Page 76 of Cross Check Christmas
My hand flies to my mouth as relief washes over me. He remembered the lines perfectly—lines he must have memorized just ten seconds ago.
The actors gather around him, their faces glowing with wonder, completely caught up in the magic of the scene. And as I watch Hendrix—my ridiculous, wonderful Hendrix—playing Santa with such genuine warmth, my heart feels like it might burst.
I lean against the doorframe, watching the chaos of post-show excitement unfold. Parents swarm the stage with phones raised, capturing their little angels and shepherds in various poses. Addison and Brenden are already planning a cast party at the pizza place.
"That was amazing, Miss McAllister!" Lily hugs me tight, still glowing from her performance as Mary. "Did you see how everyone stayed in character?"
"You were all incredible." I squeeze her back, my heart full.
Through the crowd, I spot Hendrix still in his Santa suit, surrounded by a group of children—probably younger siblings who will be Brookking High students in a few years. He's completely in character, his deep "Ho Ho Ho" echoing through the auditorium as he pats each child's head.
"Now remember," he tells a wide-eyed little girl, "you need to be fast asleep before I can deliver presents. And don't forget the cookies!"
"What kind do you like best?" she asks seriously.
"Well," Hendrix strokes his fake beard thoughtfully, "chocolate chip are my favorite, but Coach Claus says I need to watch my sugar intake."
The children giggle, and more crowd around him. He handles each one with such gentleness, listening intently to their Christmas wishes and responding with just the right mix of jolly warmth.
"Santa needs his carrots for the reindeer too!" he calls out as another group approaches. "And maybe some hot chocolate to keep warm!"
I press my lips together to hide my smile.
The auditorium empties slowly, parents herding their little angels and shepherds toward the exit. Hendrix peels off the fake beard and shrugs out of the padding, though he keeps the red suit on. My heart does a silly little flip when he catches my eye and grins.
"Want to get some air?" he asks as though treading eggshells with me.
I nod, following him out the side door into the crisp December night. Snow crunches beneath our feet as we walk, the silence comfortable between us.
"Thank you," I finally say, my breath clouding in the cold. "For everything—the costumes, the set... stepping in as Santa. You saved the show."
Hendrix shrugs, his hands stuffed in the pockets of the Santa suit. "It was nothing. Really." He glances at me sideways. "The kids would have been amazing no matter what they were wearing or what the set looked like. You're a fantastic director, Colette."
Something warm blooms in my chest at his words, at the sincerity in his voice. For the first time, I let myself really look at him—not the class clown from high school or the NHL star,but just... Hendrix. This wonderful, ridiculous man who came through for me when I needed him most.
I realize with startling clarity that I could love him. That maybe I already do. That maybe I want to spend the rest of my life with this goofball who makes me laugh and challenges me and sees the best in everyone.
The thought should terrify me. Instead, it feels like coming home.
"About the bet..." Hendrix scuffs his boot in the snow. "I need you to know I forfeited days ago. I gave Tucker my Boba Fett figure and everything."
"You're such a nerd."
"Yeah, I admit it." He chuckles."But there's more. Tucker told me he and Daisy orchestrated the whole thing. They had their own bet going. He wouldn't tell me what they wagered, but I'm pretty sure he was trying to lose on purpose just to get Daisy to admit she's into him."
I laugh, remembering Daisy's suspiciously specific suggestions about stranding Hendrix in Toronto. "That explains why Daisy was so invested in our dare."
"It was never about any bet for me, Colette." Hendrix takes my hands in his, and despite the cold, warmth spreads through my entire body. "I've wanted to be with you since high school. I just didn't know how to tell you without making jokes or being a complete idiot about it."
"You're not an idiot." I squeeze his hands. "Well, maybe sometimes. But you're my idiot."
His eyes light up. "Does this mean...?"
"You drive me crazy, but you also make me laugh. You push me out of my comfort zone. And maybe that's exactly what I need."
"I love you, Colette. I love how passionate you are about your students, how you fight for what you believe in. I love that you make me want to be better."
My heart swells, and suddenly I can't hold back the words anymore. "I love you too. And maybe we balance each other out, you know? Me being all buttoned-up and serious, and you..." I gesture at his Santa suit with a smile. "You making everything lighter, brighter somehow."
