by Jenny Rarden
Luke sighed with relief as, just over twenty-four hours after he left, he and the reindeer touched down outside the stables at the North Pole. The elves who’d gathered in anticipation all clapped and cheered, welcoming them home. The trip had been a success. He’d visited every child on his list, given out more presents than any Santa in history, and all without running into any problems.
As soon as he climbed out of the sleigh, he patted and thanked each of the reindeer and then turned and waved. Unable to spot Sadie as he scanned the crowd, he felt bereft, but he hid it behind his smile and accepted the hugs and handshakes as he made his way from the stable, down the path, to his small house that sat just beside his parents’ larger home. He could already feel the tingling in his spine, signaling the change back to himself.
A few minutes later, he stretched, working out the remaining tickles on his skin. He was chomping at the bit to find Sadie. He didn’t know her last name or where she lived, but the library had a master list of elves, so he was headed there first—after telling his parents about his first trip around the world, of course.
It took him two hours at the library, but he finally found a Sadie Green in the list, along with a Reggie and Nora Green at the same address. He knew that had to be her.
He raced down the path to the address listed in the book, feeling his nerves tighten with every step. What would she say when she opened the door to find him standing there? Would she be able to look past the man he’d been the last time he saw her? Or would she only see Santa Claus? He hoped his mother was right, that Sadie would feel the same way for him as he did for her.
Finally, Luke arrived at the little blue cottage, where Sadie lived with her parents. It was a cute little house, with white shutters and flower boxes in all the windows.
Gathering up his courage, he strode to the front door and knocked.
When the door opened, he was a little disappointed to see not Sadie herself but a slightly older-looking version—still beautiful but not the woman his heart was beating for.
Sadie’s mother.
Nora Green gasped, one hand over her mouth and the other on her chest.
Swallowing nervously, he stammered, “H-Hello. Is S-Sadie home?”
Nora nodded, finally removing her hand and grinning wide. “I’ll get her for you.” Luke couldn’t help but chuckle when she turned and called loudly, “Sadie, the door’s for you!”
He heard footsteps, and then Sadie’s voice from somewhere inside the house said, “Who is it, Mom? I told Whitney and Lia I’d meet them at Whit’s hou—”
She stopped, stunned, when she came into view. “Luke…” she breathed, her eyes wide.
His heart beating double-time, he said, “Hello, Sadie.”
Luke Taylor was at her house.
The feelings that had come over Sadie that night on the sidewalk flared up again, and she wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him. Instead, she grabbed a coat and stepped outside, closing the door behind her.
Words tumbled out of her faster than she could stop them. “Wh-What can I do for you? Did you need something? Christmas is over. I have the day off… Was I supposed to work or something?”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Calm down, please. You’re going to hyperventilate.”
She took a deep breath. She did indeed feel a little light-headed.
After a moment, he reached out and took her hands, stepping forward until they were mere inches apart. Sadie blinked up at him. It was as if time stopped. Her breathing was unsteady, and she couldn’t hear or see anything aside from Luke. Even though it was achingly cold out, she felt nothing but the heat from where their hands connected.
“I know this is sudden,” he began, drawing a deep breath and holding her gaze. “When I saw you the other night, something inside me changed. My mother said it was Christmas magic, that we’re soul mates. Whether it was magic or fate that put me in your path that night, I don’t know, and frankly, I’m not sure I care. You’re all I can think about, Sadie.”
She nodded, mute, afraid to open her mouth for fear of breaking the spell between them.
“Where were you last night?” he asked, looking sad. “I’d hoped to see you when I got back with the reindeer, but I looked for you in the crowd and didn’t find you.”
“I…” She shook her head, not knowing how to explain that she’d been worried he’d see her feelings written all over her face.
When she didn’t offer anything further, he nodded, as if that alone had been an answer. “I want to know everything about you. I want to share everything about me with you. I have feelings for you, Sadie Green.”
“Luke,” she gasped, shaking her head. “You can’t! I’m just…”
“Just what?” he asked gently, squeezing her hand.
“I’m just…me. I’m a regular elf working in one of Santa’s—one of your workshops. I live with my parents. I’ve never had a boyfriend. You need…” She huffed. “You need someone fit to be by your side.”
“Isn’t that for me to decide?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
She nodded slowly. “Yes, but…”
“It isn’t like my life is normal, Sadie,” he said softly. “If you don’t think you can handle what my life now entails, then I’ll walk away and won’t bother you anymore.”
Sadie was shaking her head before he’d even spoken. “No, Luke, it isn’t that. Truly. I just—”
“Answer me one question,” he interrupted. When she nodded, he continued. “Did you feel something when we met? Something you’re still feeling?”
Slowly, she nodded, and the grin that came over him was like sunshine on a cloudy day. She felt warm inside, like her heart would burst.
“Then let me love you, Sadie. Please.”
She let go of her reservations and threw herself into his arms.
“Sadie,” he groaned, and then his lips found hers.
Magic was humming through the air as Sadie stood in the middle of the bedroom. It was her wedding day, and she couldn’t be more excited if she tried. She and Luke had spent the last six months getting to know one another. Oh, they’d been bound from the start—that’s what Christmas magic did for Santa and his Mrs.—but she’d fallen more and more in love with each passing day. When he’d asked her in March to be his wife, she hadn’t hesitated. Word of their engagement had spread rapidly through the village, and they’d been inundated with good wishes everywhere they went. It had been a whirlwind, but she wouldn’t have changed a thing. She felt like she was floating on air, she was so happy.
The wedding was only a few minutes away, at dusk. It being summer, they’d decided to hold the ceremony outside. Nancy and Donald had been married outdoors, as had Donald’s parents. Sadie and Luke had been given the choice of being married in the great hall, where most village-wide events were held, but with Christmas magic lighting up the sky, Sadie couldn’t imagine having held their wedding anywhere else.
“Hold still,” Whitney and Lia ordered at the same time as she fidgeted, trying to get a look out the window. They were trying to put the finishing touches on her hair, curling it down and around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry,” Sadie said with a laugh and then sighed. “I’m just anxious to see Luke.”
“He’s fine,” her mother announced when she breezed into the bedroom. “I just came from outside. He’s overseeing last-minute preparations.”
“There,” Whitney said, stepping back. “Now all that’s left is the flowers.”
Lia held them up. “I’ve got them.”
Lia reached up and placed the ring of delicate white flowers on Sadie’s head, securing it into place with a few bobby pins. Interwoven with the white buds were strands of gold adorned with clear beads, which twinkled like stars under the lights.
“Beautiful,” her mom said, sounding breathless, and Sadie looked up to see tears shimmering.
Glancing into the mirror, Sadie caught her breath. Her dress, which had been specially made by a few of the elves in the No
rth Pole’s clothing workshop, fit her figure perfectly. The white ball gown was strapless, with a sweetheart neckline. Layers of tulle gave it a full skirt, which fell perfectly to the tops of her matching white heels. Beautiful lace overlaid the entire dress, while a wide, dark-green sash—covered in shimmering beads that matched the ones in her hair—wrapped around her waist and led to a large, draping bow at her back.
“You look almost perfect.”
Sadie turned and smiled when she saw her almost-mother-in-law standing in the doorway.
“You’re just missing one thing,” Nancy continued, holding up her hand. Dangling from her fingers was a pair of earrings. “These have been handed down in our family for Santa’s bride to wear, and it’s my absolute pleasure to give them now to you.”
“Oh, they’re beautiful,” Sadie said honestly, gingerly taking them from her. A pearl, diamond, and crystals hung from each silver hook, a stunning complement to the beading on her sash and flower crown.
Sliding them into her ears, Sadie stepped back and gazed at the full effect. The earrings finished off the look perfectly.
“Thank you,” she told Nancy. “I love them.”
Her dad cleared his throat as he stepped into the room. “Sadie-girl, I’ve never seen you more beautiful. It’s time. Ladies, Dalton is out there waiting to take you to the clearing. We’ll follow behind you with Cooper in the wedding sleigh.”
“We’ll see you out there,” Lia said, taking Whitney’s hand and tugging her out the door.
With one last quick hug and kiss on Sadie’s cheek, her mom and Nancy followed them out.
“Shall we?” her dad asked, his voice gruff with emotion. “Our carriage awaits.”
Sadie nodded, swallowing back her nerves and excitement as she took his arm and let him lead her from the room.
Aurora Borealis illuminated the sky in green, purple, blue, and pink as Luke slipped his hands into the pockets of his trousers and looked around. The display was one of the most magical things about the North Pole, as far as he was concerned. The rest of the world wasn’t able to see the Northern Lights as far north as the North Pole, but what they didn’t know was that the lights originated here in Santa’s village. Christmas magic worked in such a way that while the residents at the North Pole could see the village and the lights directly over it, no one else in the world was able to. But the lights extended a great distance and were visible to anyone far enough north. Of course, the rest of the world had some scientific explanation for the spectacle, but those at Santa’s village knew the truth. They truly were magical, and they came out anytime there was a celebration, such as Luke’s wedding to Sadie, which was due to begin any moment.
Some of the elves had worked hard to make the clearing where they were holding the wedding into a beautiful winter wonderland. It might have been summer, but with snow still covering the ground and trees, it was a picture-postcard vision. Boughs of evergreen and holly lined the sides of the aisle, which was covered with a red carpet runner that stood out beautifully on the bright-white snow.
There were carved wooden benches to seat two hundred elves, but looking out at the crowd standing behind those lucky enough to have gotten a seat, Luke knew everyone in the village had come to see the wedding. There was a buzz of excitement, just as there was every time anyone in the North Pole got married, but when it was Santa, the magic in the air made the anticipation that much more electric.
To accompany the Northern Lights were thousands of fireflies floating through the sky. It was like a thousand strands of twinkling Christmas lights, only magically lit. No one knew how they survived in the cold climate of the North Pole, but Luke felt it was more Christmas magic at work, which was a good enough explanation for him. He loved seeing the fireflies lighting up the night in red, yellow, and green, whether here or outside his bedroom window.
Finally, there was a small group of elves off to the side, keeping everyone entertained with lovely music from their violins, flutes, and other instruments. They would accompany Sadie’s walk down the aisle and then play during reception, as well.
Everything came together for a beautiful, romantic atmosphere, and Luke wished he could fast-forward time until Sadie was by his side.
Just as Timmons, one of the oldest elves at the North Pole and one who performing the ceremony, stepped up beside Luke, two elves, dressed in red-and-black uniforms, suddenly snapped to attention at the end of the aisle. They raised their trumpets, signaling the arrival of the first sleigh, which Luke knew carried Sadie’s friends Whitney and Amelia, as well as her mother and his. He shifted on his feet excitedly. His bride-to-be was right around the corner.
Amelia stepped out first, pretty in a shimmery silver dress. Her husband, Blake, escorted her down the aisle to sit behind Sadie’s parents. Luke smiled when Lia winked at him, any nerves he had slowly dissipating.
Following Lia was tiny little Whitney, her gold dress a beautiful contrast to Lia’s silver. Evan reached out and took her hand, helping her down from the dark-green-and-black sleigh. She nearly skipped down the aisle, a big smile on her face as she beamed up at Luke before taking her seat.
Then his father, who’d been standing off to the side, stepped forward and held out his hand. Luke’s mom looked beautiful in her wedding finery, as did Nora Green, who followed her down to the red runner. His dad let them slip their hands through his arms, and then the three of them made their way to the front. Both women stood in front of him.
“You look so handsome,” Nora said, smiling. “Thank you for making my baby so happy.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Luke said honestly, leaning in to brush his lips across her cheek before she moved to her seat in the first row.
His mom wrapped her arms around him, pressing her cheek against his. “I love you, sweetheart.” She pulled back, wiping a tear before reaching up and adjusting his tie. “And Nora’s right. You look very handsome.”
“Come on, Nan,” his dad said softly. “Sadie’s waiting.” He patted Luke’s shoulder, giving him a smile.
They took a seat on the other side of the aisle, and as soon as the horse-drawn sleigh driven by Dalton had moved away, another pulled into its place. This one was more ornate, a beautiful Cherrywood frame with a plush royal-blue seat, just big enough for Sadie and her father, along with Cooper, who Luke had tasked specifically to bring Sadie to the clearing.
Another short burst of notes came from the trumpeters, and there she was. Luke’s heart was about to beat out of his chest as the musicians began playing the song chosen for this moment.
Sadie was radiant as she held her father’s arm and made her way toward Luke, carrying a bouquet of evergreen sprigs mixed with red and white flowers. Her dress and hair were beautiful but were nothing compared to the way her smile lit up her face and her eyes shined with unshed tears. It was all Luke could do to stay put and not run to her. As soon as they reached him, he shook Reggie’s hand and waited until he’d kissed Sadie’s cheek, and then he took her hand in his as her father went to sit beside his wife.
“You look breathtaking,” Luke whispered with a soft smile.
She smiled and squeezed his hand in thanks as they turned to face Timmons.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”
The reception was in full swing after the wedding, and Luke couldn’t help but laugh as he twirled Sadie—his wife—around the dance floor before pulling her back into his arms and swaying with the music. The great hall had been transformed, sparkling with crystals and twinkling lights. All around them, people danced, talked, and played. Plates of cake, cookies, and other goodies accompanied cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Off to the side, he could see two young boys sword fighting with two giant candy canes. A group of little girls sat with an older elf, learning how to weave crowns out of flowers and string—much like the one atop Sadie’s beautiful head.
“I love you,” his wife murmured against his neck as they danced. “Thank you for making my dreams come tr
ue.”
Luke pulled back to gaze at her, enjoying the alluring look on her face. “I love you, Mrs. Taylor.”
She giggled, smiling brightly. “You aren’t going to get tired of saying that, are you?” she teased.
Shaking his head, he said, “Never.”
“Good.” She sighed and laid her head back down on his shoulder. “I’ll never tire of hearing it.”
Luke smiled as he leaned his cheek against her head, love for his wife, his soul mate, filling his entire being, and he thanked heaven above and Christmas magic for sending him into her path that cold winter’s night.
Sadie paced anxiously around the bedroom, unable to stop herself from watching the clock. Luke was due back anytime from his second trip around the world as Santa. For the second year in a row, she wouldn’t be there to greet him at the stables, but she had a feeling he’d be okay with that when he saw her… Ghosting her hands down her sides, the velvet chemise soft under her palms, she took a deep breath. She and her husband of six months had a rich, vibrant sex life, but for some reason, she was nervous. Today felt…different, somehow. Maybe it was the swirl of Christmas magic in the air. She couldn’t explain it. She just knew something was happening.
The front door opened a few minutes later, and she heard his footsteps. Luke, midway through his change from Santa, stepped into the bedroom, still dressed in costume, minus the heavy black boots. While Sadie could see traces of the jolly man recognized round the world, her heart recognized her husband. The beard was receding, his hair was growing shorter and gaining color, and his body was slimming before her eyes.
“Luke,” she sighed, reaching out to him.
His gaze—those brilliant blue eyes, which were the same year round—was heated as he took her hand in his still-gloved one. After only a moment, he shuddered and the air around him shimmered. Before she could blink, Santa was gone completely and Luke was in his place, still wearing the oversize suit.
