Rekindled Love by Max Hudson

Author:Max Hudson [Hudson, Max]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-01-24T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Evan

The winter festival was in full swing by the time Evan had led his parade of elves and helpers to the grand red chair in front of Santa's cabin. When he relaxed into the chair, he extended his arms, inviting the first pair of children to his chair.

Harvey jumped into action, guiding the pair of kids up to Evan. Each child sat on one of Evan's knees and he spoke to them in a low, kind voice, asking them what they would like for Christmas.

“A rocking horse,” the girl replied. “And I want everyone to be happy.”

“Well, I want a water gun,” the boy added. “I want to have one for my sister, too.”

“Those are all wonderful things to ask for,” Evan said. “You must remember to be good. And not just for Christmas, but for the whole year. Remember, Santa always knows.”

He added a wink for effect and then turned to the elf working the camera.

“Smile for Santa!” the elf instructed.

The children beamed as a flash of light illuminated their faces. Evan patted them on the back as they hopped down and wished them a Merry Christmas. When Harvey brought a new pair of children, Evan repeated the process: asking them what they wanted for Christmas and reminding them to be good. He must have met fifty children by the time the elves announced it was time for Santa to take a quick break.

Harvey took his place on Evan's right, resting his hand on Evan's shoulder and leaning toward Evan's ear to whisper, “You were a natural with my nephews today.”

Evan grinned and gestured around. “I've had practice.”

“Of course, but I think it also comes naturally for you.”

“Thank you for not making it a big deal.”

Harvey grinned as he stood upright. “Well, I might have enjoyed watching you play with them.”

“Do you mean that?”

“Santa!” a little girl shouted. “Santa, don't forget me!”

Evan perked up when he heard the little girl's voice and grinned wide when a blonde-haired child about six-years-old darted beneath the red ropes to race to his chair. He opened his arms when he recognized the girl.

“Marissa!”

“Hi, Santa!”

He stood up to embrace her, lifting her up and causing her to giggle.

“Santa is on a quick break, sweetie,” Harvey said. “Can you wait a few more minutes?”

“Oh, I have plenty of time for this one,” Evan insisted. “Where's your father? Is he around?”

“He's back there.”

Marissa pointed to the man standing awkwardly beyond the red ropes. The man raised a hand in greeting.

Evan grinned. “Matthew, come over here!”

Matthew shrugged and then chuckled as he jogged past the ropes, embracing Evan as soon as he was close enough to do so. When he stepped back, his daughter joined his side.

“We're sorry we missed you last year,” he said. “Marissa had the flu.”

“But I'm all better this year!” Marissa exclaimed.

“And I'm so glad that you are,” Evan stated with a grin. “What would you like for Christmas, dear?”

“Can we get a picture?”

“Yes, of course!”

He plopped down into his chair and invited Marissa into his lap.

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