Page 4 of The Santa Surprise

Twenty minutes later there’s a knock on the door. My mom and sister come in. Mara is dressed in what looks like an elf costume. She makes the perfect Christmas elf. She’s always been petite, short, like our mom.

“Oh honey, you look adorable.” Mom places her hands on my shoulders. “My boy is so handsome.”

I lean down, kissing her cheek. “In this get up, I doubt it.” I grab my beard, slipping it on. “Are there a lot of kids out there?”

Mara skips over to me. “There are. They’re all so excited.” She reaches up, straightening my beard. “Perfect.”

She screeches as I wrap my arm around her neck, getting her in a headlock. Mom snaps a quick picture of us. I don’t know how Mara’s put up with three older brothers—we scare every guy away and tease Mara relentlessly, but I’d die for her.

I kiss her cheek before letting her go. Mom helps me attach my belly and then helps me get my coat on. I feel like a fool right now, but I can handle it for a little bit, for the kids.

Mom leaves us to head out front. I’m sure she’s going to record the whole damn thing—blackmail for later, I’m sure.

Tara pokes her head in a minute later. “You ready?”

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Mara comes to stand next to me with the bags of gifts for the kids.

The moment I step into the room I shout, “Ho-Ho-Ho . . . Merry Christmas.” I step further into the room with Mara by my side. I look around at all the smiling kids and then notice a bunch of guys from the station, my brothers, and Dad are all standing in the back of the room—their cameras up, capturing my embarrassment.

Tara comes walking over and all the kids vibrate with excitement. “Okay everyone. I want you all in a single file line. When it’s your turn come tell Santa what you want. He’s also got a present for you.”

These kids mean business because they hustle to stand in a single file line. I sit down on my makeshift throne and start talking to the kids. One by one, they sit on my lap or if they’re scared, stand next to me. We pose for a picture and then Mara hands me their gift and a candy cane.

One little boy comes marching up to me. “You don’t look like Santa. He’s fat, and you’re not.”

“Uh . . . well, I haven’t eaten all of Mrs. Claus’s cookies yet. Tell me, have you been a good boy?”

He looks at me with a smirk on his lips. “Duh . . . of course I have.” The boy turns to his mom, “Right, Mom.” Everyone laughs, of course, and he eats it up. I hand him his present and candy cane and we pose for a picture.

When I get to almost the end of the line, I spot the most adorable little girl I’ve ever seen. Her hair is in a bun on top of her head and she’s dressed in the most adorable Christmas dress.

She sees me looking at her and waves wildly. “Santa, is me Dakota.”

When it’s her turn she comes running toward me. She shows no fear and jumps right into my lap. “Have you been a good girl, Dakota?”

She nods, “Bery, bery good.” Dakota smiles up at me, her blue eyes shining bright. She points straight ahead. “Das my mommy. Hi, Mommy.” I turn to see where she’s pointing and freeze.

Chapter Four

Aspen

I move through the other parents to get to the front while pulling out my phone. Dakota points to me and when Santa turns my way, I watch his body stiffen and can see his lips mouth my name.

I try to look closely at him, but his costume hides part of his face. He looks down at my daughter and smiles as she talks, waving her arms, and telling tales, I’m sure. I take their picture and then Dakota takes the gift and candy cane from the elf.

With her stuff in hand she slides off Santa’s lap and runs toward me. I scoop her up in my arms. “Oh, my goodness, what do you have there?” I take her off to the side as everyone says bye to Santa.

“I’s got pwesents.” Dakota thrusts her wrapped present in my face.

“Wow, I see that. Are you ready to go bye-bye?” I grab her coat and am getting ready to put it on her when a woman comes toward us.

She’s got blonde hair that is cut in a long bob. Her blue eyes remind me of my daughter’s. “Hi, I just wanted to say that her dress is adorable. She reminds me of my daughter when she was that age.” She holds out her hand. “I’m Ripley.”

I stand to full height and take her hand in mine. “Hi and thank you. I’m Aspen and this is my daughter, Dakota.”

Ripley squats in front of my girl. “Dakota, that’s a very pretty name.”

“Das because my mommy made it.” She smiles up at me and as always, I can’t believe I made this precious girl, and she’s all mine.

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