"Hey, I got what you asked for, Jacob."
"Thanks, Carly."
She hands me a garment bag and smiles at both of us.
"You're going to enjoy being a part of the Parade, Marci."
"Oh, I'm not…"
"Yeah, you are. Here's your costume. You can change in the bathroom. I'll be waiting here for you."
She eyes me warily, but takes the garment bag anyway and walks towards the bathrooms.
"I see you finally made a connection." Carly smiles.
"Yeah, well…"
"You deserve to be happy, Jacob. Marci is great."
"She's amazing."
"And here comes Mrs. Santa Claus." Carly looks past my shoulder.
Except this is a tamer version of my Christmas wife. Marci's face is flushed, and she gives me a half smile.
"Now you're ready to join me on the firetruck. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, here we come."
"I think I'm overdressed," she whispers.
"You look perfect. Let's go."
I take her hand and pull her out of the coffee shop, waving goodbye to Carly. I want the people of Hope Peak to see her as my mate, my partner, and this is the perfect way to do it.
We walk toward the fire station, where all the other Santas are waiting for me.
When we get there, the guys start whistling and catcalling at Marci. I know she looks hot, but I still give them the look so that they know she's off limits. Everyone gets into the firetruck, which has been decorated for the occasion. I help Marci up into the main cabin of the truck and make sure she's buckled up.
She's been very quiet since we left the coffee shop, so I wonder if she's mad at me for getting her the costume. I jump up into the driver's seat of the firetruck and start the engine. My hand goes to hers and squeezes it gently.
"Are you mad at me?"
"No. I'm just…glad to be included."
"Stick with me, kid, you'll go places."
"Is that right, Santa Daddy?"
I feel my cheeks grow warm as she teases me. My eyes go to hers, and we lock gazes. She's so damn beautiful. I'm the luckiest son of a bitch that there ever was.
"Barnes, are you about ready to go? Everyone is waiting!" The captain says.
The interruption manages to get us back on track, and I drive with my cargo of Santas in the back of the truck. Several cars have been decorated for the parade, and we are the last of the bunch. So when I get to the starting point, I make sure the other cars are in front of me.
Some of the cars have presents for the children, and others have candy canes and assorted candies. The assembly before us is a group of motorcyclists who frequent our bar, Willow Hope. They are suited up in their leathers, but have on Santa hats.
I lent one of them my motorcycle so they could participate in the parade, but I'm worried about the road's condition. It takes about half an hour for everyone to get on their way, and as I slowly follow everyone, I watch Marci's expressions as we move down the town’s main street.
Families are gathered throughout, waving at us and enjoying the show. I see Marci blowing people kisses, and I get a little jealous. She's mine. I don't want her giving anyone else kisses. I try to concentrate on what's going on in front of me so that my mood improves.
