Page 87 of Unwrapping Romance

My brows furrowed as I watched her whisper something in his ear. What the hell was she doing?

“Come on, Dad. Get in the picture.” One of the elves waved me over.

“No. It’s okay.”

“Come on, Daddy,” Ellie whined.

Sighing, I walked over and stood next to the large chair Santa was in while Ellie and Sierra sat on his lap.

“Everyone smile.” The elf grinned. “Excellent. Your pictures will be ready in five minutes. You can wait over there.” She pointed.

I took Ellie off Santa’s lap, and he looked at me. “And what would you like for Christmas?”

“My list is way too long for you, Santa.” I walked away. “I can’t believe you did that.” I glanced at Sierra.

“I know. I figured, what the hell.” She smiled. “We have to fake it for Ellie.”

“What did you whisper in his ear?” I asked.

“That’s a secret between Santa and I.”

“Here are your pictures. That’ll be forty dollars unless you want to buy our larger package.”

“Uh, no. This package is fine.” I pulled out my wallet.

“I could really use a peppermint mocha,” Sierra said. “Maybe with a little bit of whiskey in it.” She grinned.

“I’ll buy you a peppermint mocha minus the whiskey,” I said.

“You’re no fun.”

“Have you forgotten the whiskey advent calendar you bought?”

“Oh shit. Today’s December 1st. We can start drinking them.” A bright smile crossed her lips, and I chuckled.

“What did you ask Santa for, Ellie?” I asked as I carried her out of the store.

“I asked if he could bring my mom home for Christmas.”

My heart split in half, and I could feel a tear starting to emerge. I glanced at Sierra, and she looked down. She felt it, too.

“Let’s go get some hot chocolate. I know a great place with the best,” I said as we climbed into the Escalade. “And they also have peppermint mocha.” I winked at Sierra.

“Where to Jack?” Eric asked.

“Bryant Park.”

“Are you crazy?” Sierra spewed. “Wait. I already know you are.” She sighed.

When we stepped out of the car, the sweet aroma of hot chocolate and freshly baked goods filled the air.

“Let’s see if any of those igloos are available at the Curling Café,” I said.

“I doubt it. They look packed,” Sierra said.

We walked up, and I asked the woman standing there if any were available.

“I’m sorry, but we’re all booked.”

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