Page 48 of Unexpected Gifts

Beside Santa’s workshop, a life-sized sleigh, complete with reindeer figures decked out in jingle bells and garlands, offered a place for the children to jump and play. Elves, members of the high school drama club dressed in red-and-green outfits, helped manage the crowd, offering candy canes and smiles to the kids.

“This is unbelievable,” Abby said.

“Welcome to life with my brother Max. He has a flair for the dramatic.”

“And an eye for beautiful aesthetics,” Abby said. “Everything’s so pretty.”

“No one expected Max to want to buy the old store,” Luke said as they walked over to join the children in line. “He was always the most adventurous of us. I thought he’d grow up to travel the world, which he did, but then he returned to us and said he was here to stay. My mother was thrilled to have him back.”

Jack tugged on Abby’s arm. “I have to go to the bathroom.”

“All right. No problem.” Abby looked up at Luke. “Is it okay for me to take him into the ladies’ room? Yet another thing I don’t know.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take him if you stay with the girls,” Luke said. “Won’t be a minute.”

Jack placed his hand in Luke’s as they headed toward the restrooms inside the store. Something about the boy’s small hand in his big one touched his heart. Jack had never known his father, and now his mother was gone too. How could he not be damaged?

Yet he would have Abby.

And the Hayes family, too.

When they walked inside, Luke spotted Max in the wine section advising a customer. Luke nodded at him but didn’t want to interrupt or delay the restroom.

He waited outside the stall for Jack to do his business, smiling at the sound of the boy singing “Jingle Bells” to himself. A minute or so later, Jack had finished and washed his hands, and they were on their way back to the girls.

They’d made some progress in line, but there were still six families ahead of them. Seeing Abby standing there with the girls, all three of them beautiful blondes, it occurred to Luke how easily she could pass for their mother. The idea pleased him. Lily deserved to have a mother. For that matter, Jack deserved to have a father.

Had God brought them all together for a reason? Could something good come out of all the tragedy they’d all endured?

He had no idea why, but he had the feeling the answer was a big fat yes.

Finally,they reached Santa. Lily, being the youngest, was allowed to go first. She snuggled right up to Santa, clearly not realizing he was actually Kris Olaffson, Sugarville Grove’s nosy, gossipy postman.

“I’d like a dollhouse, please,” Lily said. “I saw one at the toy store, and that’s the one I want. Can your elves make it for me?”

“I’m sure that can be arranged,” Kris said. “I’ve seen your name on the good list, so I don’t think that will be a problem.”

“I’ve been very good,” Lily said solemnly. “Sometimes I don’t want to be.”

“I’m glad you choose to be good.” Kris belly-laughed, sounding a lot like Santa of folklore. It was no wonder the children thought he was really Santa.

Jack went next, looking slightly worried, as he climbed onto the older man’s ample lap.

“What about you, young man?” Santa asked. “What would you like this year?”

“Am I on the good list?” Jack’s chin quivered.

“You most certainly are.” Kris ruffled Jack’s hair. “You don’t have to be perfect to be on the good list.”

Jack sighed with obvious relief. Luke had to wonder what had made him so worried about making the cut.

Now that he had that settled, Jack jumped right in with his request. “I would like a bicycle. Aboy’sbike. No flowers, please.”

“Any preference in color?” Kris asked.

“Blue, please.”

“You got it.”

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