Chapter 23
A fter six days of bed rest and a ton of paperwork, Michelle needed to get out of the house.
Nick had texted her a couple times, even dropped off a picture that Ava painted. But she’d been sleeping, her sister Renae told her.
She doubted she’d see him today. It was the festival. One of the busiest days of his work year. And a little thing like being shot wasn’t going to make her miss it.
“I’m going to take the kids to get in line for Santa. Are you okay on your own?” The look in Renae’s eyes was all mama bear.
“Yes. You heard Jim last night. I was only winged. He’d been shot in the ass and still went back to work the next day.”
“Yeah, yeah. Our brother, the man of steel.” Michelle’s nieces and nephew pulled on Renae’s arms. “Alright already. Santa isn’t even here yet.” She shrugged, then let them lead her to the line of parents and children that wrapped around the food court through a maze of ropes.
Finally, alone. Michelle took a deep breath. She’d had one of her family or another by her side nonstop since the shooting.
She scanned the crowd. Almost everyone in Ashwood filled the courtyard, waiting for Santa. Except one. Mr. Silver was noticeably absent. Every other year, he would be the master of ceremonies standing at the microphone next to the overstuffed green chair. This year, a young woman was standing at the mic.
“Mickey.”
She turned to find Russ Jolley and Ava making their way through the crowd.
“Hey, good to see you. How’s the arm?” She gestured to his blue brace, which matched hers.
“Good. I should be ready to swing a golf club by season opener. And how are you? I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
“I needed a jailbreak. You know how my family can be.” She grinned, then leaned in and whispered, “I’m surprised to see you here and not there.” She discretely nodded at Santa’s village.
“It’s okay, Officer Michelle. Grandpa was Santa’s helper for a long time. He told me it was time to pass it on.” Ava’s smile told her that the child still believed in the jolly elf, but was beaming with pride that she was in on a secret.
Russ checked his watch. “Ava, it’s time for your dance.”
“See you later, Officer Michelle.” She shoved a green elf hat on her head and skipped across the courtyard to where two dozen other little girls were waiting in matching hats.
Michelle looked at all the people waiting for Santa. Surely, they would be spending some money at the stores today. “What will happen to the mall now that Junior isn’t here to inherit it?”
Russ cleared his throat. His eyes cut to the sky.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Russ was the only person she knew that was worse at poker than her.
“I don’t know anything.” He rolled back on his heels. His eyes twinkled.
“I call BS. Spill. ”
“Okay, but you didn’t hear it from me. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.” He scanned the area around them for extra ears.
Michelle did a casual check. No one was paying attention.
“Horace always planned on having a management company handle the daily tasks of running the mall. He planned to give his shares to his son, but now… He’s dividing his stock among the employees and longtime store owners.”
Her mouth dropped, a cloud of condensation puffed out. “What? He’s leaving is mall to the store owners?”
“Shh. Yes. He hasn’t announced it yet. He’s still finalizing the paperwork.”
“Wow. Merry Christmas to all.”
“Horace Silver is as generous as Kris Kringle himself.”
“Speaking of the jolly old elf, who’s the new helper?” She canvassed the crowd, looking for Nick. She was dying to know where he found the new guy.
Just then, the woman on stage tapped the mic. “It’s time. Help me welcome the big man himself. Santa!” A jazzy version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town piped through the speakers.
Everyone turned to the back of the courtyard. The dancers twirled and shimmied their way down the lane. As they reached the stage, the girls moved to the sides, and the crowd turned their attention back to where Santa rode in on a sleigh being pulled by eight reindeer.
Michelle blinked. Twice.
“That’s… The sleigh. But how?” The case wasn’t closed.
Russ smiled. “Chief Martin was struck with the Christmas spirit. Or you could say his wife was.”
“You know her?” She pivoted to face him.
He shrugged, then winced. “I’ve been Santa for a very long time. I know every child who sat on my lap. ”
That was Russ for you. And only he could make that statement and not have her cop meter peg the perv bar.
Santa wound through the crowd that lined up the sides of the lane. As he got closer, Michelle got a good look at the new Santa. Her eyes bulged. Nick?
No. She squinted at the man. A chuckle slipped from her lips. It was. Nick Jolley drove the sleigh in full Santa gear. Ho ho ho-ing his heart out. She never thought she’d see the day.
Ava tugged on her sleeve and winked. “That’s my dad, don’t tell anyone. It’s a family secret.”
Her little fingers linked with Michelle’s as she pulled her closer to the village.
It felt right, Ava’s little hand in hers. She pushed back the sting of tears as they walked closer to Nick. She didn’t know where their relationship was going, but when the festival was over, they needed to talk. Their timing was wrong twenty years ago, but now? She was still a cop, and the terror on his face when he cradled her on the floor of that club was locked in her mind. It was his nightmare come true. He never made a secret of his fear of her job, especially with his mother dying in the line of duty. She didn’t know if the incident this week wiped them away or solidified them.
As the first child climbed on his lap, Michelle’s heart swelled. He was a natural. The way his face lit and his cheeks formed perfect crinkles around his eyes. He was born to play this role.
She was transfixed as one child after another took their turn in Santa’s lap. A tightness coiled in her chest. Jealousy? No. Pride.
Rapid blinks held back her emotions. If anyone noticed, she could blame it on the dull ache in her arm. It was time for her next dose of pain medication .
As she turned toward the exit, Ava squeezed her hand. “It’s your turn.”
“What?” She stared at her blue eyes, so similar to Nick’s.
“He’s flagging you up.”
She turned back to the man himself. Sure enough. He winked at her and crooked a finger.
“Go.”
She shook her head. “I, no, this is for children.”
Little hands pushed at her back. “Please, just go up there.”
Man, who would have thought she could be bossed around by an eight-year-old? “Okay, okay.”
Michelle barely noticed the helper elves or the huge candy canes that flanked Santa’s chair as she made her way to the stage. She missed the garland completely until she tripped on it. Oh no! The ground was coming up fast.
In the blink of an eye, strong arms broke her fall. Her cheek landed on soft, red fabric. A choir of laughter echoed around her, but she didn’t care. Nick was holding her.
“Easy does it. Are you okay?” Worry crossed his face. What she could see of it behind the white curls.
“No, I’m good.” Heat flooded her face. “I like the beard.”
One bushy brow rose. “Maybe I’ll wear it for you later.”
A girl could only hope.
“Come here.” He led her to the chair and gingerly positioned her on his lap, careful not to jostle her injured arm. “Tell me what you want for Christmas.”
She locked eyes with him. What did she want? Him. And his daughter and their crazy pets. She wanted them all, but could she tell him? Here, in front of the whole town? “I, uh. I’m not sure.”
His gaze never wavered .
She could do this. She inhaled and centered her thoughts, but still didn’t speak.
“Tell you what, why don’t I tell you what I want for Christmas?”
Her heart thumped at his words. “Um, okay.”
He ran a hand lightly down her uninjured arm and locked fingers with hers. “I want you. Always.”
She blinked. Did she hear him right? “Me?”
“Yup.”
She shook her head. “I know you’re stingy with words, but I think I need a few more.”
“Michelle Swenson. I want you in my life, forever. Be my Mrs. Claus every Christmas and my kick-ass, police officer wife the rest of the year.”
“Are you sure? What about Ava?”
“Yes, we are,” Ava yelled from beside Russ on the side of the stage.
Joy bubbled up in her chest. Love. Happiness.
“Come on, lady. Answer him already.”
“Simmer down.” She cupped Nick’s face, beard and all. “Yes.”
He kissed her.
When they broke the kiss, her face sobered. “You need better crowd control. I will need to talk to your head of security about that.”
He laughed—a deep belly roll. “I will remember that for next year.”
“See you tonight.” She slid off his lap, then leaned down and whispered, “And Nick, wear the beard.”