Page 16 of Kit

I shook my head, trying to burrow deeper into the warmth and safety that was this man beneath the suit. Only he could help me. Only he cared. I needed to know who he was.

“Who are you?” I’d already asked, and he’d refused to answer. Maybe this time would be different.

“I’m Santa.” Voice low, soft.

“I have a Christmas wish, Santa.”

“What?”

“That I could sit here all night with you.”

6

Parker

Kit’s shivers went straight through to my bones. I put my arm over his shoulders to hold him closer. He curved into me, hiding his face in my beard.

It was a nice change from having my beard tugged, that was for sure. The backs of my ears ached even though I’d covered the elastic I seemed to be allergic to with silk ribbon.

“I’m not clear on what happened to the doggy,” I said.

“I—I lost him. I don’t have him.”

“And a boy named Nicky does?”

He nodded.

“I’m sorry, baby boy. These things happen. But don’t you worry. Santa knows all. Toys get lost. Toys break. But toys can be replaced, right?”

He glanced up with pretty brown eyes. “Sometimes. But not if it’s special. One of a kind.”

He was right. I’d bought that toy special for him. It wasn’t like the others Mr. Winterbourne had purchased wholesale as party favors.

“That’s true, sweetie. But I’m Santa, remember? I’ll see what I can do.”

“You’re the best.” He put his arms around me, hampered a bit by my belly, and hugged me.

A sensation went through me like being on a roller-coaster and dropping down fast on the big downhill track. I raised my gloved hand and patted the side of his head.

“Is this why you came back for a second turn, Kit?”

“I needed a lap. Someone who cares.”

“I’m glad you thought of me.”

He hugged harder. What a sweet boy. I was so glad to see him again.

A voice came from behind me. “Time’s up, Santa. Your shift is over.”

“Thanks, Corky.”

Corky took care of storing the set which consisted of the throne and the barricades that created the Christmas path. There was one more party. Then this stuff would go back to the props rental company.

Kit lifted his head. “You have to go now, Santa?”

“Back to my reindeer and elves.”

“That sounds nice.” He straightened his body. “I don’t want to keep you.”