Page 33 of The Mistletoe Wish

Paddy aka Santa settled into his chair with a groan and immediately asked for a cold beer. Someone handed him a bottle of water and a list and a microphone.

“What’s going on?” asked Skye.

“No idea. But I think Sara does.” Darim gave Sara a teasing smile but she placed her finger to her lips and shook her head.

“Who’s been naughty and who’s been nice?” Roared Paddy over the microphone.

Hands shot up from the kids and several of the adults, too.

Then he began to read out names. As each child’s name was called, one of the helpers would trot through the crowd, single out the named kid and tow them to the rotunda where a present was placed in their hands. A gold wrapped parcel for the girls and silver for the boys; each coming from a different sack depending on the age of the child.

“This is perfect. Who organised this?” Darim whispered to Sara.

“Mostly the CWA ladies are behind it courtesy of some generous businesses. This way every kid in town will get a present regardless of how tough the year may have been for their parents.”

“It’s brilliant.”

“Skye Cooper,” bellowed Paddy from the stage.

“That’s me. That’s my name.” Skye gaped at her father.

“Go on then. Off you go.” He shooed her into the hands of a waiting elf then turned to Sara. “Why were you worried about this?”

“I wasn’t certain how she would take her inclusion given she’s only here for the holidays. And especially since I was the one who ensured she was on the list. She barely knows me.”

He very tenderly pressed his lips to hers. “Sara. You can tell from her reaction it was a fabulous idea. There is nothing to be worried about. You. Me. Skye. We’re going to do just fine. We’re a family now.”

A family.

Her mistletoe wish had come true.

Darim pulled her back against his chest and wrapped his arms around her waist. Together they watched as Skye with a huge grin on her face skipped towards them, waving a gold wrapped present in the air and calling out, “I can’t believe you didn’t get me a llama!”

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