Page 87 of Love Me Like You Do

Cole headed for the elf who was still unloading bags. “Hey, thanks for doing this. You happen to know what my dad bought?”

“Actually, I own the toy store, so I do.”

“Cool, cool. This is awesome but a bit much. We’d like to drop some off at the shelter tomorrow.”

“Actually, that’s just for adults. There’s a place in town, though, that gives emergency housing to families. You can drop some there.”

“That’s perfect. Since you know what we’ve got, you mind putting a bag together for the families?”

“You got it.”

“Thank you.” He hurried to catch up with Hailey and the others in the kitchen.

His dad sat at the table with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. As always, he had the kids in his thrall by telling stories of his sleigh ride and the funny personalities of his reindeer.

“Oh, that Blixen. He’s hilarious. He only eats Reese’s Pieces. We try to give him kale and quinoa, and he just does this.” His dad stuck out his tongue like a cat with a mouthful of hair.

The girls shrieked with laughter.

“And Donner’s the prankster. Always trying to put one over on the other reindeers. You’ve got to watch your back around him.”

“What does he do?” Paisley asked.

“Most nights after dinner, they all hang out around the campfire. They roast marshmallows and tell stories. Well, one night, they noticed Donner was missing, and when it was time to go to bed in the barn, they found out he’d switched up everyone’s pallets.”

“What’s a pallet?” Paisley asked, mesmerized.

“Each reindeer has his own stall, and they sleep on a bed of hay. Now, you know how you like things just-so when you snuggle in at night? Well, same with reindeer. Prancer likes a special blanket his mom made for him, Dancer likes his wooly socks, and Rudolf likes the teddy bear he got for Christmas one year. So, imagine his surprise when Rudolf went to bed and found Dancer’s socks instead of his bear.” His dad tipped his head back. “Ho ho ho. It caused quite a ruckus.”

“Were they sad?” Paisley asked. “Did they miss sleeping in their own beds?”

His dad sobered right away, realizing what he’d done. “Oh, no. My reindeer know how to make a home for themselves no matter where they lay their heads.”

“How do they do that?”

“Rudolf gave Dancer his socks back, and Prancer traded the books he found on his pallet for his blanket. No, see, it’s not the room that matters. It’s their favorite things that help them feel safe.” His dad got up. “Now, who’s hungry for dinner because I brought all kinds of food.” He sorted through the containers. “I’ve got macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, butter rolls, green beans…” He looked back at them. “How does that sound?”

“Nailed it.” Hailey got busy with silverware, while Cole got out the melamine plates. They set out glasses of milk and napkins, while Trevor served the food.

When the girls settled down to eat, Santa joined them at the island. “I don’t know what I expected when I got here, but it wasn’t this.”

“What do you mean?” Cole asked.

“I thought the place would be a mess, kids screaming…puddles of piddle everywhere…”

“They’re not feral animals, Dad.”

Trevor burst out laughing. “No, I guess not. I just didn’t expect you to have it all under control so quickly.” He looked at Hailey. “I’m Trevor Montgomery, Cole’s dad.”

Her features crumpled. “But I thought… Are you telling me you’re not Santa?”

With a bark of laughter, he enveloped Hailey in his arms. “No wonder my son’s got a thing for you."

“Dad.” Cole’s tone held a warning.

Hailey just smiled. "It’s great to meet you.”

A crash drew their attention to the table, and Evvie shrieked before bursting into tears. Cole dashed over to the table to find she’d spilled milk all over her chicken fingers and mac and cheese. “Hey, hey. It’s all right. We’ll clean this right up.” He brought the glass and plate to the sink, served up a new plate of food and fresh milk, and then brought it back to her.