Page 33 of Santa & His Elf

Nick did it.

We spent the past month practicing his speech, and he did amazing, just like I knew he would.

“Now, let's get these presents delivered.” Nick raises his arms in the air, and every elf in charge of getting us in the sky moves at lightning speed. Ushering me to the center of theroom with Santa, we’re both outfitted with magic watches to slow time, then helped into the ornate wooden sleigh made to Nick’s specifications, even though it looks about a thousand years old. Santa’s sack is loaded into the back, on the bed the elves fashioned for me as Nick’s fitted for his Santa hat headset.

The reindeer devour one last plate of cookies as they’re tethered to the sleigh by their designated elves. Blitzen’s bestie, Bonnie, sneaks another cookie from her pocket to feed her. Blitzen rewards Bonnie with a loving nose nudge, and I smile just watching them interact. They’ve been together for hundreds of years.

Our safety inspector, Julie, holds a clipboard as she walks around the sleigh again and issues a seatbelt reminder so I don’t accidentally fall out.

Frost, our head tech elf, shows us how to operate the sleigh like he has every day for the past week when we did test runs around the Pole to get a sense of flying. With magic infused into the sleigh, it remains toasty warm, with no wind to burn your face. It’s rather cozy, with padded seats and an onboard navigation system that the girls are already synced into.

Once I sit and strap myself in, Julie double-checks my lap belt as Frost finishes running through the necessities for Santa.

From a reindeer stall, Mom and Dad wave at us. “Stay safe!”

Returning the gesture, I blow my mom a kiss. She catches it midair, slaps it to her cheek, and then Dad’s.

I’m so glad they came to see us off.

They’ve been great lately.

Greater than great.

Telling them about our sexual predicament and the pregnancy went far easier than I expected. My parents are thrilled. My mom especially. We visit them often, usually for dinner, and they’ve fashioned a special room for us when we need to take care of things so we don’t have to leave. It was awkward at first, but Mom and Dad have made it a smooth transition by taking long walks while we’re busy.

They’ve even helped me empty my old apartment and start on ideas for our nursery at home.

We’re lucky to have them.

When he finishes talking with Frost, my husband waves to my parents, and they wave back. “I’m glad they came.” He pats my knee.

A small smile kicks up at the corner of my mouth, and I nod. “Me, too.”

Nick double squeezes my thigh. “You about ready?”

“Did you talk to the girls?” I check because I’ve asked him this question a dozen times.

“Yes,” he replies, laughter in his voice.

“And... They’re okay running the show when we need to handle otherstuff?”

“Yes. They nodded when I asked, and I’m pretty sure Comet laughed at me.”

“I’m sure she did. She’s sassy. I just don’t want to offend them,” I reply.

“Then maybe you should stop being a scaredy-cat and spend more time with them. I’m sure they’d like the company. Bonnie has already offered to teach you.”

Both Dancer and Prancer nod their antlered heads as if agreeing with Nick.

“See.” He flicks his chin toward them. “Thank you, ladies.”

In response, Prancer snorts, and Dancer twitches her tail.

“Fine.” I huff, feeling silly for even asking. “Starting tomorrow… Well, the next day, after they’ve rested, I’ll spend more time with them.”

“Good. Now, Elfie, are you ready to go?”

Tugging on my lap belt to ensure it’s still tight, I nod. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

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