The place looked incredible. The firehall was covered in fairy lights and it glowed, drawing people in with its sheer prettiness.
I could smell woodsmoke and something delicious being grilled. There were tables of food, and already people lining up to get a plate. Most of the fire fighters were on serving duty, but I could see a few members of the public helping out too.
Santa sat on a chair to one side, waving to the little kids who were eyeing the tables of presents.
I couldn’t believe the sheer number of things on offer. There had to be at least a hundred gifts, wrapped and ready. There were large cardboard boxes ready for people to take home, as well.
“You did this,” Aster said. I realised I’d stopped in the street and was just gawking at how wonderful it all was.
“Tane did it,” I said. “I just said yes to the collection at the store.”
Aster hummed. “Tane and you, you’ve been giving discounts to folks, and encouraging those who didn’t need the discount todonate. It wouldn’t be nearly as big without you. You did good, bro.”
“Thanks.” I gave Aster a side hug.
“Now let’s get inside before I freeze my ass off.”
“Good idea.” I left the hams with the guy operating the grill and he lifted a knife with obvious glee.
“Hot ham rolls, coming up!”
Chuckling, we went inside. Aster broke off to show the assembled kids the kitten.
I found Tane accepting a big crockpot of chili from Isaac and Tig, regulars from the store. “Thanks guys, merry Christmas! Help yourself to the food.”
I slipped behind the table and kissed Tane’s cheek. “This is ....” words failed me. I didn’t have a word big enough for how happy I was.
“I know.” Tane hugged me tight. “Isn’t it?”
I kissed him, trying to convey my thanks and happiness and joy and, well... everything into it.
Tane seemed to understand. He always did, after all.
The hall got busier, more and more people arriving. I took over from Tane at the serving station, so he could start the music.
“Hello everyone and welcome,” Tane said. He picked up a ukulele of all things, and slung it over his shoulder. “Please, help yourself to food, and gifts as well, the lovely Evelyn will help you out with the kind of gifts we have.”
He gestured over to where Evelyn stood, resplendent in a bright red Christmas sweater patterned with snowflaes and an elf hat. She held up a clipboard and smiled wide. It was a good use of her busybody-know-it-all skills, I thought.
“And there’s hot food inside, and from the barbeque. Everyone is welcome, please don't hold back. I’m Tane and I’m going to start us off with a little song partially in Te Reo, you probably know it...” He launched intoWhen a Child is Born. His lovely, low voice accompanied by the ukelele. The second verse he sang in Maori, which was somehow even more beautiful. Then he launched into the final verse in English again, and people started to sing along.
I looked around, feeling somehow unreal, as if I’d stepped from my real life and into a cheesy Christmas movie on some streaming platform.
Tane finished the song, bowed as the gathered people applauded. When he straightened up, grinning wide, he introduced Henry.
“This young man, you’ve probably all heard him busking at some time. Well, I’ve had the honour of working closely with Henry to refine his craft and try some new things. Henry, bring that violin up here, and please, give a warm welcome to Foggy Basin’s premiere violinist!”
Henry blushed, stepping onto stage in a black sweater with a red bowtie, a warm version of a tuxedo perhaps. He bowed, then lifted his violin to his shoulder and began to playDing, Dong Merrily on High. A classical piece with a bit of bounce to it.
The second he was close enough, I pulled Tane against me, giving him a warm kiss and not caring who saw.
When we broke away, Tane was flushed red. “What was that for?”
“For being incredible.” I laughed. “Merry Christmas, babe.”
Tane hugged me tight. “Merry Christmas. Isn’t this wonderful?”
I looked around, nodding emphatically. “It’s awesome. Way bigger turnout than I expected.”
