I stand and walk him up the small ramp to the stage, moving slowly so he follows without resistance. He’s being remarkably well behaved, probably exhausted from whatever insane adventure he’s been on today. I’ll get the full story later, and something tells me it’s going to be wild.
At the side of the enormous tree—which seems to stretch forever into the night sky, decorated with thousands of ornaments and wrapped in lights that are currently dark and waiting—sits the prop we set up earlier. A beautiful red carriage styled to look like Santa’s sleigh.
I pick up the leather reins with bells attached and the decorative harness, carefully securing it around Corn Dog’s body so it looks like he’s drawing the sleigh. The bells jingle softly with his movements, and the crowd coos appreciatively.
“Look at him!” someone calls out. “He’s adorable!”
“Mommy, is that really one of Santa’s reindeer?”
Corn Dog seems to understand he’s being admired, because he stands taller and lifts his head regally. Of course he loves being the center of attention. That’s peak Corn Dog energy right there.
He starts sniffing the tree with intense focus, his nose working overtime, and I gently redirect his attention before he can try to eat any ornaments. “Not tonight, buddy. We’ve come too far for you to ruin it by snacking on decorations,” I whisper.
Chris winks at me from his position on the far side of the tree. He’s holding the lighting controller, ready to work his magic on my signal.
The festive music fades to silence.
My heart hammers so hard I hear it in my ears. I stand up straighter in my red dress, a fitted number with a sweetheart neckline, and adjust my stance in my red heels. My hair is loose around my face, curled softly, and I’m suddenly very aware of how many people are staring at me.
Hundreds of faces. Families. Children. The council members with their judging eyes. My Alphas watching with pride.
I activate the small microphone clipped to my neckline.
“Good evening, everyone, and welcome to Whispering Grove’s annual tree lighting ceremony!”
The crowd cheers, and something settles in my chest. I can do this. I was born to do this.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Hannah Parker, and I’ve had the incredible honor of coordinating this year’s holiday celebrations. And what fun they’ve been.”
More cheers. My shoulders relax a fraction.
“Whispering Grove is a special place. A beautiful community where I’ve experienced more kindness, more warmth, and more genuine holiday spirit than I ever imagined possible.”
I glance at Kane and Noel in the audience, then at Chris by the tree, my heart fluttering.
“Christmas is a time to remember the people we love and celebrate how much they mean to us. It’s a time for family, whether that’s the family we were born into or the family we’vechosen along the way. It’s a time for gratitude, for hope, and for believing that magic is real.”
The crowd has gone quiet, listening, and unexpected tears prick at my eyes.
“This year, I found my family. I found my home. And I found magic in the most unexpected places.”
Corn Dog perks up at the sound of my voice and nudges me.
“Speaking of which, we’re incredibly lucky tonight to have a very special guest. One of Santa’s own reindeer has traveled all the way from the North Pole to help us with our tree lighting.”
The children in the audience start bouncing with excitement. “He is still in training, and his name is Corn Dog. So, he’s going to do us the honor of turning on our lights this year. Everyone, please give him a warm Whispering Grove welcome!”
I gesture to him with a flourish, and he lifts his head as if he knows exactly what’s happening.
The crowd erupts, kids calling him by his name.
Corn Dog turns to look at them and makes a loud, proud bleating sound that echoes across the square.
The children completely lose their minds.
I move to stand with him in front of the Christmas tree at the edge of the stage so everyone has a clear view. I position myself on his far side so he’s between me and the audience. Tonight he’s the star, not me.
“Are you all ready?” I call out.
