“Hey, Carol. How did you go?” He assumed she had good news, given her positive demeanor.
“All organized and our savior should be here at any moment.”
“You got a replacement already? That’s awesome. I thought it would take a day or two at least. You must have the magic touch.”
She laughed. “I have my ways.”
“Yes, it’s hard to say no when your mother begs for your help so nicely.”
Micah swung around—he knew that voice and it belonged to the last person he expected to see here at the workshop. “Nicholas.” His own voice cracked at the surprise.
“Hey, Micah. Mom said she’d roped you into helping out, too.” He looked at his mom. “Do you have everyone in town wrapped around your little finger?”
Carol laughed. “Only the most important ones. But seriously, darlings, I can’t thank you enough for stepping in. Christmas would have been a disaster without your help. You two are my Christmas miracle.”
Christmas miracle.Micah looked at Nicholas—he knew what miracle he wished for.
A tug on his tunic drew his attention, and Micah tore his eyes away from Nicholas. “Hi there,” he said, looking down.
“I think it’s my turn,” the little girl said.
He glanced at Santa and saw two little kids clambering off the large throne and waving to Santa as they walked away. “It sure is.” He kept his voice bright and happy, concentrating on her and her father. “I think Santa’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“If you give me a few minutes, I’ll get my camera ready,” Nicholas said, then stepped away to set up his equipment.
Micah took the girl’s hand. “Come on and we’ll go see Santa.” Together they walked along the red carpet, followed by her dad.
“Santa, look who’s come to see you,” Micah said.
“Ho ho ho.” Santa patted the broad seat next to him and the girl climbed up. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Bridget.”
Micah stood off to the side with Bridget’s dad, who was grinning at his child.
“It’s adorable how much they love Santa, isn’t it?”
The guy laughed. “She changed her dress three times. Boy, I’m glad the photographer showed up.”
Micah glanced back at Nicholas. The familiar butterflies stirred in his belly. “Yeah, me too.”
Chapter Three
“Thankyousomuch.”
“You’re very welcome.” Micah took the money from the customer and gave her a receipt and her photo. He turned to the child. “Sarah, you have a wonderful Christmas.”
She blushed and gave a shy smile before breaking eye contact.
“Thanks again,” Sarah’s mom said, taking her daughter’s hand and walking away.
Micah focused on the next children in line. “Hey there. Merry Christmas. I’m Micah, one of Santa’s helpers. Are you ready to tell Santa what you’d like for Christmas?”
One of the boys nodded eagerly, the other sniffed, obviously moments away from tears as he grasped his father’s hand. Micah glanced at the dad.
“Sorry. Tim’s a little nervous.”
“I’m not nervous,” the other boy said. “I want to go see Santa.”
