“Oh, we need to get them down here!” Mrs. Graves said. “You two can’t waste your entire day here.”
“Sure, we can,” Joy said. “But I’d rather spend it playing with the children.”
“Lead the way,” Thomas said.
At the top of the stairs, Joy hesitated, her hand resting on the doorknob to the girls’ bedroom. “Do you think they’ll be surprised?”
“Joy, my love, between your baking, the clothes, and the toy-laden satchel, these children are about to have their best Christmas ever.” Thomas couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“Then let’s make some merry,” Joy declared, and with that, she swung open the door.
A chorus of gasps and sleepy murmurs greeted them as they entered the dormitory, the girls rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
“Good morning, little ones!” she exclaimed. “Who’s ready for Christmas?”
“Santa!” a small voice squeaked from the back.
“Mrs. Claus, actually,” Joy corrected with a wink. “And my dashing assistant, Mr. Claus.”
“Assistant?” Thomas feigned indignation, earning a round of laughter from the girls.
“Very well,” Joy conceded. “My equal partner in holiday merriment. Now, go wake the boys!”
