Accidental Santa
Page 12
Bonus Scene
Crane
5 years later
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I adjust the tickling beard and try to sit comfortably on the uncomfortable Santa bench.
“It’s a great idea.” Lindsay fusses with my hat and adjusts my belt. “You could do with a little more stuffing, but this is wonderful.”
“Perfect.” Ms. Martin, now the Marley’s manager, says from her perch below. “The children will love it.”
“They’ll know I’m an impostor.”
“They didn’t know I was an imposter.” Lindsay leans down, the top of her elf costume revealing the curve of her breasts. She follows my line of sight and laughs. “Remind me to tell you about Harley’s mom when we’re done today.”
“Harley’s mom?” I ask as she drops a kiss on my lips.
“Santa!” Henry calls. “We have our first guests of the day here to see you!”
“Well, bring them on up!”
Lindsay points to her stomach and takes a deep breath, directing me to speak more deeply. She’s the trained actor, not me. But I do as she instructs. “Ho ho ho!”
She gives me a thumbs up and bends over to greet the two children toddling along on either side of Henry. “And who are these little darlings?”
“Mommy!” Noelle rushes to her and hugs her. Nick follows, almost falls, but she catches him and picks both of them up.
“I have a super special treat for you today.”
“More turkey?” Nick asks, his chubby face screwing up.
“No. Thanksgiving was yesterday. Today, you’re going to meet Santa.”
“Santa?” Noelle gasps.
“Yes.” Lindsay turns them around so they can see me.
Noelle hides, shyness all over her. Nick stares, a curious look on his face.
“Santa?” he asks.
“Yes, young Nick and Noelle. I’m so pleased to meet you!”
“It really is Santa,” Noelle squeals and wriggles until Lindsay puts both children down.
They come over to me, cautious at first, then climbing into my lap.
Emotion tries to overwhelm me when I see how completely they believe in the magic of Christmas. I didn’t believe in it at first, but now I know better. Lindsay taught me that. And now she’s given me the greatest gifts in the world.
I get back into character as best I can. “Now, Noelle, tell me what you’d like for Christmas.”
She gives me a short list.
“Nick, how about you?”
His is much, much longer.
“I’ll be sure to let the elves know. But first you need to tell me if you’ve been naughty or nice this year.”
“I’ve been nice,” Noelle assures me.
“Me too,” Nick adds.
“How about Mommy? Has she been nice?”
“Yes,” they answer in unison.
I have some ideas about how Mommy can be naughty later, but I keep those to myself … for now.
“And Daddy?” Lindsay asks.
“Daddy is the best.” Noelle grins.
“Love Daddy,” Nick affirms.
I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
Lindsay comes over to help them away, then leans over and kisses me. “I love you, Santa.”
“I love you.”
“Oooohh.” Nick points. “Mommy kissed Santa Claus!”
“I’m telling Daddy.” Noelle crosses her arms.
Lindsay laughs and leads them down as Ms. Martin opens the doors to Marley’s. The shoppers pour in, and Henry joins me on the podium.
“Together this time.” He stands beside me as we look out at all the parents, children, and the smiling faces of my family. This is for them. Everything I do is all for them.
Henry rings the bell, then together we say, “From our family to yours, we declare the holiday season officially open!”
Would you like to see the full size image of Crane Marley from the cover? Well, you’re in luck! Just click on over to my website to peep at him. #NSFW
About the Author
Celia Aaron is a recovering attorney and USA Today bestselling author who loves romance and erotic fiction. Dark to light, angsty to funny, real to fantasy—if it’s hot and strikes her fancy, she writes it. Thanks for reading.
Sign up for my newsletter at celiaaaron.com to get information on new releases. (I would never spam you or sell your info, just send you book news and goodies sometimes). ;)
Stalk me:
www.celiaaaron.com