Page 28 of Moonlight Over Mistletoe
Shelly's eyes narrowed as she took in his furrowed brow and fidgeting hands. “Really, Dad? You can't be honest with me?”
Christopher ran a hand through his beard. After a moment's hesitation, he decided to open up.
“It's Eleanor,” he said. “I can't stop thinking about her. In fact, I decided I need to tell her how I feel and why I 'ghosted' her.” He put air quotes around 'ghosted.' “Nora's word, not mine.” He took a sip of stale coffee. “Nora also informed me that Eleanor left on a cruise.A singles cruise!What if I've missed my chance?”
Shelly listened intently, her kind eyes encouraging him to continue. Christopher poured out his worries, his voice growing more animated.
“I care about her so much. The thought that I lost her, that I messed it all up for good... it terrifies me. But I have responsibilities here, to the family, to Christmas itself.”
Shelly's lips curved into a smile. “Don't you see? You're using work as a shield to protect your heart.”
Christopher blinked, stunned by her words. Was she right? Had he been hiding behind his duties all this time?
“Maybe this is your sign that it's time to retire,” Shelly continued. “Enjoy life, pursue a relationship with Eleanor. You deserve happiness too, you know.”
As Shelly spoke, hope fluttered in Christopher. Retire? The idea had always terrified him, but now? He pictured himself free from the constant demands of being Santa, spending time with Eleanor, and trying new activities together.
“But what about everything here?” he asked, gesturing around the office.
Shelly reached out and squeezed his hand. “The world won't stop turning if you step back. Let us do this. Our Christmas gift to you. You've given so much. It's time to live for yourself.”
Christopher pondered her words. Could he really do it? Take a chance on love, on happiness? As he looked into Shelly's encouraging eyes, a flash of conviction rushed through him. But then the fear came roaring back.
“What about the legacy of Santa Claus? Our family has carried this tradition for generations. I can't help but worry about the impact my retirement would have on everyone.”
“That’s quite the ego you have,” Shelly kindly teased. “But seriously, the Kringle family is strong. It survived long before you and will continue long after all of us. Your children, your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren will carry on the tradition. It's who we are, too.”
As Shelly's words sank in, Christopher inhaled deeply, his chest expanding with newfound resolve. “You're right, Shelly,” he said. “It's time. I'm ready to retire and see where this path with Eleanor leads if it's not too late.”
Shelly's face lit up. “Oh, Dad, I'm so proud of you. This is a big step, but you won't be alone. Your family will be here to help you every step of the way during this transition.”
Christopher felt a surge of gratitude for his daughter's unwavering support. “Thank you. Your wisdom and encouragement mean the world to me.”
As he spoke, Christopher’s mind began to wander, picturing a new future. He saw himself strolling hand in hand with Eleanor through the streets of Paris, or on a safari in Africa, or anywhere they wanted.
Excitement bubbled up within him, replacing the fear and doubt that had plagued him for so long. “You know,” he said, a twinkle in his eye, “I think this might be the start of an amazing new chapter.”
Shelly reached out and squeezed his hand. “That's the spirit. Now, how about we see how to get you on that cruise?”
“Yes. Let's do it.”
23
Eleanor'sheartstutteredasthe familiar figure of Christopher Kringle materialized among the whirl of ballroom dancers. The grandeur of the cruise ship's dance floor, festooned with twinkling lights and resplendent decorations, paled against the shock that rooted her to the spot. His white beard, a beacon in the sea of revelers, bobbed as he navigated through the crowd towards her.
“May I have this dance?” Christopher asked, extending a hand.
Eleanor blinked. “Christopher Kringle,” she uttered, her voice calm and cold. “You've got some nerve showing up here.”
He stood patient before her, a nervous smile on his lips. “I know, and I owe you an explanation.”
But she held up a hand, refusing to be swayed by his contrite disposition. “You can't just waltz back into my life. Your behavior was both immature and hurtful.” Eleanor stood her ground, hoping she succeeded in hiding the whirlwind of emotions that danced through her heart.
“I know. It is inexcusable, but please let me explain. A moment of your time is all I ask.”
Eleanor hesitated, studying the lines around his eyes, the dark rings. His expression hopeful and apologetic. If she'd learned anything in all her years, it was that humans had an infinite capacity for making mistakes. Christopher had made a mistake. If she turned away now, deaf to his words, would she be committing one of her own?
If this led to nothing but closure and understanding as to why he disappeared, then that would be enough. If it opened the possibility for more? Well, who knew.
