“More an appointed position. Cassie rebelled once but came back at a great cost. Did she tell you the story?”
“No, she was standoffish and not too direct with me.”
“Yes, Cassie is obedient to the letter. I’m sure a quality well appreciated by the Miracle Maker.” Mrs. Claus sighed. “But let me continue with my story of that fatal day. I stood right here, where we are now. I held your ornamental gift and the real key to the kingdom in my hands and paused for a minute. I suppose the mother in me paused to dream a little. My son needed a woman to love, a woman like you.”
Pam refused to bite on that one. Mrs. Claus continued. “Suddenly, the earth shook, and the room fell in around me. I lost my balance and hit my head on that corner table. Not sure how long I was unconscious but I awoke to find myself bound to a pole and Evil laughing in my face. It has been the longest week of my life wondering where John was and dreading that perhaps our gig at Santa Ville was up. I trusted the Miracle Maker knew best and would somehow save Christmas. After all, He is the one we should all bow our knee too and it’s high time the world remembered that.”
“Then John and I arrived to set your world right? Am I supposed to believe that?”
“God uses the least of us to do his bidding.”
“We can agree on that, Mrs. Claus.”
“I’ve not convinced you to stay, have I? You’re leaving, knowing it will break my son’s heart.”
Pam threw her hands in the air. “This is a hard pill to swallow, and to be perfectly honest, I’m not prepared to toss in my sane world for your fantasy land.”
She turned off the screen. “It’s your choice, my dear. But be forewarned, love conquers the most stubborn of hearts.”
Saying goodbye to John was the hardest thing Pam ever did. Her head refused to give into her turbulent emotions. John was true to his word and did not try changing her mind, although the sorrow in his eyes proclaimed the story his mouth refused to speak. Pam stood in front of the magic door and twisted the key. It fell to the floor with a clatter that cracked her heart. She cried aloud as her body entered the swirling tunnel. And when she stepped out into the back alley in Cedar Springs, Pam fell to her knees and sobbed. She was home, awake, and fully realizing the entire adventure could never be wiped from her mind. This waking dream would torment forever.
Mid-December, the hospital administration once again lost Pamela’s name and booked her off work for a five-day stretch during the holiday season. December twenty-third she spent the entire day deep cleaning her neglected apartment. As night fell upon Cedar Springs, the darkness outside her window displayed a spectacular show of stars in the sky.
Pam collapsed next to a cozy fire with a mug of hot chocolate. She breathed in the fresh scent of the pine needles, and with sweet-sadness recalled John’s desire to sniff that same aroma on his tiny artificial tree. Most things triggered memories of John Doe. She wondered if Christmas would be forever spoiled now that she’d cast him from her life. His absence created a void in her days that zapped any zest for adventure and sucked her energy dry.
Five long months should have been enough time to forget a man, but her heart continued to ache, and the vision of his face sketched deep in her heart never gave her a moment of peace. In the beginning, Pam had half expected him to jump out from around a corner, just to get a rise out of her. She watched for him and hated herself for it. As she’d moved through her lonely routines of late, Pam realized that she’d made a huge mistake in letting him go. Surely they could have worked out a doable plan, one to satisfy both worlds. Desperation had sent her to do the unthinkable. A week ago she’d placed a letter in the children’s Santa mailbox, hoping John would somehow find it. All I want for Christmas is you was her only request this year.
Pam carried her empty cup into the kitchen, rinsed it, and then stacked it in the dishwasher. Now fully loaded, she shut the door tight and turned the machine on to run its cycle. At the island counter, her hand shook as it grasped the knob of the drawer where she’d stashed the base of the gift from the North Pole. Common sense said, no, leave it there. Seeing it would only open unhealed wounds. Who was she kidding? The aching loss throbbed either way.
Pam slid the drawer open and there laid the object of debate, displaying its July splendor. The stark white daisies shone with purity, and the inner golden of the nucleus provided a rich contrast in color. The key was the only part missing. She’d not brought it back from Santa Ville, and now the base seemed to lack its former luster without the brilliant magical presence of the key.
Pam stood and stared at the ornament as if frozen in time. She heard the doorbell ring, and glanced at the microwave. Ten o’clock. Who on earth visited at this hour? She debated not answering, but inquisitiveness got the better of her. Despite her feeble attempts to squelch these reactions, Pam had evolved into a more curious person since her summer adventures with John. So, when the ringing persisted, she made her way to the entry, dressed in her Christmas flannelette pajamas and her hair gathered into a messy knot on top of her head.
Pam inched open the door, ready to dump a piece of her mind upon the caller. Her heart raced, and her feet froze to the spot. Her mind entered a state of pause, unsure if this was merely one of the many dreams she’d experienced these long, lonely months.
“Breathe,” said John.
Pam exhaled, and continued to stare. John wore beige dress pants and a navy sports jacket. He’d polished the black leather on his shoes to a brilliant shine. The manly stubble he’d grown on his face charmed her, and his hair was brushed and styled to perfection. In his hand, he held a full bouquet of white daisies.
John stepped closer. “A peace offering. May I come in?”
Pam relieved him of the flowers and moved to the side to allow him passage. Still, words would not form on her lips. She closed the door, turning again to see him disappear into the kitchen. Her feet dragged with uncertainty. Hadn’t she just admitted to her stubborn self she’d made a mistake concerning John? Now here he was, and fear gripped her like a vice.
Pam found him standing at the island counter staring at the base of her key ornament gift.
“You kept it,” he said.
He reached into his pocket and displayed the missing piece of the gift. “I can only leave this with you on one condition.”
“And that is…?” Pam asked. She moved in closer proximity and immediately felt the draw. She clung to the edge of the counter with a white-knuckle grip.
“That you will change your mind and marry me. I’ve missed you. My heart’s in limbo and will never find a joyful melody without you by my side. I came one last time to see if you feel the same way – if you’d reconsider.”
“Did you get my letter to Santa?” Her feet inched closer and the gap between them lessened.
“Dad saw it and rushed it straight over to me,” John said.
When the mischievous smile lit up his face, Pam’s chains of doubt broke. Her legs shook like strands of spaghetti while she endeavored to nibble life-blood back into her trembling lips.
“John,” she whispered.
He instantly covered the rest of the space separating them and folded her into his arms. Pam rested her head on his shoulder and tears trickled down her cheeks unchecked. She wondered how John could be her perfect match and at the same time so wrong for her life’s goals. She was a level-headed realist, and he was a magical mystery. Two complete opposites. Yet in his arms, she felt secure, and the promise of happy-ever-after took residence in her heart.
After a few moments of silence, John pushed her gently to arm’s length. She stood limp, unsure of the next step.
“Let me answer the questions I see simmering behind those beautiful eyes,” John said. “Your first visit to my hometown saved Christmas because the key sensed our love. For that, the entire kingdom is forever grateful. In your absence these past months, a heavy cloud resides over the people for they see their future Santa is grieving a great loss. And for me –although I
will inherit my father’s role in Santa Ville, I remain lost in the aftermath of you. Without you, Pamela Legend, I will never inherit the merry soul of Santa Claus.” John took a deep breath and continued. “I love you, and that will never change.”
Pam squeaked out the words she could not deny in her heart. “I love you too, John-Doe.”
The man beamed from ear to ear and excitement rose between them. “This is the deal. If you choose me, and the bizarre life that comes with the package, you will be free to work and travel wherever and whenever you want. You will not become a prisoner in the frozen north. We will call it our home base, but weekends and vacations back to Cedar Springs, or some romantic hot island, will be welcomed by your ever-attentive husband.”
“That is nice to know,” Pam said her voice regaining some of its strength.
“This is my last season as an apprentice. By next Christmas, I will have taken on the Santa role, and my parents will retire. Your contract is negotiable. I need a Mrs. Claus, and I so want her to be you.”
“So, this proposal is mandatory for your job description – Santa must have a wife?” Pam’s voice edged with uncertainty. Could it be she was merely a formal requirement to John?
“It’s not what you’re thinking! I love you. I want us to spend our lives together. No one else will ever take your place in my heart, even if I must eventually surrender to the conditions of my job description. There must be a Mrs. Claus in the kingdom.”
Pam gazed deeply into his eyes. Any remaining film of secrets behind them washed clear, and she witnessed his heart, soul, and mind. She gasped at its purity and strength of character.
“Will you always unveil yourself for me – like you are now?” Pam asked.
“Always and forever. No secrets within the Claus family.”
“Then yes, I will marry you, John-Doe Claus, and be the happiest woman in this world.”
John pulled a piece of mistletoe from his pocket and hung it over their heads. With one arm he pulled her in and bent his head to cover her lips. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and the unnecessary foliage fell to the floor as together they sealed their love with a kiss.
A distant clapping and cheering sounded in the kitchen. Pam pushed away. “What is that?”
“I’m afraid my mother coerced me into letting her view this moment. Moms’ can be so nosy, which you will soon discover. Yours is with her and those two together are an impossible duo.”
“Mine?”
“Cassie. She’s waiting for you in Santa Ville, hoping love will build a bridge in your heart toward hers.”
Tears fell down Pam’s cheeks. “My mother? Oh, John, I’ve waited so long to know her.” Pam heard the clapping again and the wail of happy crying.
“Okay, you two,” John called out into the air. “You got your answers. Now turn off the screen and give us some privacy.”
Pam could not contain her laughter. “Peeping mothers – that’s all we need!” John joined in, and the background noise ceased. They were alone again.
From inside his pocket, he withdrew a small gift-wrapped box and handed it to Pam.
She fumbled with the lid and lifted it from the base. She gasped at the sight of the ring atop the white silk cushion. A massive diamond sat center-front and emeralds and rubies danced at odd angles around its setting.
“John, it’s gorgeous!”
He removed it from the box and slipped it on her finger. “It is the family ring, and now we are officially engaged.” He kissed her finger, and she cried again.
“I’m a mess.”
“A wonderful mess I am pleased to call mine.”
“What happens now?” Pam asked.
“You’re invited to spend the Christmas holiday with the Claus family. It is a very traditional day: Last-minute packing of the sleigh, then the celebrations and finally the departure.”
“A party at Santa Ville? Now, this I have to see.”
“There is an added celebration this year. Since you have agreed to my proposal, there will be an official ceremony to bind us. You can think of it as an engagement party. It is extravagant, and the entire kingdom will be present to hear us recite promise vows.”
“Vows? We get to do it twice?”
“Consider it a practice run. Tomorrow’s words will benefit Santa Ville. I didn’t think you’d want to add elves to your wedding guest list in Cedar Springs, but I could never exclude them entirely from our marriage festivities.”
“Elves would definitely require explanations we are not prepared to provide the general public, right? I gather secrecy is still a criterion for our life in the North Pole?” Pam asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
“No problem. My peers in the medical world would lock us both up in an asylum and Christmas would fall at risk again.” They both laughed.
“After the holiday you will return to Cedar Springs to plan our real wedding,” John said. “Any day you choose is fine with me. And in the meantime, I will visit often and continue to uncover all the wonderful things that make my future wife tick.” He stepped closer, and the ring twirled under his touch. “I can’t wait to live with you as man and wife.”
Pam could not contain her enthusiasm. “Oh, John – I am so happy! You are the best Christmas gift a girl ever received from Santa.”
After another long stretch of kisses, Pam pulled away. “John, I need to change before we go. And I should call Denise and tell her I’ll be out of town. They’ll worry if I don’t show my face around the store. And…”
John laughed. “Well, get to it, woman. I’ll just help myself to a few sweet treats – you do have some hiding, right?”
“Oh yes, future Santa.” Pam laughed as a delightful image opened within her mind. “Parents will definitely go broke putting cookies out for you on Christmas Eve.” She grabbed the containers off the counter and the fridge and pointed to the hot chocolate. “Help yourself! I need to pack a bag!”
“Don’t worry about the engagement dress. Mother has that covered. Let me call Denise and Tom for you and tell them I’m snatching you away for a vacation.”
“Thank you.” She leaned in and pecked a quick kiss on his cheek.
The next hour flew by and when Pam stood beside John with her bulging suitcase, he smiled. “Are you ready for the next great adventure?”
“I suppose, as ready as I’ll ever be for that flying trip to Santa Ville.”
“You, my love, have graduated to an easier form of transportation.” John picked up the ornament and snapped the missing key back into place. He pressed it against her heart and moved in close. “Mind if I hitch a ride?”
Pam grinned, intoxicated by his closeness. The couple transported to the Polar Penthouse, and her Cedar Springs’ kitchen became a distant location.
The trip was instantaneous and more comfortable than the spinning tunnel. But, before Pam could focus on her new surroundings, her future in-laws and her long-lost birth mother swept her into their arms. The rest of the evening was a muddle of emotions planning and exploring the past, present, and future.
Late the next morning, Cynthia Claus and Cassie Legend ushered Pam into the salon, and the girl talk and primping began. Pam sat in an engraved chair reserved for her. It read Pamela C. Legend. She gasped at the initial.
“The middle initial in my name. Is the C for Cassie or Cynthia?” Pam asked.
The ladies roared in laughter. “That has been a lifetime debate. The verdict we settled on is that we name you after both of us. Your father took for granted C was for Cassie. He always denied the existence of Cynthia Claus.”
“You realize Father had it removed from legal documents. I have no middle name.”
“Well, in our world, you do,” said Mrs. Claus.
After the many groomers worked their skills to perfection on Pam’s hair, makeup, and gown, they bowed and scampered from the room. Pam stood amazed at the image that stared back at her in the mirror. From her inner being streamed happiness, and her co
untenance took on a new and improved glow.
Pam moved to a small table where finger foods sat ready to devour by the women. She munched nervously on a sandwich and paced the floor. In passing, Pam noticed Cynthia smiling like the cat that swallowed the mouse. It was the identical mischievous grin that the woman’s son had inherited.
“What are you keeping from me? I’m not good with surprises.”
“You will love this one, my dear.”
A tap sounded on the door, and Cassie nodded toward Pam. “I believe that’s for you.”
Pam opened the door, watchful at first, for in this magical place one never knew what to expect around the next corner. She gasped as recognition took hold. Pam flew into the arms of her best friend.
“Denise!” then she backed off. “Denise? How did you…?”
Cynthia rested a hand on Pam’s shoulder. “We would not dream of excluding your special friends from this grand occasion. Keeping Santa Ville a secret will be difficult at the best of times. But a girl needs someone to unload on, besides her husband. And for documented back up, Denise and Tom agreed to sign the hush-contract. It appears they both desire to stay in the good books with the future Santa Claus.”
Pam and Denise both burst out laughing, dispensing the awkwardness between them. Denise appeared tongue-tied as she gazed around the room. This being her first trip to Santa Ville, the others gave her a moment to drink it all in. They watched with understanding her sense of awe and reflected upon their initial visits to the magical kingdom.
“Well, say something. Do you think I’ve lost my mind?”
“I’d say you finally found it.” Tears flowed down Denise’s cheeks. “But I need to compliment you ladies on your gowns. You all look breathtakingly gorgeous – a front cover edition for the Extravagant Christmas magazine.” Denise was on a roll. “Mrs. Claus, you look just like the media portrays you. My, oh, my! This whole experience is uncanny!”
Cassie laughed. “Perhaps, but the image may have to revisit the marketing board when my daughter takes her rightful place as the new Mrs. Claus. She does not resemble a round-shaped, old-woman at all.”
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