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Dave scowled down at the wrapped cookies, before transferring that expression to his wife. “You drive me crazy, Rachel,” Dave grumbled, putting the container on the table.
His wife leaned over and kissed him, dropping a cookie into his hands. “I love you, too.” Rachel turned back to Anna Beth with a wink. “I don’t really deny him anything, but I can’t have word getting around I spoil him.”
“I don’t think you can spoil a husband with love, but I’ll never tell your secret,” Anna Beth said with a smile.
“Appreciate that, darlin’. Thank you for bringing these by. Have fun.”
“Thanks. Take care, Dave.”
“I’ll do my best, if she doesn’t kill me first.”
Anna Beth chuckled as she walked away, the sound of them bickering fading. She passed by an ornament creation station, a family selling handmade home décor, picture frame making, and the beverage distribution tent. When she rounded the town tree, she got a good look at Santa’s Shack. The red building had colorful wood candies all over it, making it look like a life size gingerbread house complete with gumdrops on the roof and candy canes along the doorframe. She headed up the ramp and knocked on the closed green door.
It swung open, revealing Olive in full elf costume.
“Well hello, little girl,” Olive said in a high, squeaky voice. “Are you here to see Santa?”
Anna Beth made a face. “That’s creepy.”
“Just getting into character.” Olive laughed. “He’s finished with his make-up.”
“Make-up?” Anna Beth stepped inside and in the corner sat Jared on Santa’s chair, but he looked nothing like himself. His nose was bulbous and the white mustache and beard matched perfectly with his white, bushy eyebrows.
“What the heck?”
Jared turned her way and she could barely see his smile through the thick hair around his mouth. “Ho-ho-ho. Still think I’m sexy?”
“Ew, gross,” Olive said behind them. “I’m going to get a cookie and coffee. Be back in a few. Behave, you two.”
Olive closed the door behind her, leaving them alone in the shack. It looked like a real room with an electric fireplace off to the side, walls painted with fake windows and views of snowy hills complete with reindeer playing. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree graced the corner. A table with paper angels, pencils, and coloring crayons was beside the door.
“This is pretty swanky. I thought Santa had to sit outside during the festival.”
“Guess they finally realized poor Santa was freezing his ass off.”
Anna Beth laughed and crossed the room to stand in front of him. “Whoever did your face is very talented.”
“Believe it or not, it was Tammy. She used to be a makeup artist and theater major before she married her husband.” He placed his Santa hat on his head and fluffed the long white curls attached to it. “Think I’ll fool the kiddos?”
“Hmm, I need to hear your Santa voice again. I’m not sure you can embody the jolly quality Saint Nick has.”
Jared took a deep breath and said, “Why, hello, Anna Beth. Come and sit on Santa’s lap and tell me what a good girl you’ve been.”
He waggled his eyebrows and Anna Beth groaned. “You’re going to give me nightmares about pervy-Santa.”
Jared patted his red velvet knee. “Come on. Don’t be shy.”
She walked over and sat on his knee, poking at his giant stomach. Her finger sank into the padding. “Is this a suit?”
“Yeah, someone made it with memory foam and fabric. Weird, right?”
“Very.”
Jared’s hand rubbed her back, his brown eyes meeting hers. “I’m glad you stopped by.”
“Aw, did you miss me today?”
“I actually did. Is that too much?”
