Page 74 of My Secret Santa Daddies

Just as I’m about to greet her, Bettie Thompson stands up on the makeshift stage, ringing a little bell.

“Everyone! Can I have your attention please?”

The evening kicks off with the Mayor taking the stage. “Good evening, everyone!” he greets, his voice booming with cheer. “Welcome to our annual Secret Santa reveal! Let’s spread some holiday magic tonight.”

Betty Thompson steps forward again, her warm smile lighting up the room. “Alright, everyone, it's time for the big reveal!” she announces. “If you haven't guessed your Secret Santa yet, now's the moment to find out!”

I bite back a curse, glancing at Sierra one last time before she disappears into the crowd.

Betty beams at everyone, her voice filled with holiday cheer. “Alright, folks, it’s time for the big moment! Let’s see what gifts our Secret Santas have brought this year.”

Jack tugs at my hand, his excitement contagious. “Is it our turn, Dad?”

“Not yet, buddy,” I murmur, keeping my eyes on the stage where Betty is organizing the gifts in a neat line. “We’ve gotta be patient.”

Jack groans dramatically, but I barely hear him. My mind is too focused on Sierra, who is standing near the back of the crowd, her expression carefully guarded.

Betty starts calling names, and the room comes alive with laughter and applause as each person steps forward.

Gregory Treeve goes first, his usual charm on full display. He hands Laura Bennett a beautifully handcrafted wooden jewelry box, bowing a little as he presents it. “I hope you like it, Laura,” he says, his eyes twinkling.

Laura’s face lights up, her smile wide and genuine. “Oh, Gregory, it’s lovely! Thank you so much.”

The next exchange has the whole room grinning. Jake “The Snake” O’Hara swaggers up with his gift in hand, a large hiking backpack. He hands it to Ranger Lisa Morales with a cocky grin. “For all your adventures in the forest,” he teases.

Lisa laughs, shaking her head. “You know me too well, Jake. Thanks.”

Every time my name isn’t drawn, the nerves rise up faster.

I really think I might throw up.

Marty Wilson, who’s been buzzing with excitement all night, steps up next. He hands Laura Bennett a vintage film projector, practically bouncing on his toes. “Thought this might add some magic to your inn, Laura.”

“You shouldn’t have, Marty!” Laura exclaims, but her delighted smile says otherwise.

Hank Garrison takes the stage after Marty, holding a large gift basket filled with handmade soaps, candles, and a cozy blanket. He hands it to Dr. Susan Harper with a wink. “Take some time to relax, Susan.”

Susan blushes, clearly touched. “I will, Hank. Thank you.”

Then it’s Betty and Sam Thompson’s turn. They give their daughter Sandra a personalized cookbook, and Betty’s voice is thick with emotion. “We can’t wait to see your creations.”

Sandra wraps her arms around both of them, her eyes glistening. “Thanks, Mom, Dad. I love it.”

Oh, God. I can’t take this much longer.I clench my jaw, avoiding Cody and Griffin’s gaze. They know what I’m about to do, and they're nervous too.

Sheriff Tom Callahan is next. He presents Janie Blackwood with a framed photograph of Bear Claw Mountain, the peaks majestic and covered in snow. “For the strength and beauty of new beginnings,” he says, his voice sincere.

The room falls into a brief, respectful silence, broken only by Janie’s soft, “Thank you, Tom.”

The crowd erupts into laughter when Cody and Wyatt step forward, each holding identical tool kits. They roll their eyes in exaggerated annoyance. “Yeah, yeah,” Cody mutters. “Real original, huh?”

Wyatt chuckles, shaking his head. “Guess we know each other a littletoowell.”

The laughter dies down as Betty clears her throat, her eyes scanning the room. “And now, last but not least… Sierra, come on up!”

My heart stops for a moment. I watch Sierra take a deep breath, then step forward, her face pale but determined.

This is it.She must have me. And I her.

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