One
Angelo
My heart gallopedlike a team of reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh as I unboxed the first set of shiny baubles. November was finally coming to a close, which meant the outdoor market was due for its annual Christmas makeover. With snow already on the ground, the stalls were ready for glitz and glamour—lights, wreaths, trees and everything shiny.
I'd arrived at work early to maximize my time setting up the Santa booth. So early, in fact, nobody else was there yet. But that was okay. It was best to get a head start. It was my firm belief that you could never have too many decorations!
"Angelo!"
My boss, Minnie, arrived with a steaming chai latte in hand. It was cold enough for her breath to come out in puffs.
"Working already? Your shift hasn't even started yet."
I blushed. "I was too excited to stay home."
"As usual. You're like a kid when it comes to Christmas," she teased, gently pinching my cheek with her mitten. She was a decade older than me, so she felt more like a big sister than my boss.
"I can't help it. It's just so much fun! Don't you think?" I asked eagerly.
"Sure I do. But you take it to a whole new level. Are you sure you're not one of Santa's elves in disguise?"
I chuckled. "I wish."
Being one of Santa's elves would be more exciting than reality. I was just an average omega, one without an alpha mate or kids...
December was a bittersweet paradox. It was my favorite time of year, and yet I had no family to share it with. Seeing doting parents with their excited young children was the most magical sight during the holidays. As much as I fantasized about being in their shoes, that's all it was—a fantasy.
Sometimes I wondered if there was something wrong with me. Why couldn't I ever catch the right alpha's eye? Did my appearance or personality dissuade them from wanting me? I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the giant bauble. I was pretty average looking. Maybe all the alphas wanted supermodel omegas.
I swallowed a sigh. I didn't want Minnie to think I was in a blue mood. I gathered up my festive energy and reached up to place the bauble on the tree. The sight of the beautiful shiny decoration lifted my spirits.
"There," I said with a smile. "The first one of the season."
"Looks great." Minnie handed me another from the box. "Only three hundred and sixty-four left to go."
I chuckled. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
"No, but it's a lot for one little Christmas elf," she said, grinning. "Oh, that reminds me. Remember how Bill retired last year?"
I nodded. He was our resident Santa for meet-and-greets with the kids. He'd brought joy to hundreds, if not thousands, of children over the years. Seeing the joy on their faces was one of my favorite things about working in the Christmas market.
"Well, we finally found a new guy. He's young, but he's amazing at his job. I couldn't believe it, but his entire resume is just being Santa."
My brows raised. "Wow. That's impressive. He must really do this out of love."
"Right? When I first met him, I was so confused. You'll understand when you see him—though you mighthearhim first. He's not your average Santa."
My interest was piqued. What did she mean by hearing him? Did he walk around with headphones blastingAll I Want For Christmas Is You?
"WOW!"
The sudden shriek pulled me from my thoughts. I turned around to see a young boy, about five, pointing excitedly at the bauble I'd placed on the big tree.
"Pretty!" he cried.
I smiled. "It is pretty, isn't it? Do you like decorations?"
He nodded vigorously. Then he peered into the full box of baubles, his eyes going wide like he'd unearthed some great treasure.
