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“Why is Mrs. Claus British and talking about herself in the third person?”
“Because I know that was really difficult for you and I wanted to make you laugh.”
Clark leaned over and kissed her, his hand cradling her cheek with a smile. “Thank you for being here tonight.”
“I love you,” she whispered.
“I love you, too.” He headed up the road to the bank and deposited it into his savings. He could decide where best to distribute it Monday, but right now, he needed to get downtown for the Parade of Lights.
His phone pinged with a notification, but he couldn’t check until he parked a mile outside of the square of town. Families streamed down the sidewalk, finding free spots to watch. He weaved his way to the start where the Winters Christmas Tree Farm float was parked in front of the tire shop on the end of 4th street.
Merry unbuckled the moment his engine shut off. “Hurry, before my mother has a cow.”
“We’ve got time, Mer. The float is parked right over there.”
“Yes, but I still need to change into my Mrs. Claus outfit and there is a lot of fluffing and molding to do or my boobs will look crooked.”
Clark let her drag him across the dirt parking lot, grinning from ear to ear. “I have no idea what you are talking about, but sounds like something I could help with.”
“Clark, Merry!” Victoria yelled, waving her arms as she rushed to meet them.
Merry waved back. “Hey, I’m here.”
“Where’s Jace?” Clark asked.
“Chris took him to get hot cocoa. Now, I need you both to get changed.”
“Both? Mom, what are you talking about?”
Victoria huffed. “Didn’t you get my texts? Nick is sick and Martin’s wife went into labor, so I need to fill float positions. You’re going to be Santa—” She pointed at Clark. “And your brother agreed to be our other elf.”
“Um, wait, my brother agreed to that?”
“Yes, so will you please help out? Chris can’t get in and out of that float with his knees and we’ll keep Jace with us so he can see the whole thing.”
Clark nodded. “Of course I’ll help.”
Victoria clapped her hands gleefully. “Wonderful. Now, both of you head past the float and into the back of the tire shop. The door is open. Hurry.”
Merry led the way past the Winters Family float. It was the same float they’d used for the last five years, with a little refreshed paint and props. The trailer was hooked to the back of a 1954 cherry-red Ford truck, with green wooden trees lit up by a spotlight in the back of the truck. The trailer was covered in white cotton fluff, with thousands of white Christmas lights woven throughout. Two wooden boxes painted to look like presents sat on either side toward the front, a spotlight on each to illuminate whoever sat inside. Pre-lit Christmas present yard displays were randomly placed and stacked at the feet of the brown wooden reindeer, held to Santa’s sleigh by reins of Christmas lights and golden bells. More trees took up the rear behind Santa’s sleigh and a sign for the farm twinkled with green and red lights.
Clark crossed the rough parking lot behind Merry and to the double doors. They opened as he was reaching around Merry to open them and Sam stepped out in an elf costume that was obviously meant for a much shorter man. The ruffled legs stopped mid-calf on Sam and Clark coughed, covering his laugh.
“Not a word.”
Merry giggled. “You look adorable, Sam.”
“Hey, you better watch it, missy. You’re still on my naughty list.”
“Please, your bike is fine. I’ll see you in there,” she said, kissing Clark swiftly. Almost as an afterthought, Merry kissed Sam’s cheek. “I am really sorry about hurting your motorcycle, Sam. Forgive me?”
Sam gave her a wicked grin. “Maybe for a real kiss.”
“Hey!” Clark protested.
Merry laughed, blowing them both a kiss. “Sorry, Sam, but these lips are taken.”
“You hear that? Taken.”
