Marzipan fidgets, nervously, thinking on the best way to respond. "That was ten years ago. I'm not that person anymore. I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."

  Though Howard is a jovial man, he's also a hard man. Marzipan isn't sure how this conversation is going to go. After a beat of silence, Howard finally says, "Okay, I can give you a junior reporter position. Will that work for ya?"

  It's a downgrade from her former job at the paper in Sugarvale but, at this point, she'll take what she can get. "Thank you so much, Howard! That sounds great."

  Howard claps his hands. "Great! Your first assignment is a missing persons case. Levi's wife reported him missing this morning. We need someone to cover it."

  Goosebumps break out over Marzipan's skin followed by a wave of anger. She just saw Levi yesterday. The anger stems from him hitting on her while he is married, but the goosebumps speak to something deeper.

  Fear.

  What are the odds of a person she was in an altercation with her second day back in town going missing?

  Setting her fears aside, Marzipan smiles. "I guess I'll go conduct interviews. Thank you so much, Howard, for giving me another chance."

  Howard's face softens slightly. Clearing his throat, he says, "Well you were always my best reporter."

  Marzipan leaves the office, feeling relieved to have a job. She rushes home to grab her recorder and notebook before heading to the police station to get as much information as she can.

  The police give her a surprising amount of information for an open case. They didn't seem very worried about Levi at all. He must have left a bad taste in the mouth of many townsfolk.

  After speaking to the police, she goes to the bar he was last seen at to talk to the employees and any willing patrons.

  "Like I told the police, he left here 'round midnight," Malone, the old bartender says as he wipes down glasses. "He was drunk off his ass. Had to cut him off. He wasn't too happy about it. Good riddance, if ya ask me."

  "Thank you, Malone. Do you mind if I speak with the patrons? Were any of them here last night?"

  Malone shrugs. "Jasper and Gin were both here. You can talk to them."

  He points to two men Marzipan went to high school with sitting in the corner by the fire nursing large mugs of beer. Marzipan heads over and the men look up.

  "Jasper, look who the cat's dragged in! Long time no see Marzipan. How ya been?"

  Jasper smiles up at her. He was always the calm to Gin's storm.

  "I've been doing well, Gin. How about you both?"

  "We've been doing great!" Gin holds up his hand to show a gold band. "Finally convinced Jasper here to tie the knot about five years ago."

  Jasper rolls his eyes like he's exasperated with this version of their story.

  "Congratulations! I'm happy for you both." Marzipan smiles down at the two of them feeling genuinely happy to hear they're still together after all these years.

  "What can we do for you, Marzipan?" Jasper finally speaks in that deep gravelly voice of his.

  "Malone said you both were here last night when Levi was. I was just wondering if I could ask you a few questions."

  "Of course! Sit, sit!" Gin pulls out a chair for Marzipan.

  "There's not much to tell," Jasper starts, unprompted. "He got drunk as usual. Tried to start a fight with half the people in here. Threw a chair and then Malone kicked him out. Said he was cut off."

  Gin nods. "Yeah, that was a standard night for Levi."

  "He didn't actually get into a fight? You didn't see him leave with anyone?"

  They both shake their heads. "Maybe there was someone waiting for him at his car." Marzipan says this more to herself than the two men.

  "Wouldn't surprise me. That man rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. And his poor wife. Always felt bad for her." Gin looks solemn.

  "Do you happen to know where they live?"

  "Down licorice lane. White house at the end," Jasper tells her.

  "I think I'll go see if she'll talk to me."

  Before she can stand to leave, Jasper lays his hand on her arm. "I'm glad you're back, Marzipan." He hesitates for just a moment, like he's not sure if he should say something. "I know things weren't easy for you here and you needed to leave. But I want you to know, Cane was real torn up when you left. If you don't plan to stay, don't play with that man's heart. He's one of the good ones."

  Marzipan nods as Jasper drops his hand. She knows Cane is a good one. He's the best man she knows. It tore her to shreds when she left, too. Jasper must see something on her face because he smiles and nods as she leaves.

  Cane has had her heart for as long as she can remember. He's always protected it. She'll protect his too.

  Let It Snow

  Cane was reckless last night. Having Marzipan back in town had filled him with such joy and excitement, he didn't plan like he usually does for his baking. He would rectify that tonight.

  He sits in his car in the snow covered parking lot watching the Sugarvale newspaper building while eating a ham and cheese croissant he brought from the bakery. The sky has turned into an inky black as he sits here. Impatience begins to take over. What would cause Denver Fondant to stay in his office so late?

  After sitting in the icy lot for another half hour, Denver finally leaves the building, but he's not alone. Hanging off his arm giggling is a young pixie stick woman. He keeps an eye on the couple with one eye while flipping through the newspaper website's employee photos with another. He stops on a photo of Poppy Peppermint, the head of HR. That's why she didn't take Marzipan's complaint seriously. She's sleeping with Denver.

  Cane watches the couple through narrowed eyes as Denver walks Poppy to her car. After closing her door for her, he heads over to his own car, starting the engine and pulling out of the lot after Poppy. Cane follows Denver at a safe distance, two cars back and one lane to the right so he won't be spotted. Denver drives for about fifteen minutes before pulling into a nice condominium complex called Sugarcane Heights.

  Cane sneers at the building. This will be more difficult than his other jobs. He won't be able to take him from his home. Cane has already spotted three cameras in the parking lot. There's no telling how many are inside.

  Sighing, Cane decides to head home for the night. He will need to come up with another plan. The drive back is around an hour. He taps his hands on the steering wheel to the beat of Christmas Canon Rock. When he's about halfway back, his phone rings. Marzipan's name comes across his dash, and he hurries to answer it.

  "Hey Marzy, how was your day? Did Howard give you a job?" Cane likes Howard, but if he denied Marzipan a job, Cane won't hesitate to add him to his list.

  "Junior reporter," Marzipan says, softly, like she's embarrassed about the role but also pleased to have one.

  Cane pauses for a moment, deciding what to say. "I'm glad he hired you. I'm sure you can work your way back to a senior role. You were always an amazing reporter. Only reason I ever read the newspaper."

  Marzipan laughs. "He already gave me an assignment. I'm writing a piece on Levi's disappearance... Did—did you hear about that?"

  "No," Cane sounds surprised. "Levi is missing?"

  "Yeah, I interviewed some people at the bar and his wife. He doesn't seem to be well liked in the area."

  Does she sound suspicious? Cane shakes his head. No, he's just being paranoid, thinking too much.

  "He wasn't a nice man. Became even nastier when he drank. Rumors were he beat his wife, but no one could ever prove anything and she never reported."

  "Honestly, she seemed relieved he was gone but she tried to play the concerned wife."

  Life is all about the facade. "When's your story coming out?"

  "It'll be in tomorrow's paper. I just submitted it to Howard."

  Cane smacks his hand on the steering wheel. "Then we should go out and celebrate your first story since you've been back in town. How about we go out tomorrow night? We can go to Marmalade Peaks."

  "Oh! Isn't that place expensive? We can celebrate somewhere else."

  "Nonsense! Only the best for my best girl."

  "Okay." Cane can hear the smile in her voice. "Seven o'clock work?"

  "I'll see you then." Cane hangs up a huge smile on his face. The night wasn't a total loss. He has a date with Marzipan tomorrow night, and he wouldn't let the opportunity pass like he did all those years ago.

  Cane turns the music up and sings along as he drives down the snowy highway, back to the life he always wanted.

  ​

  Missing Gumdrop Glen Man Last Seen Downtown

  BY MARZIPAN MEADOWS — Gumdrop Glen Gazette

  Levi Wilkins, a lifelong resident of Gumdrop Glen, was reported missing late Saturday evening after failing to return home from the Peppermint Pines Tavern.

  According to patrons and staff, Wilkins was last seen shortly before midnight. Bartender Malone confirmed Wilkins had been asked to leave the establishment after becoming intoxicated and disruptive. No altercation was reported, and Wilkins exited the premises alone.

  Police officials stated there is currently no evidence of foul play. "At this time, there are no signs to suggest Mr. Wilkins was harmed," a spokesperson said. "Adults leave town unexpectedly more often than people realize."

  Wilkins’ wife reported him missing the following morning. She declined to comment in detail, stating only that her husband had not informed her of any travel plans and she hopes he's safe.

  While Wilkins was a familiar presence in town, many residents described him as difficult. Several business owners noted repeated disturbances involving alcohol, though no formal complaints were ever filed. Rumors of domestic troubles circulated quietly over the years, but no reports were made to local authorities, and no charges were ever brought.

  "People talk," one resident said, requesting anonymity. "But talking isn’t proof."

  Friends of the Wilkins family described Levi as "complicated" and "misunderstood," though few could recall close relationships outside of the tavern crowd.

  Police have asked anyone with information regarding Wilkins’ whereabouts to come forward.

  For now, the town continues on as usual, with holiday preparations underway and businesses preparing for the Christmas rush. Gumdrop Glen has weathered disappearances before. People come and go and many residents expressed hope that Wilkins would resurface on his own.

  Cane sips his coffee as he reads the article. Marzipan did a good job of describing Levi without coming out and saying he was a bad person, and no one really cares what happened to him. Cane chuckles, folding the newspaper and putting it down before getting ready for the day.

  He's in a good mood all day as he serves customers, bakes cookies, and cleans his shop at the end of the day. Nerves start to creep in as he gets ready to meet Marzipan. He's meticulously rolling up the sleeves of his button-up shirt before sliding on his coat and leaving his bakery apartment behind.

  As he's walking down the street toward Marzipan's house, he sees someone familiar in the crowd of shoppers. He turns his head, glancing around but can't find the person. Shaking his head, he keeps going. He must be losing his mind.

  Stepping up to Marzipan's door, he rings the doorbell, holding a bouquet of flowers. When Marzipan opens the door, Cane's mouth goes dry. She's wearing a light blue dress with sparkly snowflakes on it. Her hair flows down her back in beautiful red waves and her green eyes shine in the dim light.

  He must stand staring for too long without saying anything, mouth hanging open because he snaps back to reality when Marzipan giggles. Clearing his throat, he hands over the flowers. "You look beautiful, Marzy."

  "And you look very handsome." Marzipan takes the flowers, telling Cane to hold on just a moment while she puts them in water.

  Coming back to the door, Cane offers her his arm "Are you ready?"

  Marzipan takes his arm and together they make their way down the street. Marmalade Peaks is about a ten-minute walk from Marzipan's house, overlooking the river that runs alongside the town.

  Cane made a reservation, so they are seated as soon as they walk in. Marzipan looks around. The restaurant is dimly lit with a chandelier in the middle of the room. There's a fireplace on one wall and candles on the tables. It's a small venue, intimate. "This place really is lovely."

  Cane is too busy staring at Marzipan to pay attention to the decor. "Not as lovely as you."

  Marzipan blushes. Fidgeting for a moment, she asks, "When did you open the bakery?"

  "A couple years after you left. I went to France to study for a year. Just wanted to get away. I met a pastry chef who took me under his wing. Mentored me. He taught me techniques not many are willing to use due to how difficult they are, but I worked hard, mastered them.

  "Then my mom got sick, so I moved back to town to take care of her. After she passed, she left me a small inheritance. I used it to open the bakery."

  "I'm sorry I didn't come back for her funeral, Cane. I... I just wasn't ready to come back here."

  "It's okay, Marzy. I understand. I'm surprised you even came back here now."

  "I can't run forever. The past always catches up with you."

  The waiter comes at that moment, and they put in their order. The two move to lighter topics, reminiscing about the past. By the time they order dessert, the two are laughing uncontrollably. Some of the other patrons are staring at them.

  "Then—then you doubled down," Marzipan says between wheezes of laughter. "You said, 'No, really! A pigeon came in and knocked over the flour!'"

  "She made us scrub that entire kitchen for hours to clean it all up... I still stand by the pigeon story," Cane says, pretending to be miffed his mom didn't believe him, but then he breaks out into laughter along with Marzipan.

  Cane pays the check before saying. "I have a surprise for you."

  Marzipan looks intrigued. The two exit Marmalade Peaks and stroll down the boardwalk that runs along the river. The river ends in a small pond that freezes over in the winter. The entire thing is surrounded in twinkling lights and no one else is around. Sitting on a bench to the side of the pond are two pairs of skates.

  As they reach the bench, Christmas music begins to play through the speakers. Marzipan's mouth is hanging open. "Cane, how—what—when did you do all of this?"

  "It wasn't me. Gin and Jasper set it up. I told them I was taking you out tonight when they stopped by the bakery and they insisted."

  "They run this place now?"

  "Yeah, bought it a few years back. They've really turned it around. It's one of the most popular places to go during the holidays."

  "And they shut it down just for us?" Marzipan sounds surprised.

  "They like to meddle." Cane chuckles. "So, what do you say? You want to take a spin like we used to?"

  Marzipan smiles wide. "Let's do it!"

  They put on the skates and walk out onto the ice. "When was the last time you skated?"

  "Oh, it's been a bit. I'm a little rusty," Marzipan says coyly.

  Cane smirks, knowing she's lying. They start out slow, taking one loop around the rink. On their next loop, the two begin to circle each other. Cane glides backward, hands clasped behind his back, eyes never leaving her. Marzipan feels the familiar pull of it. The way he always did this, inviting her forward without saying a word. She skates toward him, pushing off harder than she needs to, her laughter puffing white into the cold air as he dodges at the last second.

  "Show-off," she says.

  "Only when I have the right audience," he replies.

  They fall into step after that, their paths crossing and separating in an easy rhythm, blades carving shallow crescents into the ice. Cane reaches for her hand, and she takes it without hesitation. He guides her into a gentle turn, her free arm lifting instinctively as she spins once, then twice, skirts flaring.

  The music swells and Cane moves behind her, his hands settling at her waist. For a moment, he simply skates with her like that, close enough that she can feel the steady warmth of him through her coat.

  "Trust me?" he murmurs near her ear.

  "With my life," she replies.

  He shifts his grip, one hand sliding into hers as the other braces her back. With a small push, he sends her gliding forward, then pulls her back in, lifting her just enough that her skates leave the ice for a heartbeat. She laughs, breathless, as he sets her down again, both of them wobbling slightly before finding their balance.

  They don’t stop smiling.

  Cane leads her into another turn, slower this time, their arms extended between them. She leans away, trusting his hold completely, and the world seems to narrow to the sound of steel on ice and the warmth of his hand anchoring her.

  When the music begins to fade, they slow together, circling once more before coming to a stop at the center of the pond. Cane draws her in, their foreheads touching, breaths mingling in the cold.

  "Well," he says softly, "I’d say you’re not rusty at all."

  Marzipan grins, cheeks flushed, eyes bright. "Guess some things you don’t forget."

  Cane's smile fades as he leans closer, pausing a breath away from her lips. Marzipan's breathing stutters. Cane closes that last small sliver of space, pressing his lips to hers. Marzipan leans in, pressing her body to his. He threads his hands in her hair, and she rests hers on his chest.

  In this moment, they are just two bodies, two hearts, two souls in a sea of snow, finally completing a circle that has remained open for ten years.

  Cane finally pulls back when he feels Marzipan shivering. He rubs his hands up and down her arms. "I should get you home before you freeze."

  Marzipan just nods, still speechless from the kiss. Cane walks Marzipan home, kissing her chastity before making sure she gets inside.

  As he turns to leave, a shadow appears behind him. There’s a small scuffing sound. Cane chuckles darkly, ducking and turning to face the assailant. The man looks shocked that his bat missed. Cane doesn't give him time to recover. He lunges, punching the man and knocking him unconscious in one blow.

 

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