“I thought that’s what my kiss was.”
She smiled as she lowered her gaze to the steaming disposable cup. “Yes, that, too.”
“Knew it.”
Men and their egos! It felt wonderful to laugh and smile again. If she did happen to run into Brian and Celeste a second time, she wouldn’t care. This afternoon with Billy was exactly what her heart needed.
After they finished their coffee, Billy took her hand and led her to the Santa house.
“You know this really isn’t necessary, don’t you?” she said, feeling more than a little silly.
“I think it is.”
Seeing that Billy insisted, Lindy decided to play along. It didn’t hurt that she’d recently written Santa a letter, as childish as that might seem. Listing the very things her heart desired had been freeing, especially after reading those early letters she’d penned as a girl.
As they stood in line, Lindy watched Santa with the children. He had the patience of a saint, taking time with each one and listening intently as they reviewed their Christmas wishes. When it was her turn, Santa didn’t bat an eye. He held out his hand, welcoming her to join him, and then patted his knee.
“Hello, Santa,” she said, smiling at the older man. His white beard was authentic, and he had a twinkle in his eye. Lindy felt ridiculous, as she was the only adult waiting for her turn with the big guy. One of the children in line pointed at her.
“She’s too old for Santa,” he announced, with righteous indignation.
Santa wagged his finger at the child. “No one is ever too old for Santa,” he told the little boy.
He turned and focused his attention on Lindy. With an encouraging smile, he said, “Ah yes, I’ve been waiting for you.”
“Really?” she said, teasing him.
His dark eyes grew serious, as though her doubt had offended him. “I have, Lindy.”
He knew her name, but she suspected Santa must have heard Billy say it. From having observed him earlier, she could see he was sharper than other men who stepped into the role.
“Have you been a good girl this year?” Santa asked.
“Absolutely,” she said, having a difficult time not giggling. “The very best.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Now, what would you like Santa to bring you?”
“Didn’t you get my letter?” she teased.
“I’m sure one of my elves has placed it on my desk. I promise I’ll read it once I return to the North Pole.” He sounded sincere, and she found that rather endearing.
“Good, because it’s a heartfelt list.”
“I’m sure it is, and I promise to read it soon. But since you’re with me now, why don’t you tell me what’s on your list this year.”
As she visited with Santa, Billy was busy taking photo after photo, moving from one part of the room to another, taking a dozen or more pictures of her on Santa’s knee. He seemed to find this amusing, and she let him have his fun. Billy had done everything to make this day special, and she wanted him to know how much she appreciated his efforts.
Seeing her time with Santa was about to end, Lindy said, “Before I go, I want you to know that when I was six, I asked for a little sister, but you sent me a brother instead. I forgive you, because Chad is the best little brother a big sister could ever want. So, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m sure it was a mailroom error. The elves must have confused your letter with another youngster’s. That occasionally happens.”
Lindy hid a smile at how serious his apology was. “No worries, it turned out for the better.”
Santa grinned sheepishly.
“Also, I regret asking you to bring Billy Kincade coal. That was unkind of me.”
“Billy Kincade,” Santa slowly repeated the name as if testing his memory. “I do remember that young man. He was quite the rascal. I don’t suppose you know whatever became of him?”
She gestured across the room. “That’s him with the phone.”
“My, my, he’s grown into quite the fine young man. I’m happy to see you’ve resolved your differences.”
“We have,” she said, finding their conversation fun.
Santa handed her a candy cane, and she knew it was time to go.
“Thank you, Santa,” she said, and stood.
“You know,” Santa said, stopping her. His twinkling eyes held hers for an extralong moment. “That letter you recently wrote me.”
“Yes?”
“I’ll do my best to make sure all your wishes come true.” The smile had left, and once more he held her gaze for an extralong moment.