Page 31 of Magic in Mistletoe
“Again, we’re not organized crime.”
“Still, this is a lot,” Sadie said, turning toward the sleigh. Martin nodded and followed her lead, leaving behind the magical village, a sight that left Sadie overwhelmed. She pulled her coat tighter around her, trying to shield herself from the icy bite of reality—how did a fictional tale become a reality?
Sadie’s gaze followed the workers as they dismantled what seemed to be a workshop, her mind still reeling from the revelation. She glanced over at Martin, who was watching the scene with a somber expression. “So, if there’s not enough power, what happens next?” she asked.
Martin sighed, his eyes never leaving the bustling activity before them. “We have no choice but to move our operation to another location, far away from here.”
“Move?” Sadie echoed, trying to wrap her head around the idea. “But you can’t go. You just moved here.”
“I know,” he admitted, sadness lacing his voice. “But we can’t risk exposing our secret to the world. The magic needs to be protected, and if that means uprooting our lives and starting anew, then so be it. We have to do what’s for the greater good.”
Sadie chewed on her lower lip. Despite the magical world that had been revealed to her, her thoughts focused on one thing: Martin was leaving.
“Can you please take me home?” Sadie asked. “This has been a lot to process.”
“Of course,” he replied. “I understand.”
The sleigh penetrated the force field again, and the same tingling sensation washed over Sadie before the noisy world of the village fell into silence and disappeared without a trace.
“I’ve been thinking,” she said hesitantly, her eyes locked onto a point far away. “If you have this magic, this power...could you use it to save Mistletoe?”
Martin sighed. “It’s not that simple. Christmas magic is powerful, yes, but it can’t solve the world’s problems. Its purpose is to kindle hope and joy in people’s hearts, but ultimately, the fate of a town like Mistletoe lies in the hands of its residents.”
“Then what’s the point?” Sadie retorted. “If your magic can’t help people in need, then why even have it?”
“The world is a complex place, filled with both beauty and hardship. My magic can’t fix everything, but it can inspire people to come together and create positive change in their own lives. You’re a perfect example of that.”
“Me?”
“Yes. The way you offered your profits to help the town. That’s Christmas magic.”
Her breath hitched as she considered Martin’s words, but she fell into silence and stared out at the dark landscape.
As they approached her small, snow-covered cabin, Sadie watched the familiar sight come into view, her heart heavy with uncertainty. The street was lined with festive decorations, but now they mocked her rather than fill her with holiday cheer.
“Here we are,” Martin announced, pulling the sleigh to a stop in front of her home. He turned to face her, his smile replaced by a look of tender concern.
“Thank you,” Sadie whispered, but before she could step out of the sleigh, Martin leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. It was a gentle kiss, but it sent a shiver rippling through her body and made tears spring to her eyes.
“Why did you tell me all this if you’re leaving?” she asked, her voice barely audible as the warm tears ran down her cold cheeks.
“Because I want you to come with me,” Martin answered.
Chapter 16
Sadieroseearly,nothaving slept a wink. How could she when Santa’s existence had been revealed? Life would never be the same again. And, on top of that, Santa—make thataSanta—wanted her, Sadie Wexford, to join him. She pinched herself hard.Ouch. Yup, she was definitely not dreaming.
So now what? She wasn’t ready to leave Mistletoe. Nor was she ready to say goodbye to Martin.
“Maybe a walk will help clear my head,” she muttered while throwing off the blankets and duvet. She dressed and headed out without breakfast, the winter sun low in the sky and not a cloud to be seen. Her boots sank in the snow as she walked the quiet streets of Mistletoe, immersed in thought.
“Sadie!” Rosie’s voice echoed from the street, jolting her to attention. Rosie was crossing from the candy store toward the town square and waving energetically at her. “Come over here.”
Following Rosie’s lead into the town hall, Sadie pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped inside. To her astonishment, the hall had been transformed into a buzzing candy-making assembly line. Rosie now stood at the center of it all, her bright green eyes excited and her red curls bouncing as she managed the steaming pot of hot sugar on the stove.
“How did you organize this so fast?” Sadie asked, scanning the room. Volunteers from the town were dipping, wrapping, and packaging candies at lightning speed.
“Isn’t it amazing? Caleb and I set it up last night.” Rosie beamed, stirring the hot sugar with practiced ease. “We’ll have no problem filling Martin’s order now. Your idea worked.”
