I’m not surprised to find Santa Claus sitting at the kitchen table.
“You’re a little early for dinner, Nick.”
It’s not his real name. But it didn’t take me long that first year of Santa Fest to figure out that the participants prefer to be called by whatever moniker they adopt.
Presently, I have Nick, Nicholas, Kris, Mr. Kringle, and Mr. Claus staying with me. At least they’re all different this year. Last year, I had three Nicks. When one of them would ask for something to be passed down at the dinner table, no one knew which Nick was asking.
He chuckles. An honest full-bellied Santa chuckle. Which spurs my laughter.
“I’m hiding from Mr. Kringle. He’s such a blowhard. He keeps going on and on about how he’s got the reindeer race in the bag.” Nick shakes his head.
“Has he ever won previously?” I ask, setting my bag on the other end of the table and taking out the baking supplies for the pie contest, as well as some items for tonight’s dinner.
“Not once. He usually comes in last.”
A small laugh escapes me. I can’t take sides when they’re both my guests, so I change the subject. “Well, I’m making us a hearty stew for dinner, and I made some fresh bread earlier today. If you want, I can bring your dinner up to your room rather than you eating in the dining room with him.”
He waves me off. “I’ll be fine by dinner. I just needed a minute to myself.” He pushes the chair back and stands. “Anything I can help you with?” Nick inspects the groceries splayed over the table.
“I appreciate it every time you ask, Nick, but you’re my guest, remember?” I chuckle and bring the carrots over to the sink to wash and peel them.
“It’s gotta be a lot of work to take care of everyone. I don’t mind helping.”
I glance over my shoulder and smile. Nick has grandpa energy, and he’s stayed with me every year since I took over Silver Bells, so I have a bit of a soft spot for him.
“It’s what I love doing though, so it doesn’t feel so much like work. You relax, and don’t let Mr. Kringle get under your skin. Just show him who’s boss at that race.” I wink.
Nick sets his hands on his protruding belly and laughs. “Fair enough. Think maybe I should work on my Christmas spirit?”
“You have more than enough. We all reach our limit sometimes.”
Giving him advice makes Carter Russell’s face float into my head. Ugh. My sister’s best friend is arriving today, according to the last time I talked with her. His presence shouldn’t matter to me. We’re not sworn enemies or anything, but our last interaction couldn’t have ended worse, and truth be told, I’m a little embarrassed by my reaction. It might have been a little over the top, but my emotions got the best of me.
Ever since my sister told me she wanted her wedding to be held at Silver Bells and Carter would be standing up in it, I’ve vowed to keep my tongue-lashing toward him in check for the sake of my sister. I won’t ruin my sister’s wedding, and hopefully, Carter will agree.
“If you change your mind and need help with anything, let me know,” Nick says, leaving.
I swing the door of the fridge open and grab the stewing roast. “Shoot.” It seems like I have more immediate problems than Carter.
Chapter Four
CARTER
Ester pulls down the driveway for Silver Bells B&B, and I begrudgingly admit the place is charming.
The house is big and white with black shutters and a wraparound porch. Each column on the porch is wrapped in greenery with red ribbon woven through. The double door entry has oversized holly wreaths on each door, and warm light filters into the dark night from every window. The scene could be captured on a Christmas card.
The only part I hate about this time of year is how early the sun sets. By seven o’clock, it feels like midnight because it’s been dark for hours.
How do people who live near the Arctic Circle deal with almost total darkness all the time through the winter?
“Here we are!” Ester turns the vehicle off and reaches for the door handle.
“Oh, no need to get out.” I open the passenger door. I have no idea how this first meeting with Ashley will go, so we don’t need anyone witnessing it.
She waves me off. “I might as well say a quick hello to Ashley since I’m here.”
I give her a tight smile.
