peal of laughter escaped her lips.

“Well, that’s one way to get a white Christmas,” she said, wiping her face with the back of her hand. Flour streaked through her curly red hair, giving it the appearance of candy cane swirls. She brushed her hands together, creating tiny flour flurries, and surveyed the mess. “Grandma would have a conniption.”

Her thoughts drifted to her grandmother’s small-town bakery, where she’d spent countless hours learning the craft. The memories were warm and comforting, like a fresh-baked cookie, but they also brought a pang of anxiety. The Holiday Bake-Off was only a week away, and Ginger’s past…