“Ho Ho Ho.”
The hair on the back of Lauren’s neck stood up at the familiar sound. “It can’t be!”
The family in front of them moved on to collect their candy canes from the woman dressed as an elf, and Lauren blinked several times. “Nick?!” she exclaimed.
“It’s Santa to you,” Nick replied, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. He motioned for the kids to come closer.
Jacob strode forward and pulled the guy in for a hug. “You old dog you!” They pounded one another on the back.
The kids looked at Lauren. “He’s good friends with Santa,” she explained. “He was the best man at our wedding.”
Megan and Jenny whispered frantically behind their mittens.
Collin set his shoulders and walked forward. He tugged on Nick’s red coat. “Santa?”
Nick got on his knees, so he was level with Collin. “Yes? Do you have a Christmas wish, Collin?”
“No!” Lauren lunged for her nephew. The world slowed down, and she couldn’t seem to get to Collin fast enough to stop him from making a wish. It was like a bad dream, where her limbs were as heavy as bricks.
Jacob reached out a hand as well, his body moving slower than hers.
What was happening?
Collin cupped his hand around his mouth. “I wish my mom would come back for Christmas.”
Jingle bells rang out, and time sped up again. Lauren’s hand landed on Collin’s shoulder, and she yanked him away from Nick. “What did you do?” she demanded from the jolly elf.
Nick’s eyes went wide. “It was just one wish–I swear.” He held up his white-gloved hands.
Lauren smacked her hand over her forehead. “A disastrous, horrible wish–do you know Pearl?”
Jacob shuddered. “Not cool, man.”
“It’ll be all right. Trust me.” Nick winked and turned his attention to the other kids, and soon they were listing off their Christmas desires.
Lauren’s phone rang, and she stepped aside to answer it. “Hey, Ethan.” It wasn’t a coincidence that he called right at that moment. She could feel it all the way to her toes.
“Lauren–you aren’t going to believe this. Pearl just texted. She’s coming for Christmas.”
Lauren squeezed her eyes shut. Was it a bad open to curse Santa’s nephew–or whatever Nick was? “We can handle this.”
Ethan grunted. “I don’t know. She’s bringing someone with her.”
“Great.” Lauren glared at Nick as he grabbed his belly and laughed. “You haven’t made any Christmas wishes, have you?” she quietly asked her brother.
“No. I don’t believe in that kind of thing anymore–too jaded, I guess.”
“Great!” Lauren exclaimed. “I mean… not great that you’re jaded, but just, don’t go wishing on any stars or Santa’s anything. Okay?”
Ethan grunted again. “I’m almost done shopping. Do you want me to pick up Collin?”
“No! Don’t come anywhere near here.” She gulped. Keeping Jacob away from Nick was essential. “Just enjoy your time off and buy yourself a new tool or something. Shiny things.”
Nick finished with the kids and sent them off to get candy canes. Lauren trailed behind. She glared at Nick. That guy was always causing trouble. Instantly, she felt bad. Obviously, the events he’d put into motion last year had turned out pretty well.
“O-kay. I’ll see you guys later,” Ethan said.
They said goodbye and hung up the phone. Lauren reached for Jacob’s hand. He tugged her close. “Everything okay?” The kids walked ahead of them, happily unwrapping their candy canes and talking about all things Santa.
