“Would that be such a bad thing?” Jack wondered. It would be much easier to spread Christmas cheer if they could take people on rides in a flying sleigh.
“Yes!” four people answered his musings.
He blinked, not realizing he’d spoken out loud.
“I think Jack has a reason for asking that question,” offered mom. Her soft blue-grey eyes always held so much wisdom, as if she could see right into her children’s souls.
Everyone turned to look at him expectantly. Dang! He’d have to connect his thoughts in front of everyone. He gathered them up like scooping snow for a snowman.
“Raelynn, the seven-year-old actress, doesn’t believe in Santa Claus or flying reindeer.”
Several heads shook sadly. Mom placed her hand over her heart. “That’s one of the saddest things I’ve ever heard.”
Jack continued, “There was this moment between her and Sparkle. I think it might have stirred something inside of her….” Jack didn’t know how to explain what he’d seen. It was more of an intuition than anything. “I’d like to see if Sparkle can help her believe again.”
Faith drew in a breath, and eyes turned towards her. “I hate to be the one to ask, but are you sure this has nothing to do with your feelings for a certain production house liaison?” She cocked an eyebrow at him. Did she hear Natasha’s offer to meet him under the mistletoe?
Or had it been his offer?
The moment was hazy, though he was pretty clear on the outcome.
Everyone quickly looked back at Jack for an answer. It was like they were trying to follow a game of Pass the Gift. “Natasha… pushed for Sparkle—anyone in her position would have done the same. And, yeah, there’s an attraction there. But—” he hurried to add before Faith could add her two cents, “there’s no use chasing it. She lives in California, and I live here. She wants to make movies, and I want to raise reindeer.”
Dad coughed into his hand. “Have you asked her what she wants?”
Silence fell over the room.
Faith folded her arms and smiled knowingly at him. Caleb’s faith was full of sympathy. Forest gloated, pleased that someone else was under the microscope. Ever since he got married, he was such a goodie gumdrop. Pax’s ears burned as if the mere thought of talking to a woman embarrassed him.
“I have not,” Jack admitted.
Mom ticked her tongue.
“I think Sparkle should be in the movie,” said Dad.
Jack balked. “You do?”
He nodded. “Tell her she’s on a short leash. Any flying, and we pull her from the movie. No second chances.”
Jack nodded. Sparkle would understand the reasons. She’d also be ecstatic to get out of the barn and show off her skills.
“And make sure your Natasha knows the rules,” Dad added. “If Faith says Sparkle is out for any reason, she’s out. No questions asked.”
Jack threw both hands in the air in surrender. It didn’t matter how hard he protested or argued; she would forever be known ashis Natasha.
Merry Christmas to him.
Dad flicked his hand. “Go on. I need a nap.” He leaned heavily on the pillows, sinking low.
Mom stood up and ushered them out. Faith touched his arm. “I can devise a half-dozen reasons to get her off set. Just say the word.”
Mitzi side-hugged her. “I’m glad you’re on our team.” They made their way to the nursery to check on Ryder.
Caleb pounded Jack on the back. “Way to go.”
“Stop,” Jack protested. “You know, there’s no hope for anything more than a Christmas fling.”
Pax came up short. “If there’s one thing I know about you, Caleb Nicholas, it’s that you’re not a fling kind of guy.”
