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“I will call out names,” said Emmie. “When yours is called, come forward. Santa or I will give you your gift.”

After a child stayed to ask Santa or Mrs. Claus a question, most of the others took time to talk to either or both of them. For Emmie, it was insightful to see what was on their minds. One little girl asked Emmie if she missed Santa Claus when he was away on his trip.

Ted heard the question and winked at her.

Emmie fought to hold back a chuckle as she said, “I miss him a lot.”

The gift-giving was a straightforward procedure for the older kids. An adult or staff member assisted the toddlers and babies.

When Ted’s grandchildren’s names were called, Emmie met them with their gifts before they could get too close to their grandfather.

After all the gifts had been given out and opened, a boy of about six stood. “Where’s my gift?”

“What’s your name?” asked Emmie. She checked the few remaining presents. Not seeing his name on any of the packages, she quickly picked up one of the extras. “Here’s one just for you.”

A staff member stood in front of the group. “Merry Christmas, everyone! It’s time to leave. Be sure to take those gifts back to your rooms. Before you go, please say thank you to Santa and Mrs. Claus.”

A chorus of “thank you” rang out.

Emmie clutched her hands, loving the open, innocent looks on the faces of the kids as they headed out of the room. She saw a pregnant blonde woman take hold of Harper’s hand, while another woman with dark hair ushered two boys out of the room. Ted watched them, and she knew they must be his family members.

“Thank you very much for your help,” a staff member said to them. “If you return the costumes to the owners’ office, that will take care of any more responsibilities.”

Ted turned to Emmie. “Well, Mrs. Claus, may I buy you a drink at the bar after we get changed?”

“That sounds delightful. I can’t wait to get out of this costume, and then I’ll join you.”

“Deal,” he said, taking off his wig and beard, making her realize once again how nice-looking he was.

She left the room quickly, hoping she wasn’t heading for trouble.

CHAPTER EIGHT

When Emmie walked into the bar, she noticed all the tables were filled, but two seats were available at the bar. She quickly claimed them and sat down.

Ted arrived a few minutes later and joined her.

“Guess it’s a busy time before people have to get ready for the evening. What would you like?”

“I’ve already ordered a glass of wine. I’m paying tonight. Order whatever you want,” she said. She didn’t want either of them to think they were dating. Knowing they had lives of their own in other parts of the state, it would be foolish to think of anything more than friendship happening between them.

“I’ll have wine, too. I like a woman who knows what she wants,” said Ted, signaling the bartender.

His drink came, and they sat facing one another, talking about past holidays.

“My wife, Marylee, loved the holidays,” said Ted. “She decorated the house, did the traditional baking, and wrapped each gift with bright bows. I’ve missed one Christmas with her, though she’s been gone for almost two years. Cancer. It’s such a damn shame.”

“The holidays aren’t the same for me, either,” Emmie admitted. “And they’ll continue to change. My oldest daughter, Lauren, is pregnant with her first child, and my youngest married into the family that owns a well-known Italian restaurant in upstate New York.”

“What restaurant is that?”

“Romero’s in Newton.”

“No way. I have a dealership there, and it’s my favorite place to eat when I’m in town.” Ted grinned. “Maybe you can get me a deal,” he teased.

“I do have an ‘in’,” she said, grinning.

“Seriously. When I’m in Newton, we could meet for a meal,” said Ted. “It’s only what, an hour or so from Ellenton?”