Page 33 of Magic in Mistletoe
Chapter 17
Sadieraisedherhand,rapping on the door of Martin’s cabin.
“Come in. It’s open,” called Nora’s cheery voice from inside. Sadie turned the knob and stepped into the cabin. Nora stood by the fireplace, her golden-brown hair reflecting the flickering flames like a halo around her head. Her big, curious eyes danced in the firelight as she smiled at Sadie.
“Hi, Sadie. Dad’s away on business, but he’ll be back soon.” Nora motioned for Sadie to take off her coat and hang it on the coat rack near the door. “Make yourself comfortable.”
“Thanks,” Sadie replied, her voice tense as she peeled off her gloves and took a seat on one of the plush armchairs facing the fireplace. She glanced around the cabin, her eyes lingering on the carefully carved forest scene that adorned the mantel. Beside it sat the music box Martin had given her, forgotten here before their sleigh ride.
She walked across the room and held the smooth box in her hands, reluctant to open it and watch the magic unfold.
“Can I offer you something to drink? Hot cocoa, maybe? Or tea?” Nora asked, breaking the silence.
“Sure, tea would be great,” Sadie replied. There was an uneasiness settling in her stomach. Nora returned shortly with a tray of tea. Sadie watched as the steam danced above the mug, then took a deep breath.
“Listen, Nora...there’s something I need to talk to you about,” she began, her voice wavering slightly. “It’s about your father.”
“Uh oh, what did he do?” Nora asked.
“He...he...” Sadie hesitated, wondering how to broach the subject delicately, then realized she was fretting over nothing. Nora knew. It wasn’t a secret here. “I know that he’s Santa. One of the Santas,” she corrected.
For a moment, the room fell silent, save for the crackling of the fire. Nora blinked in surprise, then released an enormous sigh. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“It’s a lot to take in, you know?”
“I can imagine,” Nora agreed, her eyes filled with empathy.
“I never thought something like this could be real.” Sadie glanced around the cozy cabin, taking in the festive decorations as if they corroborated Martin’s identity.
“Yeah, but you get used to it. You’ll find it pretty normal soon.”
“Well, except that you’re moving,” Sadie began, then checked the time on her phone. Rosie was expecting to hear from her. Maybe there wasn’t time to wait for Martin. “I don’t know how much your dad shares with you about...the business...but with everything that’s happened, I’m worried he’s going to cancel the order at the candy store.”
“Oh, of course not. He still has to include the candy with all the gifts on Christmas Eve. Nothing’s changed there. The village is being moved. That’s all. It’s happened before. No biggy. It’s not like Christmas is being canceled.”
“Are you sure?” Sadie asked. “About the candy—not Christmas—oh, you know what I mean. This is hard.”
“Absolutely,” Nora replied with conviction. “My dad wouldn’t do that.”
“Well, that’s good to hear. I’m going to let Rosie know the order is still on and then head out.” Sadie texted Rosie the good news. “And don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
“You’re not waiting for Dad? I know he’d want to see you.”
Sadie’s chest ached with conflicting emotions. “Not just yet. I still need time to think.” She cared for Martin, but leaving Mistletoe would mean abandoning the place that had become home.
“About dating Dad? The Santa Claus thing?”
“About leaving Mistletoe.”
“Him leaving?”
“No, me.”
“Why would you leave?” Nora asked.
“Because he asked me to go with him.”
“Are you kidding? You guys just met.” Nora facepalmed, then stood. “I’m sorry, Sadie. He never dated after Mom died and is obviously a bit out of practice. Don’t let that scare you off, though. He really is a good guy.”
