Page 50 of Santa Daddies

David stood up and spoke too, thanking everyone and touching a bit on his lack of match-making skills while looking at me and winking. And so did Madeline and Kristoffer. But before long it was time to head back to our rooms to get a good night’s sleep so we were all fresh for the ceremony.

By the next morning everyone had forgotten about yesterday’s fiasco and wedding day prep and primp was in full swing. Charlotte’s mother was buzzing around making sure everyone had breakfast and was hydrating. Kristoffer had gathered up the groomsmen and Charlotte’s father and brought them to the main chalet where they stayed the night in a family suite, so the ladies were alone in the chalet.

“So, tell me everything,” Madeline said as we sat in a row in one of the huge bathrooms where hair stylists and make-up artists worked on our hair and faces. “How did this happen?”

Charlotte leaned forward to peek around Madeline earning a scolding from her stylist. “Was this all because he spanked you at the bachelorette?”

The four female stylists and two male makeup artists’ eyes found each other’s through the mirror and I laughed. “He was dressed as Santa at the bachelorette party,” I explained. “And I was on his naughty list.” I gave Charlotte and Madeline the side-eye. “Though I’m pretty sure it should have been them on the naughty list.” I pointed my thumbs at them both.

Charlotte covered her chuckle with her hand and agreed. “But if it were us, you might not be together now.”

“And I probably wouldn’t have gone home with himthatnight,” I blurted, making them gasp excitedly. I shrugged. “He offered me a fantasy I couldn’t refuse. And it lived up to the hype a hundred percent.”

A commotion and raised voices coming from the main floor had Charlotte paling, but after a few minutes of us trying to keep her calm, Charlotte’s mother popped her head into the room.

“Nothing to worry about, ladies.”

Kristoffer popped his head in too, but kept his eyes covered. “It was just me.”

“There’s no need to cover your eyes, Kristoffer. We’re decent and you’re not the groom.”

“I want to be as surprised as David when you ladies walk down the aisle,” he said and quickly disappeared.

“Aww.”

“Who was that delicious-looking man?” Charlotte’s stylist asked.

I bit my lip, but coyly answered before Charlotte could. “That’s my Santa Daddy.”

Charlotte hooted, Madeline whistled, and the stylists joined in with their own catcalls.

A few hours later, we were at the little church, and I was shaking off my nerves as I saw the full pews. Some of the guests had flown in the night before, but quite a few were local, so the church was packed. Three of the bridesmaids had already walked down the aisle and I was staring at Kristoffer while waiting for my cue.

He was so handsome in his black suit and his ice-blue tie. I smiled as he said something to my brother, making him visibly relax. And then the pastor’s wife gave me a little nudge.

“It’s your turn, dear.”

I took one step and then the next, trying hard to fight my nerves. That’s when Kristoffer looked at me. His eyes widened a little as they passed over me in my form-fitting ice-blue dress. His crooked smile followed, and I noted the filthy sparkle to his eye. Flutters danced inside me until I got closer and saw his gaze warm and soften, then I near melted. I knew my sister wasn’t far behind me, but Kristoffer never took his eyes off me. Not even when I took my place beside the other bridesmaids.

Mouthing ‘stunning’ and ‘I love you,” Kristoffer winked at me. My knees were weak wondering what it would be like standing up here with him as my groom. I caught the thought quickly and shoved it away, my brain scolding my heart for such ridiculous thoughts so soon. Weeks, it had only been weeks, even though it felt like I’d known him all my life and maybe in several of my previous ones.

My sister was next to me a few seconds later but both Kristoffer and I held each other’s gaze. It was only when the wedding march began that we looked toward the back of the church. Charlotte glided down the aisle her face glowing, her smile bright, and her dress perfect. My eyes found my brother’s face and his glassy eyes and barely contained emotion made my own eyes sting. I hoped someday someone would look at me like that as I walked down the aisle.

Turning my attention back to Charlotte, my eyes snagged on the blue, white, and silver floral arrangements on the end of the pews, reminding me of the day before when Kristoffer and I went to the basement to collect them but ended up fooling around until the pastor yelled down and asked if we were having trouble. My face heated at the memory of Kristoffer’s hand up my dress, and I snuck a look back at him. He was watching me, his gaze soft, his lips curved in a gentle smile. The look on his face made my belly flutter. How did I get here? With thisbeautiful man admiring me? His expression almost as adoring as my brother’s for his bride.

The vows were so touching and heartfelt, Kristoffer had to slip me his handkerchief to spare my mascara. Luckily, neither of our families were particularly religious, so the ceremony was short because Madeline’s eyes started leaking shortly after mine.

“Allergies,” she whispered after David had dipped Charlotte low and kissed her so sweetly the guests gave a collective aw.

Later, after the champagne, food and wine were consumed, and speeches were given, we let loose. The night was filled with laughter, happiness and fun. And Kristoffer kept me on the dance floor until my feet felt as if they might fall off.

“One more?” he asked, holding out his hand asHeavenby Kane Brown came on.

“No more,” I replied, holding up my palms. “It’s not fair you dance all the time with your filthy elves. I’m severely out of practice and my poor feet are ready to revolt. Besides, they’re leaving,” I added when I saw my new sister had snuck off and returned wearing a simple blue dress.

Kristoffer followed my gaze and smiled. “Taking a late flight back to Vancouver tonight and then it’s an early flight to Hawaii.” He squeezed my hand, looked down at me, and sat.

“And what are you doing for Christmas, Little Red?” he asked, lifting his water glass to drink.