Page 54 of Wilder

“What did you discuss?”

“Well, backing up a bit, I need to tell you about what prompted the change in the ideas we had for it.”

“Okay?”

“A couple of years ago, while I was traveling, I came across a situation where a child was… being hurt. I rescued the child, and, in the process, I became involved with a couple of orphanages. They are supervised by missionaries from the States, and they do good work in countries where poor and orphaned children are especially vulnerable.”

As he spoke, Lexi could hear the passion and care in his voice. Though he’d sounded excited when he’d spoken of his travels before, this was different.

“I’ve continued to keep in contact with the orphanages and usually spend time there during my summer travels. Mom and Dad were also with me this summer, offering their medical services at the orphanages. Anyway, they are always in need of money to keep the orphanages operating. They’ve hired people to staff the orphanages, and they need to be able to buy clothing and food for the children. And, of course, there are all the other expenses that come with operating and protecting a compound filled with vulnerable people.”

Lexi had never thought much about what life was like in countries that had a large poor population. Even though she’d skated in some of those countries, she hadn’t ever ventured beyond the rink or where they were staying.

There had been no exploring or viewing the sights. Other skaters might have taken the time to see the sites in the countries where their competitions were held, but Lexi never had.

“We thought that maybe we could shift the focus of the program. Make it into an event of skating with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Parents could pay for their kids to skate, and we could have stuff like hot chocolate and mini donuts for sale. Maybe even have some auctions. All of it to raise money for the orphanages.”

“It definitely sounds better than having to come up with a program that would require a bunch of skaters.”

“We thought so,” Wilder said, his excitement showing in his eyes. “And maybe the girls, and a couple of other people they know who skate, could be dressed as elves.”

“I assume I’m to be Mrs. Clause,” Lexi said.

“Yep.”

“And Mr. Claus?”

Wilder shrugged, though there was a gleam of humor in his eyes. “Do you know any guy who might want to fill the role?”

“Just one.”

“Who?”

“You.”

Wilder grinned. “You want me to be Mr. Clause to your Mrs. Clause?”

Lexi felt a flutter in her stomach. Apparently, that was what she wanted. But she wasn’t going to let him know that.

“Well, you’re the only guy I know around here who skates,” she said. “And you’re not too bad at it.”

Laughing, Wilder said, “I’m pretty good at staying up on my skates. And if necessary, I could probably even do a jump or two.”

Did she want to skate with a partner again? Even one who was technically not a figure skater?

“Are you going to be a fit or a fat Santa?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Would you be a fit or chubby Mrs. Claus?”

“Depends on whether I need to do jumps and spins. I’m not sure I’d be able to do that with too much extra padding on me.”

“So you wouldn’t be opposed to this?” Wilder asked as he leaned back in his chair.

“No. I think it’s a good idea.” She hadn’t been a part of any fundraisers, but it was probably never too late to start participating and supporting something outside of herself.

And the bonus would be that she would be in costume, so hopefully no one would recognize her. “I don’t mean to sound… arrogant or anything, but I’d prefer if my name wasn’t attached to this. I just want to be Mrs. Claus, not Alexandra Corbyn.”

“I get that,” Wilder said with a nod. “How do you feel about Lexa? Or Lexi?”

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