Page 84 of The Naughty Elf

Ashley does as she asked, and we watch the second half. It’s over-the-top with a nearly disastrous wedding, where the maid of honor runs off in the middle of the reception to get away from the best man.

But when he finds her gone, he needs help to get to her, calling the Coast Guard to helicopter him in to the local monument she mentioned earlier in the movie. The landing isn’t smooth, but he rolls out, announcing his love and getting that big, romantic kiss at the end.

The credits feature outtakes from the actors and crew singing a song throughout the scenes. They’re all silly.

“Wait…” Ashley sits up and pauses the credits to look at me. “Why’d he just go through all that?”

“Because it’s a grand gesture,” Gracie says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“Did we need to do a grand gesture?” Tension tightens his muscles against my side. His features turn serious and worried.

Gracie and I laugh together, and I squeeze his hand before looking at my three men. “This is big enough.”

And it really is. It’s more than I let myself hope for.

“I think I’m going to have to watch the beginning.” Ashley restarts the movie, and Gracie teaches them the nuances of what makes a good rom-com.

I just sit quietly andd soak in every second of what real love feels like.

EPILOGUE

ASHLEY

The Christmas carnival is even bigger than it was last year, all thanks to Ginger and her brilliant ability to not only plan the event, but persuade half the community to pitch in for a good cause.

Since last year, other charities have been clamoring for her to host fundraisers for them. She’s only taken on two new clients, though, both preparing for late spring and early summer events. This gives her long enough after her due date to adjust and get well.

Luckily for her, four parents are better than one, and she won’t have to lift a finger if she doesn’t want to.

The guys and I already have a rotation in place as we build her the house of her dreams, which will be ready in time for her to bring our son into the world. I’m sure she’s sick of never getting any alone time, but it’s hard to keep myself away from her.

I know they guys feel the same way.

I crowd around her now as she holds her clipboard. The end settles on her round, pregnant belly, which is accentuated by the maternity elf costume Gracie convinced her to wear. I got to rubher down with lotion just this morning before holding her. It’s her new favorite thing, having one of us stand behind her and take the weight of our baby off her shoulders. Or back. Pelvis?

I itch to do it for her now, but it’s not the time. Instead, I rub my hand low on her back. “What’s next on that list of yours?”

“The children’s performance in thirty. We need to be sure they have their props and that the area is sectioned off for the other kids to sit and watch.”

“Already done, but why don’t we check on things anyway.”

Sighing, Ginger nods, taking my arm when I offer it. Even at seven months pregnant, she’s nimble and fast—if a little unbalanced at times. We make it to the middle of the carnival and find everything set up the way she instructed.

There’s a big comfy chair off to the side that I direct her to. Because what she doesn’t know is that the children’s Christmas pageant is a ruse. One Jackson, Sawyer, and I conspired with Gracie to make happen.

When I guide her to that seat and take her clipboard from her, Ginger frowns up at me.

“Just take a minute to rest and enjoy. I’m going to grab you some hot cocoa, and you’re going to kick your feet up. All right?”

She’s still frowning, but she nods. I kiss her cheek and run off to grab said cocoa. It’s the only way I know how to slow her down. Otherwise, she’ll be hopping from one thing to another until she’s exhausted.

Getting the cocoa takes a few minutes, and when I return, I can see her struggling to get out of the chair.

“Hey, remember the doctor’s orders for today? Less work, more enjoying yourself.”

Ginger huffs at me but takes the Styrofoam cup with a sigh. “I just want to be sure…”

“Everything has been taken care of. I promise.” I settle her back and kiss the top of her head. “Just sit and watch.”

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