“Andrew, you’re doing great!” she encourages quietly, patting my knee as another kid trots away with a candy cane in hand.
I raise an eyebrow at her and talk softly so the kids don’t hear me. “It’s not as if I have to do much. Just sit here, nod, and occasionally utter ‘Ho Ho Ho.’”
Jane laughs, the sound bubbling from her like the soft jingle of sleigh bells.
We take a quick water break in a makeshift tent. While it’s cold outside, these costumes are stuffy and hot.
“This wig is so itchy,” Jane complains as she takes off her wig and plops down on the little bench next to me.
“I have sweat pouring down my back,” I confess as I wiggle about. “My captain owes me big time.”
The event coordinator peeks her head in. “That man hasn’t done this job himself in about eight years. Every year since he’s talked somebody new into taking his spot. I guess there are perks to being the boss.” She chuckles. “Just a few minutes break then we’ll finish the second half.” She nods then leaves.
I notice Jane bite down hard on her lips at that. I can tell she wants to say something but is working hard to hold it back. Her adorable, flushed face turns to me, and my eyes capture hers.
“Out with it, Mrs. Claus,” I challenge, leaning towards her.
“You got played by the captain.”
“I know I did, and this isn’t the first time. But at least I get to spend time with you,” I tell her, my voice dropping to a whisper.
Jane rolls her eyes, but I can see the blush rising on her cheeks. It’s not the heat of the tent that makes her rosy either. “Time to get back to the children, Santa.”
I stand up, dreading having to go back out there when all I want to do is wrap my arm around her waist, pull her in close, and kiss her. Tell her that I have fallen for her in a way I never knew was possible.
But the timing isn’t right, and we have a job to do, so I offer her my hand, helping her up. She stands, our fingers still intertwined. We’re about to walk out of the tent when she pulls me down toward her.
“I’m glad it’s you, too,” she whispers, sending shivers down my spine.
She walks out of the tent first, leaving me to regain my composure. A few simple words, but the meaning behind them makes my heart flutter in my chest.
14
Jane
“Jane, I’m headed out. I’ll see you tomorrow!” Tandy calls out.
“Bye, Tandy!” I shout back as the chime above the door goes off as she exits.
Since I took a few hours off to play dress up as Mrs. Claus, it means I’ll be here later than I originally planned. I need to finish the remainder of this inventory, and there’s still a lot to go through.
I get up to make a coffee from our little coffee station. People get thirsty while browsing, right? Yes. So we have a mini Keurig and mini fridge on a cart by the register (We don’t need kids fueling on caffeine.). We’ve received so many compliments, especially from moms bringing their kids in. It also saves me from spending money at Mr. Bradford’s coffee shop every day, but don’t worry, I still get a peppermint hot cocoa every once in a while.
The door chimes again, pulling me frommy thoughts.
“We’re closed!” I call out without looking up, assuming it’s a late customer.
“Even for me?”
“Mom, I thought you were having a cozy night in?” I walk over to her and give her a hug.
“I changed my mind. I thought I’d surprise you with dinner.”
My brows lift in surprise as she holds up two bags from The Spot, our favorite diner in Oakridge Hollow.
“Mom, you didn’t have to do that,” I say, though the scent wafting from the bags makes my stomach rumble.
“Oh, hush.” She waves off my protest with a laugh. “You’re working late, and I know you wouldn’t have eaten if I hadn’t brought this.”
