Page 110 of Wilder

Pushing aside those thoughts, she focused on the conversation going on around her. Kayleigh, Hudson, and Alexander walked with the Halversons to the silent auction and baked goods.

“You okay?”

Lexi turned to Wilder and forced herself to give him a smile. She was okay. And if she could get rid of the thoughts about her father, she’d be even better. “Yep. I’m fine.”

Wilder looked like he didn’t believe her, and for a moment, she thought he might push. But instead, he just gave a nod.

“Are we putting on our costumes before everything starts?”

“We probably should,” she said. “I’ll put my skates on as well since I’m used to walking around in them.”

“Plus, they make you taller.”

She chuckled, feeling some of her sad thoughts ease away. “Yeah. They do. But still not as tall as you.”

Charli and Blake’s arrival with the girls interrupted their conversation. Mrs. Halverson made a beeline for them. She greeted them all with hugs and kisses, even Blake, then she took the car seat and carried it over to one of the tables.

“How was Charli this morning?” Lexi asked as she watched the family follow Mrs. Halverson.

“She seemed better,” Wilder said. “Janessa, on the other hand… She probably won’t show up until this afternoon. She wasn’t feeling so hot.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

Wilder shrugged. “All part of the joy of being pregnant, I guess.”

“Are we getting changed, Uncle Wilder?” Layla asked as she came up and grabbed his arm.

“Do you want to spend the afternoon in your elf costume?”

She grinned. “Yep. That would be cool.”

“Then go ahead and get changed.”

“You can use the bathroom or my office,” Lexi told her.

With a nod, Layla skipped over to where Amelia stood with her hand in Blake’s. After a moment’s conversation, Charli picked up a bag and followed the girls into the bathroom.

More of Wilder’s family showed up, most of them carrying boxes which apparently held more baked goods and a few more things for the auction. There was also a table that held a stack of pamphlets, along with a display board with pictures and information about the orphanages.

The café was open, and George was there for the skate rentals. They’d agreed to let kids have skates for free, though adults had to pay, with the proceeds going to the fundraiser.

There was a spot on the far end of the rink that they’d decorated for Wilder to take pictures with the kids. It wasn’t the conventional picture with Santa setup, but Lexi thought the kids would have fun with it.

As one o’clock neared, Lexi headed for her office to get changed. It didn’t take too long to put on the pieces that made up her costume, then she sat down to put on her skates. She didn’t have a mirror in her office, so she made her way to the bathroom to check that everything looked okay.

“You look so pretty!” Amelia exclaimed as she ran up to Lexi before she could reach the bathroom.

Lexi smiled down at her. “So do you.”

“Should I put my skates on?” she asked.

“If you want. We’re not skating until one-thirty, so you’ll have to walk around in them.”

“I can do it.”

“Then ask your mom or dad to help you tie them,” Lexi said, making sure to emphasizeyour momso Amelia knew that’s what she considered Charli.

As Amelia ran off, Lexi slipped into the bathroom and checked herself out in front of the mirror. She was used to wearing costumes, but this one was definitely a first. Not much sparkle, and it definitely covered more of her body than any of the other ones she’d worn.

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