Page 71 of The Christmas Romance Wish

“And the rest of us elves wear these colorful Santa hats,” Jesse says, passing them out.

The military guys get camo. Emmie’s is pink.

Shaylin’s grin tells me she’s the one behind the hat selection. If Pax knows what’s good for him, he’ll treat her right because she’s a gem. I’m lucky to have her as an assistant at Wild Warriors and even luckier to have Emmie by my side for one more day.

“I guess you’ll have to save that white dress for another time,” I say to Emmie before we get to work.

Her cheeks turn rosy and she looks away. I didn’t get to see her in it, but I know she’d make a beautiful Mrs. Claus.

Emmie is assigned to greet everyone as they come in, saying, “Welcome to Tinsel Town.”

I guide visitors toward Santa’s Workshop where Pax and Shaylin are stationed.

Nearby, Kissy waves and bats her eyelashes, missing the point and making it about her, rather than the families and folks visiting and exploring the little village scenes the youth ministry set up.

I say a little prayer for patience because Kissy gets on my nerves. At the same moment, Pastor Jeff approaches.

He says, “Thanks for joining us today. You guys have been making a positive impact on the community.”

“Just doing my duty, sir.” And by that I mean to the Lord, he’s the highest authority in my life.

Pastor Jeff asks if I’d like to help lead a men’s group. He explains that a lot of people have gotten masculinity wrong and sees me as a great example of an honorable and strong man.

“All I ask is that God guides me and that I obediently and humbly follow orders.”

Pastor Jeff smiles. “Thank you, Alex. After the new year, I’ll be in touch about the details. I’m thinking once per month in one of our small group rooms. If we get a bigger response, we can move it in here.”

As he turns away to visit with the rest of the folks here, I say, “Sir, I have a question.”

We have a private conversation that I hope Emmie, or Kissy for that matter, doesn’t overhear.

“Just say the word and we’ll have everything ready,” Pastor Jeff says.

My smile is big enough to light up the tree in Holidayle. It could probably be seen from Santa’s sleigh up in the heavens.

I’m practically floating on clouds for the rest of the day. We give out gifts and everyone leaves with a smile.

After helping to clean up, Emmie and I stop for coffee at the same place we visited before the avalanche. She smiles at the snowman sign this time. Then her expression fades.

Her eyes go hard. Waiting at the other end of the counter is a pasty guy with wireframe glasses. He wears an arrogant smile. Tad Tobin.

She steps closer to me.

I’ll respectfully follow her lead, but my training takes charge. “Does this confirm that we’ve been talking about the same Tad Tobin?”

“Yep. The snake.”

“I have an idea.”

“Does it involve those frosting-covered pastries?” She points.

My grin grows. “How do you know me so well?”

“Great minds.”

While Tad flirts with the barista in the slimiest way imaginable, Emmie and I purchase the entirety of the frosted items in the bakery case. Heading outside, she instantly spots his vehicle—a silver Tesla with California vanity plates and the word1BadTad.

We coat the thing with frosting in shades of red, white, and green.

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