CHRISTMAS AT CANDY CANE LANE

Merry

"Merry, can you please make sure Beckett gets this?" Glancing down at the counter, I see a ten-dollar bill extending toward me from ninety-if-she-isn't-a-day Mrs. Anthony. I've waited on her for over five years and made cupcakes for her grandchildren at the very last minute, and she's never given me a tip.

"Will do, Mrs. Anthony. Thank you for coming in today."

She gives me a sly grin. "As long as you have him in here, ...