Page 25 of Stalked By Santa

But when Maddie saw how much of my time the syndicate demanded, she suggested that we delay starting a family until my workload got less crazy. Reluctantly, I agreed, not having the heart to tell her that my workload wasnevergoing to get lighter. At least not as long as I was still the Santa.

Despite my agreement, I make sure to remind her every few months that if she gets tired of waiting, she can change her mind at any time. Because while my jobisdemanding, I’d do anything to make Maddie happy. It’s my goal in life to give her literally anything she wants.

But she claims the foundation fulfills her. She says she doesn’t need her own children when there are so many others that she can help.

I don’t believe her for a second. My wife is a terrible liar. Over the years, she’s proven that her naughtiness reallyisconfined to the bedroom. Not that I’m complaining…

“Cleared for landing, boss.”

Dasher’s voice fills the cabin. He isnota quiet reindeer. But still, Maddie doesn’t stir. Not even when the sleigh touches down and I scoop her into my arms.

Fuck, I hope she’s not coming down with something.

But the cheers of the gathered elves when we exit the sleigh finally manage to rouse her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” she says, stifling a yawn.

Deciding that checking the list can wait, I transport us directly to our room and place her on the bed before replying. “You never have to apologize, love. But I will confess to being worried. We’ll call the doctor in the morning.”

To my surprise, Maddie blushes. “That won’t be necessary.”

I frown. “It’s not up for debate. You’ve been awfully tired lately. Too tired. You’ve been working too hard, and it has to stop.”

“Nick, I’m fine…” she says, not meeting my eye.

I stroke her hair. “What aren’t you telling me, love?”

“I wanted to surprise you tonight at our party,” she says, finally meeting my gaze. “But do you remember the day you proposed, when I asked if you kneweverythingabout me?”

Unsure where this is going, I nod.

“Well, maybe you did then, but your powers of observation are slipping, dear. I stopped taking my birth control pills three months ago.”

“Are you saying…”

“I’m pregnant, Nick.We’repregnant. I know it will be tough with your hours but—”

I cut her off with a kiss.

When we finally come up for air, I say, “It will be fine, angel. I’m thrilled. Ecstatic. I can only think of one Christmas present that could top this one, and you already gave that to me years ago.”

“I was so worried you’d be upset.”

I shake my head. “Not at all.”

“But your workload…”

“You aren’t the only one who was planning a surprise announcement during our party,” I admit. “I’m retiring. This was my last Christmas Eve run.”

“But Christmas…”

“Will continue just as it always has. The syndicate is bigger than any one man. Surely, you’ve seen that by now? I’ve had a longer run than most. Someone else can be the Man in Red. Christmas will be just fine without me.”

Maddie shakes her head. Then to my surprise, she giggles.

“What’s so funny, minx?”

“You’re going to have to stalk me the old-fashioned way now, without the aid of an entire surveillance team.”

“Nope. Afraid not.”

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