Which left her with the only thing she had in life–her store.
Jingle. Jingle. Jingle.
“Devine!” Hazel Kringle announced as she spun in a small circle and took in everything about Charlotte’s shop. “Messy. But look at this place. It’s like the workshop only South-er.”
“Goodness!” exclaimed Robyn, her hands flying to her chest. “I feel like I’ve come home.” She reached out and brushed an ornament on the tree.
Charlotte’s eyes darted to the fireplace just to their right. The one time she’d tried to start a fire in it, she’d ended up with a face full of soot and a ruined sweater for her efforts. Good to know that Santa could still get down it, though–since she’d told every child that asked that it was–indeed–a Santa-friendly fireplace. She put a hand on her hip, “Aren’t you two supposed to be at the North Pole frantically getting ready for Christmas?”
Hazel wobbled her head side-to-side. “Your wish is kind of a big deal to us this year. We had a family meeting and decided that allocating Mom and me to this project was appropriate.”
“Exactly how many Kringles are there these days?” Charlotte fished for information on the super-secret Christmas family.
Robyn grinned as if every one of the Kringles was her achievement. “Over twenty. And each one is unique and wonderful.”
Spoken like a mom, Charlotte thought.Also, vague, like a Kringle.
Hazle rubbed her palms together. “Let’s get you and Micah back together.”
“Whoa, there eager-Clause.” She waved her hands as if waving off a stampede. “I think it’s a little more complicated than you think.”
“Most people overthink things.” Robyn touched a candy cane as if she couldn’t help herself. She picked it up, broke off the end, and sampled. “Could use more flavoring.” She set the rest of it on the counter. “Why don’t you break it down for us?”
Charlotte ticked items off on her fingers as she spoke. “Micah said Christmas was lame, and that I was a fool for having Christmas spirit, and I was selfish because I wanted to keep my Christmas wish.” She glanced over her shoulder to make sure her wish was still there. It was. It came closer to her, and she nodded to encourage it. It moved even closer, a sense of relief washing over it and onto her. They’d officially made up.
Robyn squinted at her. “You didn’t say anything about being mad at him.”
Charlotte slumped against the counter. “Being angry is exhausting.”
Hazel laughed. “Nick was right; you have some of the magic in you. I can’t stay mad at anyone for more than thirty seconds.”
“Right!” Charlotte held out a hand, and they fist bumped.
“Here’s the thing about Nick’s wish issues.” Robyn adjusted her purse strap. She always had it with her and often put a protective hand over it. Or, maybe, it was a steadying hand. Like she drew strength from having it close. “All the wishes that get twisted or looped or bounce around are between those who are meant to be.”
“True lovers,” Hazel added. “The only way that Micah’s wish could have interfered with yours the way it did was if he’s the man of your dreams. Which is why I’m here.”
“Man of my…? Wait! What do you do?” Charlotte took a step back. If Nick granted wishes, Hazel could do anything Santa magic related.
Also, Micah was the man of her dreams? Her one and only? Her match?
She’d thought so, and then he’d gone all Christmas-is-lame on her, and she’d questioned her feelings for him.
Hazel tugged on her shirt. “I, uh…”
Robyn nudged her. “It’s okay. We can trust her.”
“I have a knack for dreams.” Her eyes darted to her mother to see if she could say more. When Robyn didn’t protest, she continued. “It’s part of the whole Santa knows when you’re sleeping and when you’re awake magic. Only, I don’t just know if you’re sleeping, but I can help you have good dreams.”
“So,” Charlotte drew out the word as she considered the information. “You’re a sugar plum fairy?” That didn’t sound so bad. What kind of damage could a fairy do?
Hazel moaned and dropped her head back. “Why do people think that?”
“Because good Christmas dreams are of sugarplums,” Charlotte answered.
“They’re not!” Hazel insisted. “Good Christmas dreams are about what is in your heart. Your best memories with family. Christmas dinner. Even the magical parts, like flying reindeer. I have never once given a sugar plum dream. Sheesh!”
“Okay.” Charlotte lifted her hands in surrender. Robyn’s daughter had some spunk in her. “What do you propose?”
