Susie Schmader - The Magical Christmas Cookie: Written for and Starring Larkin Campbell

The Magical Christmas Cookies

A short story by Merri Hiatt

Copyright 2011 Merri Hiatt

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If youre reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

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Cover image credit: Ingrid Balabanova/Shutterstock.com

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Cinnamon, cloves, butter and vanilla danced as the beaters purred out a hypnotic rhythm.

What are you adding now? Vanessa asked.

This? Holly asked as she eyed the small round container.

Yes.

Oh this is something extra special. No Christmas cookies can ever be made without it.

What is it?

Holly leaned forward and whispered, Its Christmas Magic.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. But what is it ?

Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin? Holly sang as Vanessa crossed her arms stubbornly, waiting for an answer. Down the lane, snow is glistenin.

How will I ever learn how to make Christmas cookies if you dont tell me whats in them?

All you have to do is follow the recipe on this card. Holly handed Vanessa the three-inch by five-inch recipe card. Vanessa read the ingredients carefully.

But this just says to add two dashes of Christmas Magic. Where do I get Christmas Magic?

Holly smiled, but gave no answer. How about helping me put the cookies on the sheet pan so we can get them into the oven?

Vanessa sighed heavily as she slipped off the stool and joined her aunt on the other side of the kitchen island. Holly continued to alternately sing and hum Christmas songs as they diligently scooped the cookie dough into small mounds and placed them on the baking sheet.

In twelve minutes well have the most delicious Christmas cookies ever, Holly said as she placed the cookies in the oven and shut the door, setting the timer in case time got away from her.

Where do you buy Christmas Magic?

Oh, you cant buy Christmas Magic, Nessa. You have to make it yourself.

Will you teach me?

I thought youd never ask. I have the recipe right here. Holly used a step stool so she could reach the cabinet above the stove. Even so, she had to stretch to reach the very back corner of the shelf. She pulled out a small box covered in purple velvet, the only adornment a gold tassel on the lid.

Vanessa watched with eyes wide as Holly opened the box. There was only one small piece of paper inside. Holly retrieved the paper and handed it to Nessa.

Vanessa read aloud, One pinch of love, one dollop of hope, two dreams that cant possibly ever come true, an ounce of compassion, one cup of inspiration, two tablespoons of forgiveness, and one-quarter teaspoon of salt for flavor.

This isnt even a real recipe! All you added to the cookies was salt, thats why it was white. All cookies have salt in them. I dont think your cookies are magical at all!

Vanessa threw the paper on the counter and ran out of the kitchen toward her bedroom.

Holly sighed. No one seemed to believe any more. It wasnt just Vanessa. She saw it in peoples eyes as they walked down the street. They were struggling to pay bills and keep their jobs, not to mention trying to stay healthy. Theyd lost hope.

Shed seen the power of the Magical Christmas Cookies firsthand, but never with an entire town. Did they have enough power to bring hope back into the hearts of the people of Maple Valley?

Holly tapped her fingers on the counter as she thought about the question. Maybe, just maybe, they did.

Laura, can you help me with this tree? Daniel asked his wife.

Sure, honey, just give me a minute. Laura gave Bradley a quick hug and kiss, then placed him in the playpen along with his favorite stuffed frog and plastic key ring. Ill be right back, sweetie.

As she walked toward the pick-up truck where Daniel was trying to unload their Christmas tree, she wondered if theyd be able to put any presents under it this year. What can I do?

Grab the other side and well slide it out the back.

Okeydokey. Laura rounded the truck and began lifting the tree.

Lift your side higher, Laura.

Im trying. Its caught on something.

Can you see what?

Im not sure. I think its your red toolbox.

It cant be.

I think it is.

No, it cant be.

Well, I think it is.

No. I sold it over a week ago.

Laura let the tree fall into the bed of the truck. You sold your toolbox? Your dad gave you that toolbox.

I know. Some things are more important.

Laura came around to Daniels side. Honey, I wish youd told me you were going to do that.

Why, so you could talk me out of it?

Maybe.

Daniel smoothed Lauras hair with his hand. I dont want you to worry about anything. I promised Id take care of you and Bradley and I will. Im a man of my word.

I know you are. Its just, well, were a team now. We should work together. I can get a job

Weve been over this, Laura. Your job is to be a mother. Thats a full-time job. Heaven knows my mother worked her fingers to the bone trying to raise me and my brothers when dad left. Id never do that to you or to Bradley.

Youre not like your father, Daniel. Youre a good, honest, loving man. Youll find work soon. Im sure of it. Well be fine. Weve got each other.

I love you. I hope youre not sorry you married me.

Daniel, I could never be sorry I married you.

Laura leaned forward and kissed Daniel gently on the lips as he wrapped her in his arms.

I dont know what I ever did to deserve someone like you in my life, but Im sure glad I did whatever it was, Daniel said.

Me, too.

Lets get back to gettin this dadblasted tree inside.

We still havent figured out what its hung up on, Laura said as she tried to lift the tree to see what was underneath.

Here, let me help.

Working together they were able to lift the tree up high enough for Laura to retrieve the large red box she had mistaken for the toolbox.

What is it? Laura asked.

I dont know. Ive never seen it before.

It was in your truck.

I know, but I didnt put it there. Maybe its from one of the guys from the construction site.

Daniel opened the box and lifted the parchment paper to reveal cookies in all shapes and sizes. Well, at least we wont go hungry!

Laura smiled and took one for herself and one for Daniel. Merry Christmas, honey, she said.

Merry Christmas.

Laura set the box of cookies on the front seat of the truck and resumed her position, grabbing the tree with renewed vigor. They hauled it up easily this time and carried it into the house together.

Look, Bradley, its a Christmas tree! Laura exclaimed.

Bradleys eyes widened at the sight. He wasnt exactly sure what it was, but it was big and green and he figured it would probably taste good if he ever got a chance to put part of it in his mouth.

We need to get a tree stand. I bet I can find one at the thrift store, Laura said, not sure where shed find the money for even that small expense.