Robyn

by Lucy McConnell

  Robyn coughed and turned her head.

  Gabe ran his thumb over the back of her hand before lifting it to his lips and pressing a kiss to her soft skin. “Hi, guys. What brings you by?”

  “We wanted to check on our favorite security guard.” Chelsea scooted a chair closer to the bed and sat down. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’ve been better. Don’t make me laugh—it hurts,” he said in all seriousness. Nick had tried to cheer him up and sent him begging for a painkiller. It knocked him out for an hour.

  Jerry grabbed the foot of the bed. He cast his eyes down and said, “We’re hoping you’re feeling good enough to get married.”

  “Married?” Gabe bolted up and then cried out in pain. “I can hardly move.” He gasped carefully.

  Worry lines appeared between Robyn’s eyes.

  “That’s what makes it so romantic,” said Jerry. “You aren’t going to let a gunshot wound stop you from being together.”

  Robyn pressed the button to lift the head of the bed to a higher position. The lines didn’t disappear, though, and she bit her lower lip.

  He relaxed against the cushion with a groan. “This isn’t what I pictured for a wedding day. Robyn deserves better.”

  “Why don’t you ask her?” Chelsea folded her arms.

  He asked with a look that said, Can you believe these guys?

  Robyn swallowed. “Gabe,” she hedged, “the ceremony isn’t what’s important. I just want to be with you.”

  Jerry and Chelsea held their breath as they turned back to him.

  He rubbed his face. He was so tired. But knowing that Robyn was his, that he’d leave the hospital a married man—with someone to love and cherish—was not the same as going home alone. He wanted to be with Robyn too, but what was a start like this? He could barely walk, let alone carry her over the threshold or hold her in his arms. Still, he’d taken a bullet for this woman, and for some crazy, unfathomable reason, she wanted him. “I don’t know why we should spend one more day apart.”

  Chelsea whooped and threw her arms over her head. “There’s a chapel in the hospital. I can have it set up by tomorrow night.”

  “Tomorrow morning,” Robyn corrected. “It’s Christmas Eve.”

  “We thought we’d stream live,” Jerry chimed in.

  “Tomorrow morning,” Robyn said with finality. “There’s too much to do for Christmas.”

  “All righty, then. Tomorrow morning it is.” Chelsea bolted from her chair, her phone in her hand.

  Jerry followed her, moving slower. “I’m really happy for you, Robyn. Gabe.” He nodded at them before taking his leave.

  Robyn gripped his hand. “If you don’t want—”

  “I do.” Gabe started to chuckle at his word choice but stopped with the first stab of pain. “I thought I proved beyond a doubt that I’m willing to give my life to you.”

  Robyn’s eyes misted over and she came forward, laying her head gently between his neck and his collarbone on his good side. “There are some important things I need to tell you.”

  “Go ahead.” He stroked his fingers through her thick, soft hair, releasing the scent of vanilla into the air. As long as he lived, he’d never grow tired of that smell.

  “Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it.” She kissed his neck. “I’m Santa’s daughter.”

  His hand froze mid-stroke. “You’re what now?” He gently pushed her back so he could look into her eyes.

  “My dad was Santa.”

  “I know. I met him in the park, remember?”

  She huffed. “No. I mean the real Santa.”

  He tried to clear his brain, but the meds must still be in his system. He could have sworn she’d just said Santa was real. He shook his head in an effort to clear it.

  She got to her feet and paced by the bed. “He’s not the acting Santa. Ginger is. She has the tinsel tattoo to prove it. I was supposed to become Santa, but for some reason, Christmas Magic chose her. I was really mad, at first. It was right after Elmer had dumped me, and I wasn’t in a good place. But I’ve come to see that she was born for the part. I don’t know why we didn’t pick up on that before. So, that’s my big secret.”

  Words weren’t there. What was he supposed to say to something so crazy? He dropped his eyes shut. It figured that he’d find the perfect woman and she’d turn out to be delusional.

  “Gabe?”

  She leaned over the bed to check on him. He kept his eyes shut, needing a moment more to process what she’d said and what it meant for them.

  He felt her stiffen and then heard her sigh. “I guess there’s time for all of that after the wedding.” She kissed his cheek. “Sleep, my handsome Scrooge.”

  Gabe lay there, wondering who was crazier. The woman who believed she was part of Santa’s family, or the man who loved her in spite of it? He was going to marry Robyn, crazy family and all.

  Chapter 26

  Robyn

  “Your family is amazing,” whispered Chelsea.

  Robyn giggled. She stood outside the chapel in a wedding gown designed and made by Frost. Her family had somehow managed to transform the chapel into a winter wonderland, working around the movie crew, which quickly realized all they needed were cameras and microphones and to get out of the Kringles’ way.

  Stella, Frost, Ginger, and Lux stood in a line at the door. Their satin dresses and hats that would send Princess Kate into a fit of jealousy were stunning. Elves really did know how to make hats! While each dress and hat was the same shade of Christmas red, they were made to fit the individual sister. Stella’s hat swooped down in front of one eye, giving her a mysterious quality—like a sexy spy. Her dress was a formfitting mermaid style with a train that only she could pull off.

  Ginger was next in line. She wore a large skirt with hoops. The bodice of her dress was fitted to her chest and waist with pin tucks. Her hat was a fascinator, perched jauntily forward and made with wide ribbon. It was whimsical and classy like Santa.

  Lux, the least girly of them all, had chosen a flapper dress and ankle boots. She had a floral headband worn across her forehead, and her long hair was done in a fashionable twist at the nape of her neck. Robyn would bet dollars to candy canes Stella had a hand in that do.

  Frost was last. She wore a classic Jackie-O-cut dress with three-quarter sleeves that ended in a ruffle. The hem stopped just above her knees, and she had on thick three-inch heels. Her wide-brimmed hat was adorned with feathers and ribbons, and she had pearls at her neck and wrists.

  Robyn’s dress was also three-quarter-sleeved with scalloped lace at the ends. The front had a diamond pattern and the back was an open V, accented with the same lace as the sleeves. The light fabric floated to the floor, and she had to lift it to walk—which she absolutely loved. Her veil rested just below her collarbone.

  Even though she’d gotten ready in a hospital bathroom, she felt stunning. Mostly, though, she was excited to marry Gabe. Each time he woke up in the night, he whispered sweet words of love and adoration that filled her with peace and hope for their future together.

  “Okay.” Chelsea clapped her hands. “We’ll start the march in three …” She held up three fingers and stopped counting out loud. When she got to one, she pointed at Stella, who began her slow, careful walk down the aisle. This was so different from Frost’s wedding last year, where they’d practically sprinted through the ceremony.

  When it was her turn, Robyn took a deep breath, stepped to the middle of the open doorway, and pivoted. She searched for Gabe, finding him in a wheelchair in front of Pastor Willis. Oh! Stella was going to be so mad her ex-crush was here. Whoever had brought him down from Alaska was asking for it, but Robyn was glad. He’d married her other sisters, and it felt right that he should be the one to perform the ceremony for her and Gabe.

  Dad, who had been waiting just inside the door, stepped over and offered his arm. She looked into his crystal-blue eyes and saw tears. “Santa’s not supposed to cry.”

  He p
ulled his arm closer to his side, bringing her right along with it. “I can’t help it. I’m giving away my daughter—it’s not easy.”

  “I love you, Dad.” She threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you for being my dad.”

  He softly Ho Ho Ho’d. “It was my greatest joy.”

  She stepped back and swiped under her eyes, not wanting to look like a racoon when she said her vows. They rearranged themselves for their short journey down the aisle and stepped forward at the same time. The cameras were off to the side and hardly noticeable. Most of the guests were her brothers-in-law, her nieces and nephews, and several crew members from Thirty-Minute Match.

  Nick stood by Gabe, wearing a black tuxedo with a red tie. He’d gotten a haircut—again, probably Stella’s doing. He looked older, steady, and happy. Robyn couldn’t wait to make him official family. He’d flown in the sleigh several times over the past couple of days and talked to Layla about the homeschool program she did from the North Pole when she’d stopped by to visit.

  Dad handed Robyn off to Gabe. He too was in a tux, with a silver tie and vest. He looked so handsome! How on earth he’d managed to get into these clothes without keeling over in pain was beyond her. The fact that he was even here, willing to be married in such strange circumstances, was a testament to his love for her.

  “We are gathered here today …” Pastor Willis went on, but Robyn’s thoughts were all about Gabe. What was even more amazing was that his needs were all about her. There was a beautiful safety in knowing that he would watch out for her. For so many years, she’d taken care of herself and everyone around her. She felt like she’d found a harbor of safety and peace with him.

  They said, “I do,” and she leaned down to kiss him for the first time as his wife. Gabe pulled her into his lap and did a wonderful job of telling her he was happy to be her husband.

  Her family surged around them for congratulations. The crew packed up their camera equipment and said hasty goodbyes and good lucks. It was Christmas Eve, after all, and they wanted to spend it with their families.

  When it was just the family left—and Pastor Willis—Quik patted Gabe lightly on the shoulder. “How do you feel? Tingly?”

  The guys gathered around his chair, knowing smiles on their faces. Robyn hung back, wanting Gabe to feel welcome, like one of the guys. They were a close-knit group at the North Pole, and it was important to her that they all got along.

  “No. I’m fine.” Gabe glanced at each of their faces.

  Quik frowned and exchanged a look with Joseph. “Maybe it will take a minute?”

  “What will?” asked Gabe.

  “The Magic.” Quik reached for Lux. “Do you have those calculations we ran?” They bent their heads together over her phone.

  “Magic?” Gabe pulled his eyebrows down. “What magic?”

  “Christmas Magic.” Layla bounced on her toes. “Now that you’re a Kringle, you’ll fill up with it. It’s like being inside a can of soda when someone shakes it. But it doesn’t hurt.” She poked Nick’s shoulder. “Can you feel it?”

  He scowled. “Not really.”

  “Maybe in the sleigh,” offered Tannon. “My tingles started on the flight to the North Pole.”

  “Let’s get him to the roof.” Joseph grabbed the wheelchair’s handlebars and began pushing Gabe to the back of the small chapel and then onto the elevators that would take them to the roof.

  Robyn gathered her skirts and hurried to keep up. Tonight was her first night as a married woman, and it was Christmas Eve. She was dying to see what the ice castle had done to her rooms and to show Gabe their beautiful suite. Nick too.

  * * *

  “Wait, what?” Gabe turned in his seat, which was quickly rolling him down the tiled hallway. “Robyn, what are they talking about?”

  Robyn caught his hand and held on, giving him an instant sense of peace at the same time his mind spun. “Once you marry a Kringle, the Magic changes you so you’re like us.” She said the words as if they had meaning, but he wasn’t sure what “like us” meant.

  He scanned the faces boarding the elevator. They were serious. As in, they actually believed this stuff.

  Nick waved as the elevator doors closed. “I’ll catch a ride with these guys.” He pointed to Robyn’s parents—the only ones not to make it in before the doors slid shut.

  A growing sense of panic filled him. “Where are we going?”

  Robyn bent her knees and sat on her heels. She was lovely in white and had stolen his breath away as she walked down the aisle. “The North Pole. I’m behind on Christmas baking.” Nothing in her face or her eyes told him she was joking. But she had to be. This was the world’s most elaborate practical joke. The North Pole?

  “All of you live there?” He stared at Tannon. The guy seemed stable enough—normal as any other guy out there. “Seriously. Come on. This is some kind of prank? Is it part of the TV show?” He looked at the camera above the doors and waved.

  Tannon lifted a shoulder. “You’re really going to love it. Just watch your step in the reindeer stables, if you know what I mean.” That earned him a round of chuckles.

  Reindeer? Gabe turned back to Robyn. One of them had to see reason. “Robyn, honey, you know Santa isn’t real, right?”

  “Ouch!” Ginger grasped her chest. “That hurts, Gabe!” She smacked his good arm.

  He stared at her. Robyn had said something about Ginger taking over as Santa and a … tattoo? “You guys aren’t lying to me?”

  “Kringles can’t lie.” Ginger folded her arms. “Except Frost.”

  Tannon wrapped his arm around his wife and pressed a kiss to her hair. “Lucky me. She’s the only one who can keep a secret.”

  “Hey.” Quik patted Gabe’s arm. “You can forget about surprising Robyn. She has a lie detector.”

  Gabe swung his head back to his wife. “You have a lie detector? These are things you’re supposed to tell me before we get married.” What else was she hiding from him? A picture of his fingers taped to red and green wires feeding a machine that drew waves on graph paper came to mind.

  “It’s internal. I can sense when someone is not being truthful. It’s my Santa gift.” She giggled. “Like when Stella said she was over Pastor Willis—lie.” She grinned. “She hung back to give him a ride home in her sleigh. I’ll bet they kiss and make up tonight.”

  There was that Santa theme again. He opened his mouth to protest at the same time the elevators dinged and opened to reveal two large red-and-green helicopters on the roof. Snow swirled around them in an angry dance.

  Robyn stood up and threw her arms wide. “We’re going home in style.”

  “Who’s going to fly that thing?” He wasn’t afraid of flying, but he’d never been in a helicopter before either. A set of nerves started in his stomach. The world was all tipsy. He’d had surgery yesterday. He needed a bed and a few hours of sleep. He pinched the bridge of his nose. The cold seeped into his bones, and he shivered.

  “Come on.” Joseph pushed him over the lip in the floor and out to the chopper. The rest of the family piled into the larger machine. They waved and lifted off, disappearing from sight faster than he could blink.

  There weren’t any doors, and his little bit of nerves bloomed into a large container of butterflies. Quik helped lift him in, and he searched frantically for a seat belt. Robyn climbed in the pilot’s seat. “Do you know how to fly one of these?” he asked.

  She laughed. “I’ve been flying since I was fifteen.”

  He ran his hands through his hair. “Where’s the seat belt?”

  “You don’t need one.”

  “But there’s no door.” He shoved his arm out the side and waved it around.

  “The magic will hold you in.” She lifted the stick, and they rose effortlessly into the air, bells ringing out. He gripped the seat, his rib aching something fierce. The temperature was better inside the chopper than it was outside of it. And despite the fact that they were in an open vehicle, the wind wasn�
��t a problem. They zoomed over buildings. If he looked straight down, he got dizzy.

  “Can you slow down?”

  She shook her head. “I told you, I’m behind. The big sleigh leaves at dusk. As it is, we’re going to have to send elves out to meet up with Ginger and Joseph in Europe and Africa and drop off goodies and toys. I can’t imagine how stressed Stella is right now. And there’s always an elf issue or two on Christmas Eve. I need to be home.” She glanced over at him. “Are you cold?”

  “A little.”

  She frowned. Standing, which made the chopper swerve to the right and caused Gabe to say a word he normally wouldn’t in front of a lady, she lifted the seat and pulled out a blanket. “Here.” She threw it over his shoulders and tucked it tight to his body. “You should be warm, but maybe you’re cold because of the surgery.”

  His teeth began to chatter, and he gathered the blanket closer. “Can you please focus on flying? I’m fine.”

  She considered him with a tip of her head. “We’re almost there.”

  He nodded. They hadn’t been in the air that long. Maybe the North Pole was code for their family home or something. She hadn’t actually thought they were going to the North Pole. Getting inside sounded good to him.

  They touched down inside an ice cave with a splash and a skid. His ribs jostled, and he could swear he felt the metal pin doing its job of holding him together.

  “Son of a nutcracker,” Robyn said like a curse. She stood up in her seat, her eyes hooded. “This isn’t right.”

  It wasn’t right at all. This wasn’t a home; it was a cave in the middle of nowhere. He looked out through the opening to see nothing but white. They must have flown farther outside of the city than he thought.

  She jumped down, spraying water all over her beautiful dress.

  Her siblings huddled close to their chopper. Frost had her face buried in Tannon’s chest as she cried quietly. He ran his hands down the length of her hair, his face pinched. Lux and Quik had their heads bent over a laptop computer with a dim light. Ginger and Joseph were yanking on a wood door that was sealed shut.