Page 90 of The Merry Matchmaker

“I think I definitely have the girth for it,” said Mrs. Myrtle as Barbara held the mic in front of her. There were a few unsure laughs, and she continued, “And you all know how much I love children.”

“Maybe she should be Mrs. Claus,” Viola whispered, and Frankie frowned at her.

Barbara was on to the next contestant.

“My husband talked me into it,” said Sandra Jackson.

Becky and two more women explained that they also had friends or family members who thought they would make a good Mrs. Claus.

Then it was time to interview Elinor.

“I don’t know if anyone can really fill Frankie Lane’s shoes, but I’m honored that she nominated me,” Elinor said.

Nailed it! It was the perfect thing to say, both humble and kind enough to acknowledge the town’s first Mrs. Claus.

“Go Elinor!” called Adele, and one of the men punctuated it with a loud whistle.

Barbara barely smiled. “Thank you, Elinor.” She turned her attention back to the audience. “There you have it,” she said. “The votes have been tallied, and I’m sure you all want to know who will be this year’s Mrs. Claus.”

“So, tell us already,” yelled a man at the far end of the room.

Barbara looked disapprovingly at the impatient heckler. “But first we want to thank our veterans for the use of the hall.”

“You’re welcome. Now get on with it,” called the man.

Barbara ignored him. “Let’s thank our judges for offering their expertise,” she began. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy coming to a decision.” She announced the judges’ names, and the crowd applauded politely. “And we are fortunate to have our mayor here with us tonight.” She smiled at Mayor Lent, who was standing next to her, looking festive in a black skirt and a glittery red sweater. “Thank you, Mayor, for joining us.”

The mayor barely had a chance to say, “My pleasure,” before Barbara turned her back on her.

“So. This year’s Mrs. Claus is...” Barbara paused dramatically.

“Tell us, or we’re gonna start throwing cookies at you,” hollered the heckler.

Barbara’s face turned Christmas-stocking red, and she handed the paper with the results to the mayor, along with the microphone.

“This year’s Mrs. Claus is Elinor Ingles,” Mayor Lent announced, and the room exploded in applause.

“You did it,” Stef said to Frankie, and Frankie beamed, proud of her success in transforming Elinor. Elinor would wear the title, but Frankie couldn’t help feeling like she was still Mrs. Claus. It was a very satisfying feeling.

Barbara picked up a Mrs. Claus cap from the table behind her and snatched the microphone back from the mayor. “Let’s see how our new Mrs. Claus looks in her cap. Come on over, Elinor.”

A blushing Elinor walked over to Barbara to applause and whoops.

“Elinor, we know you’ll make a wonderful Mrs. Claus,” Barbara said to her when Elinor reached her and the mayor, who was standing to the side, ignored. Next, Barbara would be inviting herself to grand openings and ribbon cuttings. “Would you like to say a few words?” Barbara asked after she’d settled the ruffled cap on Elinor’s head.

She held the microphone in front of Elinor’s face, and Elinor did a deer-in-the-headlights blink.

But then she gathered her poise. “I would just like to say thank you, everyone. I’m honored to be able to be part of this wonderful community and this lovely celebration that my employer, Frankie Lane, started.”

“That was sweet,” Adele whispered to Frankie as Barbara’s determined smile faltered.

More kudos to Frankie. Elinor was definitely getting a raise in the new year.

“I’m looking forward to helping Santa spread plenty of joy tomorrow,” Elinor finished, then stepped away.

“There you have it,” said Barbara. “And now, while our contestants are rejoining their fans, let’s get ready to auction off the wonderful gingerbread houses they made. As you all know, the money we raise from auctioning them off will go to our Help Santa fund and do lots of good in the community, so I hope you came with fat wallets. Mayor, will you be our auctioneer?” she said, and gave the microphone to Mayor Lent.

It looked like the mayor was going to get to do something after all.

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