"Try it again," Alex encouraged. "Pretend you're telling it to Toast."
Charlie's voice carried clearly this time. "But Santa, how do you know which presents are right for each person?"
"Perfect." Alex's face lit up. "See? You've got this."
The transformation in Alex since he arrived fascinated me. He still moved with a dancer's precision, but his Broadway polish had softened. When he thought no one was watching, genuine joy replaced calculated charm.
Jack's voice pulled my attention back. "My heart beats in synchronization with your toy department innovations!"
"Oh, good lord." Charice deliberately tangled her feet in a prop display. "Oops. Better take it from the top."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "You did that on purpose."
"Did what?" She blinked innocently. "I'm a humble toy department manager, overwhelmed by your legally-binding declarations of affection."
Even Mrs. Brubaker couldn't maintain her stern expression as laughter filled the theater.
I returned to the trim work, but kept stealing glances at Alex. My feelings for him grew deeper each day, moving beyond mere attraction.
"Let's rerun the window scene," Mrs. Brubaker announced. "And Jack, this time express your love without referencing corporate mergers."
"But they're so romantic—"
"No." Charice threw a stuffed reindeer at his head.
Jingling bells signaled Holly's arrival. Her color-blocked skirt swished as she crossed the stage, carrying a steaming mug.
"Special delivery for our Santa." She thrust it at Alex. "North family recipe. Guaranteed to put the proper resonance in your 'ho ho ho.'"
Alex accepted it warily. "The last tea you gave me made my tongue tingle for hours."
"That was wintergreen and mistletoe essence." Holly's eyes twinkled. "This is different. Though speaking of family recipes, Ben dear, didn't your great-great-grandfather have that special way with certain four-legged Christmas helpers?"
I nearly dropped my chisel. "Holly—"
"What? The Blitzen family's connection to holiday traditions runs particularly deep. It's something to be proud of, especially when it comes to transportation arrangements."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Transportation arrangements?"
"Old family stories." I focused on the window trim. "Nothing special."
"Nothing special?" Holly's bracelets jingled. "Why, I remember your grandfather telling me about the night Johan Blitzen got lost in that storm and—"
"Holly!" I cut her off. "Don't you have herbs to organize?"
"I can take a hint." She smiled serenely. "Though, Alex, you might want to ask Ben about those special marks his family uses in their woodworking. Particularly the ones shaped like tiny hoofprints."
Before I could protest, Jack saved me by collapsing dramatically across the prop counter. "Speaking of marks, I'm clearly missing mine. Charice, my retail goddess, shall we try the declaration scene again?"
"Only if you promise not to compare my smile to quarterly earnings reports."
Alex watched me with curiosity until Charlie called him over for another practice run. The boy's confidence grew with each repetition, and Alex's pride was evident.
Winter darkness pressed against the windows by the time rehearsal wrapped. I packed my tools, watching Alex help Charlie one last time.
"Remember," Alex gently adjusted the boy's shoulders. "You're not just reading the script. You're sharing something important with the audience."
Charlie nodded solemnly. "Like when I tell Toast my secrets?"
