Naughty Elf: Mistletoe (Santa’s Naughty Elf Mates)

Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21

MIZ

Ryan loved me.

His words bolstered me throughout the day, but that night, after we drank hot chocolate and watched Ellie's favorite Christmas movie for the third time this season, it was time for bed. Doubt crept in with the cool draft from the three-season porch.

The door was cracked open, probably from when Ellie helped Ryan with the firewood. When I slid the door shut, I could have sworn I heard jingle bells tinkling nearby. I gave my wedding ring a twist to calm my nerves.

I shivered. With jingle bells came flying reindeer and Santa Claus, except my Santa's route went over Northern Europe, not North America. I made a Christmas wish on the next clang of bells that Santa would spare me. I would never be the perfect elf, but I loved my new family, my friends, and my life. I hoped Santa 30 could see that, wherever he was tonight.

Ryan and I got ready for bed in the spacious first-floor bathroom across the hall from our bedroom. Ryan kept catching my gaze in the mirror, his face awash with unasked questions. I didn't know how to answer them. This was the moment of truth.

"Ho, ho, ho!" A jolly elf's voice boomed from the three-season porch I'd just closed a few minutes earlier. "Merry Christmas!"

Santa, whichever one oversaw this route, vanished before we got there, but both Ryan and I saw the reindeer tracks across the frost-covered lawn. Ryan grabbed two boxes from the glass-topped picnic table and handed them to me.

The smaller box was identical to the ones I'd used for my molded action figures. I balanced it on top of my baby bump and used my free hand to pry open the envelope flap.

"My Dear Mistletoe," the letter began.

I watched you struggle as my workshop elf, but I knew the timing wasn't right to send you to your fated mate. Ryan and Ellie needed time to grieve, but the longer you stayed with us, the worse it became. You almost lost your joy and light completely.

I'm so glad to see you've found your creativity again. One day, I'll deliver your children's books across the world, translated into every language so all children can experience the same delight you've brought Ellie with your stories.

I'm sorry your life at the North Pole didn't bring you comfort and joy. I hope you can forgive me for waiting. I wasn't sure Ryan would be the best fit for you, even though you were fated. I'm glad I was wrong.

Enjoy your time with Ryan, Ellie, and the twins. You deserve all the happiness in the world with your new family!

Much love,

Santa 30

P.S. I would never turn a pregnant elf into a plastic statue for the rest of his days. I'm Santa, not that other guy!

"There are more presents under the tree," Ryan said, his voice hushed with awe. "I knew Santa was real, but I never thought he would stop here. He never has before."

"Some of Santa's gifts are intangible." I had a feeling Santa had a hand in Ellie's hamster living so long. Marshawn was still trucking along in his wheel and roaming the new house in the hamster ball, though not as fast as before.

"Yes." Ryan pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head. "They are."

I tilted my head up for one of his searing kisses. I tried not to worry about the strain of my weight on his back when he picked me up like a damsel in distress. He carried me to our bedroom, presents from Santa and all.

The boxes tumbled to the comforter when he sat me on the edge of the bed. "Aren't you going to open them?"

The larger box was full of mail. I recognized my omega father's handwriting on the card sitting on top, a letter from Holly, a birthday card from my grandparents, and a large stack of paperwork. I popped the lid back on it and shoved it under the bed for later.

Ryan watched curiously while I opened the smaller box lid and pulled out the plastic tray. Inside was the elf statue Holly had made of me, once again staring at a cell phone like it was a lifeline to the outside world.

This world. My world. All the time I'd spent streaming series, watching reality television, and binging on soap operas had prepared me for this. I told the best bedtime stories Ellie had ever heard, and one day, I would share them with the world as published children's books.

Ryan touched the figurine's plastic green hat and shuddered. "Nope. Still don't like it. You don't need to keep it nearby, do you? He doesn't need to sit on your nightstand while you sleep?"

I laughed. "The letter didn't mention it, but he looks good over here, don't you think?" I leaned backward and stretched my arm over my head to set him on the headboard itself.

"I love you, but if you leave him there, I'll freak out every time I see him."

"Me, too," I admitted. "I've dreamed of being that statue too many times to leave him there." I retrieved him and put him back in his box. "I'll put him with the Christmas decorations."

Ryan laughed. "He'll traumatize Ellie and the twins next year. I love it."

"You've said that word a lot." I rolled onto my side facing him, and he moved in, draping his leg over mine.

"I mean it. I love you and your devious mind."

"You'd better. You're stuck with me now."

He grinned. "I couldn't kick you out of my house when you were a gorgeous stranger. Now you're my husband. Pretty sure you're the one stuck with me."

"I love you, too." Saying the words aloud seemed anticlimactic after the events of the day. "I'm so glad you're my husband and my mate."

"I didn't want to move too fast and scare you again," he said. "I almost waited too long, didn't I?"

I shook my head. "No. It was perfect, like you."

We both laughed until our gazes locked. The laughter died in our throats, consumed by a kiss.