My father sighs as he scrubs his hand along his face, looking like he has something he wants to say. I wait for his words but they don’t come, just a frustrated sigh as he looks back at our two favorite people.
As he hands me the reins, I can feel the weight of the role he has cherished for the last five decades.
He lets out a shaky breath as he pats me on the shoulder and makes his way to stand with Carol and Kris.
With one last glance at the row of people lining the path, I feel a sense of unity and support from my entire community.
Moving up the stairs, I settle into the cockpit, adjusting all the belts and clicking the safety features to active.
I close my eyes and let the crisp December wind brush against my face as I exhale slowly.
I am ready for this.
I can do this.
My eyes snap open, there was just one thing I need to do first.
With a click of the belt, I was out of the cockpit, running towards the one person I needed in this moment.
“Nick, what are you doing?” Teddy shrieks as I run past him. “In ninety seconds, you will be officially behind schedule.”
“This won’t take long.” I yell back, slowing to a jog as I near the path. Mummers from the crowd whisper back and forth, but I ignore them all. I need Kris to know I am in this just as much as he is.
A knowing smirk flits across his face as I draw closer, but the bob of his Adam’s apple and the quick glance he gives the waiting crowd hints at his nervousness.
“I couldn’t leave without a proper goodbye.” I rasp, almost out of breath from the short run across the field and my nearness to him. His scent invades my senses and I breathe him in deep.
“And what is a proper goodbye?” His eyes dart between my eyes before dropping to my lips.
This time it was my turn to smirk. Grabbing his jacket, I pull him to me as I crush our lips together. The crowd surrounding us gasps at our embrace. My father’s shocked gasp, louder than them all.
I push them all out, not wanting to ruin this moment with Kris. Carol’s whispered hushes and we will talk about this later float across the air, but Kris presses himself against me and we melt into each other’s warmth.
Pulling back, I’m now breathless for a different reason. Kris’ gaze softened as he drank me in.
“Everything starts now.” I whisper, and he smiles as he presses another gentle kiss against my lips.
“I’ll see you when you get home.” His words are soft as his arms encase me.
“So you aren’t done with me?” My eyebrow quirks in question and his smile deepens into his signature smirk.
“Oh no, Santa Baby. I am no way near done with you.” Placing one last searing kiss on my lips, before he turns me toward the sleigh. He chuckles against my ear. “Go before Theodore has a coronary that you aren’t already flying over the South Pacific.”
Looking back over to the Head Elf, his face is now almost as red as my suit, a sharp Christmas contrast against his green and gold outfit.
“I’d like you back in one piece and right now, Teddy looks about ready to commit homicide.” His chuckle deepens as his hot breath crests against my ear. The middle-aged elf stamping impatiently next to the sleigh, but I can’t help but smile.
“I’ll be home for Christmas.” I say to him over my shoulder as I make my way back to the sleigh, casting a quick glance over towards our parents, Carol’s hand clenching my father’s arm. She gives me a wink and a nod before patting him soothingly on the arm and whispering in his ear.
“I’ll be waiting.” Kris’ words float over to me on a frosted breeze and I smile as I buckle myself back in.
With a powerful exhale, I bellow out my command; the sound echoing through the air. “Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen.”
With a jolt, the reindeer stamp their hooves. Rudolph’s nose glows brighter as he tugs and spurs the group forward.
The blustery wind whips across my face, and I let out a laugh as I feel the Christmas magic pour through me. A few strides later at the sound of my whistle, the reindeer leap into the air, pulling the sleigh and me with them.
Pulling the reins tight around my gloved hands, I direct the reindeer around in a circle. The group waiting below look like tiny ants from this height. I bring us back over the runway, just like my father used to.
I bellow into the cold winter air one more time before the reindeer whisk me away on our journey.
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Acknowledgements
Where to begin.
This journey has been a wild ride of insanity and one I had not expected to take. For so many years I have obsessed over romance and fantasy novels, spending way too many nights bleary eyed, but refusing to put it down and actually go to sleep.
Never in a million years would I have guessed that the writing bug would not only bite me but latch on and refuse to let go.
Though my name (well not really) may be on the cover of this book there is no way I could have gotten this far without a whole village full of people cheering me on.
These people have believed in me through all of my self-doubt, been my shoulder to cry on when things weren’t making sense or given me inspiration on a day-to-day basis with their messages and unending supply of TikTok videos.
Your laughter and love has given me a safe space to share my thoughts and fears and you champion me every day, even when I don't feel worthy.
To my husband, my muse (as he likes to call himself), you have loved me for almost half of my life and without you, I wouldn't be me. You have been my number one fan on every single ADHD adventure I have gone on from crochet to weightlifting. I'm sure you were glad when I picked up a static hobby like reading, though now I'm sure you and our bank account are both shaking your heads. Every day you give me the strength to keep pushing and striving towards my goals. I hope one day you can be my trophy husband when I make it big.
