Page 51 of Fire in My Heart

“I hope you’re right.”

“Charlotte. The photographer is here. This is Abby,” Daphne said to me, and Abby reached over to shake my hand.

“It’s so nice to meet you. We’re setting up in the barn.” I led the way inside to show her the setup, and Abby immediately got to work, erecting a tripod and her lighting equipment. I’d convinced Abby to do the photo shoot for free in exchange for marketing advice. That way the money we collected for the pictures would go directly to the farm.

Everything was ready. I just needed to check on the vendors one more time and change for the pictures.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” I said to Abby.

“I think I have everything I need for now,” she said with a smile, focused on whatever it was she was putting together.

I went outside to see that the first guests had already startedto arrive. The vendors tables were all set up with their wares and a sign depicting their prices. Even Violet was here with her ice-cream cart. I invited local craftsman, bakers, and other artists, asking them to showcase any holiday items.

There were scarecrows, Santa signs, pies, and other baked goods. Hopefully, everyone would have a nice time and develop lasting memories of the farm. I headed to the main house with my costume, changing quickly in the hall bath.

Then I grabbed a bite to eat before heading toward the barn. I texted Teddy on the way.

Charlotte: Are you in costume?

A few seconds later, my phone buzzed. It was an image of Teddy taking a picture of himself in front of a mirror. He wore the Santa hat with the beard hanging from his ears so that there was a mix of fluff and natural scruff. His skin was a dark tan against the white of his beard.

He was ruggedly handsome even in a Santa suit. The moms were going to love him as much as the kids. I just hoped he could pull it off and be an engaging Santa.

Charlotte: Looks great! Can’t wait to see you in action.

I hurried to the barn where a line was already forming just outside. Inside, Abby had finished setting up and was taking pictures with her camera, probably testing the light.

“I brought you a sandwich and a water.” I set the items near her purse.

Abby looked up. “Thanks.”

I looked around nervously. Everything looked ready to go except for the absent Santa. “We should be starting soon. Have you seen Santa?”

“Not yet.”

I stepped outside to update the crowd that we’d be starting as soon as Santa got here. There were a few questions from the kids in the line.

“Will Santa be arriving on his sleigh?” a boy asked.

His sister shoved him out of the way. “How is Santa here and at the mall?”

Before I could answer, a flash of red caught the corner of my vision.

It was Teddy in full costume. He filled it out in all the right ways. He hadn’t used anything to make him look overweight.

When he came to a stop in front of me, he threw a thumb over his shoulder. “I parked my sled in a field of trees. Was that okay?”

Happy he was playing the part, I said, “That’s perfect. I’ll take some carrots out to your reindeer in a bit.”

Teddy scanned over my costume and leaned down to say. “You’re a sexy elf.”

I blushed.

“Can we see Rudolph?” a boy asked.

“Rudolph is very shy,” Teddy said to him, and my heart melted.

I hooked an arm around his elbow. “I’m going to let Santa get settled in, and then we’ll get started.

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