Page 33 of Wrap Me Up

“Oh, not me. I love being able to see everything, so I make sure I’m here as early as possible.”

The temperature seems to dip as we stand and wait for elves to arrive. I hold his hand and love how strong it is in mine. I know he was worried about me not liking him. Worried that I’d reject him publicly, only to beg for forgiveness privately. But he’s everything I want in a man, strong, sexy, smart, sometimes sweet and shy. I don’t care what his past was, because his present and future are mine. He’s Tinsel, and that’s who I love. Perhaps I was scared of marring his perfection before, and that’s why I broke things off before we could even get started. But I plan to spend the rest of my life making up for that stupidity.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” His half smile and cute little tip of his head make my heart so full. There’s nothing I won’t do to make this man happy.

“Just thinking of the future.”

“Oh yeah? What does it look like?” He’s so open right now, pleading with his eyes.

“Beautiful. Hopefully, with an amazing elf named Tinsel by my side.”

He swallows. “You really want that?”

I cup his cheek. “More than anything.” I don’t bring up how dumb and scared I was last year. So scared of being rejected by him that I didn’t even want to try. But I’m glad he stormed back into my life demanding answers. So glad for Dylan and Snow for their gift exchange idea.

Tinsel nods and presses his lips to my palm before wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close. “Good, because I’m pretty sure you’re stuck with me now. I imprinted on you and there’s no escaping it.” We both snort.

“Imprinting isn’t a thing for elves.”

“Maybe not.” Tinsel shrugs. “But you’re mine.”

“Totally, completely, yours.”

Tinsel sighs and leans into me. “And I’m yours.”

We stand contently in each other’s arms. It’s not long before more elves arrive and fill the entire space.

Jingle bells fill the air and silence falls over us all. I’ve been so caught up in Tinsel I hadn’t been paying attention to the scene around me. The choir stands on risers beside the huge tree. The sign language interpreters stand on stages that make them higher than anyone else so anyone that needs them can see them. Santa, Jack, Dylan, and Snow stand in front of the tree in festive holiday sweaters, no doubt sent by Snow’s mom for the occasion.

Dylan shifts his weight from one foot to the other. He doesn’t like crowds like this. But Snow takes his hand and squeezes. Dylan’s massive shoulders relax and he takes a deep breath. They nod at each other.

The choir director hums a note and leads them into We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Tinsel hums along softly. I love seeing him so relaxed.

The choir ends their song and Santa steps up. “Welcome everyone,” Santa’s voice booms out, reaching even the furthest elf. “We’re happy to present to you this year’s annual tree lighting and we hope you enjoy the program.” He lifts a hand and several bright baubles appear on the tree.

Elves oh and ah as more baubles and garland appear when the choir starts in on a rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Santa throws his hands out over and over, bringing in more decorations. He’s almost like an orchestra director. If only he had a baton to direct things, he’d look the part.

Some people get excited about fireworks, but us elves love watching Santa decorate the tree. When else do we get to physically see his magic manifest like this? A few flashes, some sparkles, and so many ornaments.

The choir cycles through different Christmas songs as Santa continues until there’s only a few final traditional items to complete the look.

Jack steps forwards, his long locs are tied back in a ponytail. “We have a special treat tonight. Snow and Dylan have worked hard this year. I know you’ve noticed how cold it is now.”

In fact, we can see our breath. Elves all around confirm.

“Let it snow, boys.”

Snow and Dylan take each other’s hands and close their eyes. They seem to use a series of squeezes to communicate with each other. Tinsel looks to the sky with the biggest grin on his face.

It’s taking longer than anticipated for the snow to fall, but I’m proud of them both for staying calm, even as elves get restless on their feet. The temperature dips more and I shiver. Tinsel pulls me into his warmth. “I got you,” he whispers.

One elf seems to fall into a pit of irritation. Fruitcake opens his mouth as if to say something mean right before the first snowflake gets detected. And when that snowflake falls, it’s as if the entire North Pole erupts with Christmas magic. We all cheer.

Tinsel shouts congratulations, but it gets drowned out by everyone else. I think all of us, aside from Fruitcake perhaps, are proud of how Snow and Dylan are progressing in their magic, even if there was a hiccup earlier.

Fat snowflakes fall now, sticking in Tinel’s hair and lashes. I want to kiss him now, but I promised myself to wait.

“Beautiful.” Jack clamps a hand on Snow’s and Dylan’s shoulders. “Now it looks like Christmas. And it’s the time everyone has been waiting for.”

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