Page 52 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

SADIE

Sadie handed the customer the bag of purchases then smiled as the elderly man thanked her. So far, they’d had a brilliant day of sales, and she didn’t even mind being dressed up as an elf. Her parents had held the fort inside while she’d been on the door and Tara had milled around inside and out, bringing customers in and speaking to them about the stock. Tara was an excellent salesperson and Sadie loved watching her convincing people that they really needed another snow globe or that the vintage angel would definitely complete their daughter’s Christmas tree. She’d also sold vintage plates featuring festive scenes, Victorian candleholders, punchbowls and ladles, spun glass angel hair, foil ceiling garlands, paper honeycomb bells and even a Mr. Frosty that had never been opened. These were all things that Tara had bought in the shop at Battersea, and they were proving to be a hit with the customers.

Perhaps the most amazing things Tara had brought back were a boxed Crystal Barbie and Crystal Ken. They were immaculate and Sadie had found herself gazing at them dreamily, almost wishing she could be a child again to experience the unboxing joy of such treasures. They’d been popular in the 1980s in the UK, which was a bit before her time, but Sadie had always been an admirer of beautiful toys. Tara had placed them on a shelf of their own along with some matching tinsel and so far, they’d attracted a lot of attention, but no one had ventured to pay the £400 price tag that the internet said they were worth.

Sadie wandered over to the shelf to gaze at them again and she made a slight adjustment to the tinsel around the boxes. She heard laughter and turned to the door to see two men about to enter. One of them stepped back to allow the other one to come inside first, and she realised it was Seth. But the other man was wearing a full Father Christmas outfit complete with beard, and he walked in with his head down. He had a red sack on his shoulder and black boots caked with snow. She tutted inwardly, aware that she’d need to clean that up before someone slipped on it as it melted.

She walked over to the counter to let her parents know that she was going to get the mop when a hand landed on her arm. She spun around to meet the startling blue eyes of the man dressed as Father Christmas.

‘Oh my god!’ she said.

He laughed.

‘S-Sander? Is it really you?’

He pulled down the beard with one hand, and set the red sack on the floor with the other, then took her hands. ‘Sadie, my love.’

Sadie’s mouth was opening and closing like a landed fish, but Sander stepped closer then took her face in his hands.

‘What a pretty little elf you are.’ His eyes roamed over her in a way that made goosebumps rise on her skin.

‘Sander?’ she said.

‘Perhaps if I kiss you, it will make it real?’ he said.

Sadie nodded mutely.

Sander lowered his head and pressed his lips gently against hers and she sighed against him.

‘How did you…’ Her question trailed away as he kissed her again.

‘I managed to get a few days’ leave. One of the boys wanted some extra shifts over Christmas, so I said I’d swap with him. I couldn’t imagine anywhere better to be than here with my wife for your special Yule Party.’

‘Oh Sander, I love you.’

‘I love you too.’

He kissed her again and she melted against him, wrapped her arms around his waist and held him close. Her husband was here when she hadn’t expected to see him until the New Year, and she couldn’t have imagined a better Christmas gift.

When he finally pulled away, he looked around and said, ‘It’s going well then?’

‘It is.’

‘I’m so proud of you, Sadie.’

‘Ahem!’ They both turned to the counter where Mr and Mrs Claus were standing with their arms folded across their chests. ‘There can be only one true Father Christmas,’ her dad said.

‘In that case, I’ll go and change, shall I?’ Sander said.

‘I’ll show you the kitchen.’ Sadie grabbed his hand and led him through to the back of the shop. A few moments alone with her husband before they got to work would be a real Christmas treat.

28

SETH

Seth watched as Sadie and the second Father Christmas disappeared into the kitchen, then he scanned the room for Tara. He took a few slow, deep breaths, then walked over to her.

‘Tara,’ he said, swallowing hard. ‘That was Sadie’s husband, right?’