Page 50 of Santa Daddy, I'm Not the One

“Never again, my love. I’m never letting you go again.”

He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him back. To think when we first met, I never dreamed that I would be the one.

Epilogue

LANDON

Istood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my coat, a grin spreading across my face. In the past several months, Nils had watched over me intensely, ensuring that I ate to put back the weight I’d lost and a little more. The man doted on me more than was healthy, but neither of us cared. We were happy, as were the people of Twinkle Glen.

The town was in the middle of the festive season and looked more enchanting than ever. The soft glow of snowflakes falling outside the window cast a magical light over everything. I couldn’t believe I’d ever forgotten about this place. How had I let it slip away from my memory? But being back now, it felt like coming home.

I couldn’t wait for the ball tonight, to stand by Santa’s side, laughing and dancing beneath the stars. I’d missed the ball last year, all thanks to Frostheart and the mess that followed, but this year, nothing was going to stop me.

A sharp knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called.

The door creaked open, and Dolbie peeked in, wearing the knitted red scarf I’d made him. My knitting was poor, but that didn’t seem to matter to him. “Landon, Santa’s waiting for you.”

My heart skipped a beat. It was time. After begging and cajoling, Nils had agreed to take me with him to deliver the Christmas gifts on his last night. This year’s trip lasted five days because he insisted on returning home each day so we were never apart for the entire day.

Nodding, I grabbed my coat and hurried out the door, excitement bubbling in my chest. In the kitchen, I gathered the thermos and cookies I’d prepared specially for our adventure. What could be more romantic than sipping cocoa while soaring above the clouds?

The snow crunched beneath my boots as I walked to the stables, my breath misting in the cold air. Nils stood beside the gleaming sleigh, the reindeer lined up and ready, their bells jingling softly in the crisp night.

A smile lit up his face. Before I could say a word, he closed the distance between us and kissed me, warm and gentle. “Are you sure you want to go with me this year?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with concern and excitement.

“Of course. I’m not going to be like Mrs. Claus in those books, sitting around sipping cocoa while you do all the work. I want to be by your side, bringing joy to the world.” The reindeer grunted impatiently. “Besides, I brought the hot cocoa. Let’s go deliver some gifts.”

Santa chuckled, his warm laugh filling the night air. “All right, if you’re sure. Are you ready?”

I gave him a firm nod, my heart pounding with excitement. He stored the thermos and cookies in the back, then helped me to climb into the sleigh before joining me. The reindeer pawed at the ground, ready to take flight.

“Then let’s go.” Santa took the reins.

Delivering gifts to children around the world was, without a doubt, the most profound thing I had ever done. The joy on their faces, the sense of wonder as we flew from home to home—it made me feel part of something bigger. There had even been a moment when I almost got caught by a little girl who had wandered into the living room.

I had ducked behind a Christmas tree, holding my breath and pressing a gloved finger to my lips as I caught sight of Nils down the hallway. He had disappeared into a shadow, giving himself a glamour to remain concealed. The moment we were back in the sleigh, soaring high above the snow-capped roofs, we had burst into quiet laughter.

Now we were back in Twinkle Glen, handing over the reins of the reindeer to the elves who would take care of them after their long journey. Our eyes met as our gloved hands brushed. We were tired, but the adrenaline still coursed through our veins. Our cheeks flushed from the cold, and our eyes sparkled with the joy of accomplishment.

Nils patted one of the reindeer’s necks and turned to me with a soft smile. The elves led the reindeer away, their bells jingling softly.

“So, what do you think?” he asked, his voice gentle but filled with that familiar warmth.

I smiled back, my chest swelling with contentment. “It was incredible. Honestly, I’ve never felt anything like it. It’s like… pure happiness. I’m so glad I got to do this with you.”

He took my hand, and we walked toward the workshop, our boots crunching through the fresh snow. “I’m glad you came. It wouldn’t have been the same without you. You certainly made the night come alive.”

His words warmed me from the inside out, chasing away the chill of the night. “Thank you,” I murmured, giving his hand a soft squeeze. When we entered the bustling workshop, enthusiastic elves delighted to see us back greeted us.

They applauded us loudly, their high-pitched cheers echoing through the high beams of the workshop. Nils waved at them, his face lit with pride. The sight of him, the leader of such a magnificent operation, filled me with admiration and love. Love for this man who gave so much of himself to ensure that millions of children woke up on Christmas Day with smiles on their faces.

The smell of pine and peppermint was all comforting. I’d enjoyed the night, but it had also been grueling work. We set off along the hall to Nils’s room—our room. I’d been wanting to strip him out of his outfit all night.

I grinned teasingly at him. "Ready to lose the suit, Jolly Old St. Nick?"

“Who’re you calling old?”

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