Susie was exploring the pond with Payne when something popped into her head. “Hey—where’d Santa go?”
Payne shrugged. “It’s Christmas morning, so he’s probably headed back to the North Pole.”
“I need to find him before he goes. We need to talk,” she said, and was already running after him before her brother could respond.
It seemed like the driveway would go on forever, with no sign of Santa, but then she spotted him. “Hey—wait up!” she yelled.
He turned around, looking surprised. He’d taken off his mask. It was the Santa from the mall—he was the real one, not one of his helpers like everybody said.
“I just wanted to say thanks for coming through on my wish,” she said, between huffs and puffs.
“Just doing my job, Susie. Do you like the house?”
“It was my second choice, but it does have the yard and tall trees I asked you for.”
He smiled. “You’re a tough audience. Just remember that it’s only a house, and it’s up to you and your family to turn it into a home.”
“What do ya mean?”
“Your parents will help you understand, I think they finally get it.”
“You gotta go, huh?”
“Been a long night—it’s time for Santa to take a vacation.”
“To the North Pole?”
“I’m thinking somewhere warmer.” He watched as the car pulled to a stop at the end of the driveway. “But first I gotta go see my children open their presents. It’s my favorite part of the day.”
“I’ll bet Santa’s kids get the most gifts ever!”
He chuckled. “They’d still want more.”
“I guess I’ll see you next year, Santa.”
“If you’re a good girl you will, Susie Woods. Enjoy your new house, but don’t feed the Wainwrights—I hear they bite.”
She ran to him and wrapped a hug around his thick midsection. “You’ve come through on big ones two years in a row Santa, so I’ll understand if you give my wish to somebody else next year.”
***
He waved at Susie Woods as they drove away. He figured she was probably wondering why he didn’t take his sleigh. He looked back at Jarren and Terrance and their big Christmas smiles, looking confident that there’d be plenty under the tree when they got home. “So how are my guys doing this morning?”
“We’ll be doing better when we get to open our presents,” Jarren whined.
“Yeah, when are we going to get our gifts, Dad?” Terrance added.
“Who do I look like—Santa Claus? Ask your mother.”
He traded a glance with Wintry, as she drove them through the empty streets of Greenwich. She just stared back, unnerving him “What?”
She smiled. “I knew it wasn’t all about the money.”
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