Page 24 of Santa Daddy, I'm Not the One

We descended upon Twinkle Glen, the sleigh landing smoothly on the glistening snow. I’d timed our arrival to a few minutes before the procession began. It would give everyone achance to meet Landon properly but not enough time for them to grill him.

We stepped out of the sleigh and, hand in hand, walked toward the town square. An elven trio singing harmonies greeted us. As we approached the crowd gathering around them, whispers rose, and heads turned our way.

Landon tensed beside me, but I held his hand and introduced him to everyone. His smile was just as forced as those of the townspeople. They were worried, and they had a right to be. The tree hadn’t regained its luster.

When it was time to lead the procession, I stood in front of everyone. “Fellow elves and friends,” I said in a booming voice that silenced the chatter instantly. “Let’s embrace this season’s joy by lending our hearts to song and welcoming new friends into our fold.” I glanced at Landon, who was standing slightly behind me. “Now, more than ever, it is important to show unity and support each other. We are the light that needs to keep Twinkle Glen shining.”

The procession began, a line of carriages adorned with garlands, ribbons, and twinkling lights slowly winding through the cobblestone streets. I led the way, Landon beside me, and we joined in the chorus of the first carol. Our voices, along with those of the elves and humans, rose, creating a tapestry of sound that brought warmth to even the coldest corners of Twinkle Glen.

The Caroling Caravan moved slowly, stopping at intervals for different groups to join in or to perform a special song. The glow of lanterns and the gentle shimmer of snowflakes drifting from the night sky added to the enchantment of the night. Landon’s initial hesitation faded, and his eyes lit up with each new verse, each smile from a passing child, each wave from the townsfolk.

We moved past the Yuletide Inn, past the Enchanted Market, where the smells of cider and gingerbread enticed everyone todrink and eat. Everywhere we went, the community joined in, their voices uniting in a celebration of the season, of hope.

Finally, the procession led us to the center of the square, where the Eternal Tree stood. Its once vibrant branches were dimmer now, the lights not as brilliant as they should be. A hush fell over the crowd, all eyes turning to the tree and then to Landon, the stranger in our midst. Landon shrank back, his posture becoming defensive once more.

I stepped forward, releasing Landon’s hand, and addressed the crowd. “This tree is a symbol of our spirit, our unity, and our joy. Tonight, let us sing not just for the season but also for renewal, for hope, and for the future of Twinkle Glen.”

“Wait.” Landon moved to stand next to me, his body shaking.

“Landon—”

“No, I have to do the right thing.” He turned to the crowd. “Coming here to Twinkle Glen wasn’t my choice, and I didn’t like that. While I walked through the town today, I admired all the decorations. Everything looked so beautiful, like out of a fairytale, but I shouldn’t have touched your tree, let alone try to break off a branch. I wanted to see what made it glow and never expected that the light would dim. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I am sorry for affecting your tree.”

Silence reigned, as if the weight of Landon’s words sank into the hearts of those around us. The next move belonged to the people of Twinkle Glen. A soft murmur rippled through them, their gazes flitting between Landon and me. An older elf stepped forward. His name was Aengus, one who had lived as long as the Eternal Tree itself.

“You didn’t mean to harm the tree,” Aengus said, his voice steady and smoothing. “In fact, it was silly of us to think that you, a mere human, could be responsible for what happened. It’s all a coincidence, but thank you for apologizing. This isn’t thefirst time Twinkle Glen has faced a crisis, and we’ll get through this the way we always have—by uplifting our spirits.”

His words seemed to break a spell, and the people murmured in agreement.

“Let’s sing!”

A hearty cheer replaced the heavy silence. The musicians struck up a lively tune, and everyone joined in. In an orderly fashion, each person walked up to the tree and touched it.

“What are they doing?”

“They’re paying respect to the tree that has served us well for so long. Come on.”

But Landon didn’t move. “I don’t think I should touch it again.”

“It will be fine.”

“How do you know?”

“Sometimes all we have to do is believe. You heard the elder. It’s inconceivable that you could be responsible for what happened to the tree.”

“Maybe…after.”

“Okay, I’ll wait.”

It was a long wait while everyone got their touch of the tree. When no one else was left, Landon approached the tree with me.

“I’m afraid,” he said. “They’ll blame me if…”

I took his hand and placed it on the tree bark with mine over his. He gasped, and I felt it. The jolt, a rush of warmth flowing through him.

“You feel that?” Landon asked.

“Yes.”

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