Peppermint Fudge Killer: A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery, book 13 by Kathleen Suzette (reading list txt) 📕

are so cute. In fact, I think I’ll have to try out one of the peppermint ones.” I picked up one of the white reindeer and looked it over. She had used a fine decorating tip and drawn holly and mistletoe on them. I took a bite and smiled and made an ‘O’ with my thumb and finger. When I’d swallowed, I said, “these are excellent. I’m going to have to try one of the eggnog ones soon.”

“I’m glad to hear that you like them. I really worked on that creamy filling and I was hoping it was as tasty as I thought it was. I’m going to put them in plastic bags and tie them with red and green satin ribbons.”

“They’re going to sell out. You better make a whole bunch of them,” I said and tied an apron on myself. “What have we got going on today?”

“Peppermint fudge. I’ve had so many orders come in on the online orders for peppermint fudge that I think we should have invested in peppermint oil.”

I chuckled. “It’s not too late. It’s a good idea to invest in our candy ingredient suppliers.” I went to the printer and picked up the orders on it and sifted through them. “You weren’t kidding. Peppermint fudge, peppermint fudge, and peppermint fudge.”

“I never kid about orders,” she said as she began measuring out the ingredients to make more fudge.

“I can see that,” I said. “It’s a good thing we got in a big order of sugar yesterday.”

“Hello ladies,” Christy said as she carried a cardboard drink carrier into the kitchen. “I stopped by Amanda’s and bought us all coffee. I hope candy cane lattes are okay.”

“Candy cane lattes are excellent,” I said, turning to her. “You didn’t happen to pick up any donuts, did you?”

She shook her head. “No, but I did pick up some gingerbread from Amanda’s. Will that do?”

I nodded. “I love Amanda’s gingerbread. You bet it will do.” I went to her and took one of the coffees from the carrier and a slice of gingerbread.

“Amanda makes the best gingerbread,” Mom said. Christy handed her a coffee and a little bag with a piece of gingerbread in it. “I heard Amanda is expecting early next summer.”

“Yes, she told me that. I’m so excited for her and Brian,” I said and took a sip of my coffee. “Yum. I love holiday flavored coffee. In case you two didn’t know that.”

Christy chuckled. “I can’t wait. We’re going to have a baby shower and get to buy cute little baby clothes. I just wish it was me having the baby.” She sighed.

“Maybe one day,” I said. “Devon seems very interested in you.”

She brightened. “And I’m very interested in him. He’s probably the nicest guy I’ve ever dated.”

“Well, maybe the two of you will have a double wedding and then have babies at the same time,” Mom said hopefully.

I turned and looked at her and groaned. “Mom, we aren’t going to talk about things like that where I’m concerned.”

“Why? Why are you always so reluctant to talk about that sort of thing?” Christy asked. “Ethan is a great guy. You two are crazy about each other, so why shouldn’t you get married and live happily ever after?”

She had a point. It wasn’t that I didn’t think about him in that way. In fact, I had been thinking about him all too often in that way. But there was something fun about just dating and not rushing things. “I don’t know I just think it’s too early for that.”

“Oh please,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You two have been dating for more than a year. You’re serious about each other, and there’s no reason not to make long-term plans.”

“Hey, look at all these orders for peppermint fudge. We better get working on it,” I said, changing the subject. “In fact, I think I’m going to go out front and make sure everything in the display case is filled.” I laid the orders down on the desk and headed out front with my coffee in hand.

“Okay, be that way,” Christy said to my back.

I was going to be that way. One of these days I would be ready to marry Ethan, if he wanted me. Right now, why not just be happy with how things were going?

Linda Reid was wiping down the front counter when I went out front. She looked up at me and smiled. “Christy bought me a coffee,” she said, holding her cup up and chuckling. “That girl just moved to the top of my most-liked people list.”

“She’s at the top of my list, too,” I said holding up my cup of coffee. In more ways than one.

“How are you doing today, Mia?”

“I’m doing great, Linda. It’s Christmas time and I am enjoying the season.”

She nodded. “I hated to hear about what happened to Suzanne Wilson. What a shame.”

“That is the one downside to this holiday season. It’s just awful.”

I looked up as the bell over the door jingled and Brittany Wilson walked in. She looked at me and smiled. “Hello Mia, hello Linda. How are you ladies today?”

“I’m good,” I said.

“Brittany, I’m so sorry about your cousin. I just can’t understand what happened to her,” Linda said, shaking her head.

She walked up to the front counter. “I’ve been going over and over things in my mind for days now. I don’t know who would want to do something so terrible as kill Suzanne. Everyone loved her.”

“I was thinking the same thing. Suzanne was so nice,” Linda said, nodding. “I’m just so sorry to hear it.” She turned to me. “I’m going to go and see if your mother needs any help.”

I nodded at Linda and turned back to Brittany. “Suzanne really was nice,” I said. “She’ll be missed.”

“Has Ethan