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We stepped inside to a chorus of “Noelle!” My family swarmed around, hugging me tight. Then all eyes turned curiously to the imposing stranger at my side.
“Everyone, this is my friend Nick,” I introduced. We’d decided ‘Xanther’ was too unusual.
My petite mother, Carol, was the first to greet him. “So nice to meet you!” Then she added tactlessly, “What lovely hair you have! Is it premature graying?”
“Mom!” I hissed in embarrassment.
But Xanther just chuckled. “A genetic quirk, I’m afraid.”
Carol waved dismissively. “Well, I think it looks distinguished.”
My younger sister sidled up and whispered a little too loudly, “I think it makes him look hot!”
I shushed her, but she and Carol dissolved into giggles. Rolling my eyes affectionately, I headed to the kitchen to put down the wine and flowers.
Suddenly my dad and brother appeared, blocking the exit. “Hold up there, sis,” my brother said, eyeing Xanther. “Aren’t you going to introduce us to Saint Nick here?”
Before I could respond, Xanther stepped forward and courteously offered his hand. “Nick Claus. A pleasure to meet Noelle’s family.”
With bemused expressions, Dad and my brother shook hands with him. I breathed a sigh of relief. So far, Xanther’s alien qualities seemed to be going over well with my family’s playful teasing. This just might work out wonderfully.
Soon we all sat down to Christmas dinner, the table practically groaning under heaps of juicy turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and all manner of casseroles and desserts prepared by my mom and sister.
The women kept sneaking glances at Xanther while passing dishes his way. I pretended not to notice, happy they found him so appealing. Though I hoped their crushing wasn’t too obvious.
Luckily, the men’s attention was consumed by football analysis between bites. Xanther listened attentively, asking thoughtful questions until he was soon holding court on offensive strategies and replay reviews. It warmed my heart how easily he fit in.
After dinner, while Mom and I tidied up, Xanther followed Dad and my brother into the living room to watch the game. Raucous cheers and whoops erupted frequently, signaling they were all getting along famously.
When I went to check on them, Xanther’s eyes were glued to the screen as he dissected a controversial call. He seemed completely in his element, high-fiving my brother at a touchdown.
My heart swelled seeing Xanther bond with my family so naturally all afternoon. Despite our very different origins, we shared a universal love - the love of bringing loved ones together to celebrate this time of joy and connection.
After an exciting round of present opening, I found myself alone under the archway with Xanther, watching my family laugh together in the next room.
I became aware of mistletoe hanging from the doorframe above us. My heart quickened as I wondered if Xanther understood the tradition.
As if reading my mind, he turned to me with a glint in his eye. “I believe I’m familiar with your people’s mistletoe custom,” he murmured.
Before I could react, he pulled me close and brought his mouth down on mine in a searing kiss. I melted against his solid frame, dizzy with longing and the taste of his firm lips.
For a blissful moment, nothing else existed but the two of us suspended in that tender embrace, the outside world fading away. I wanted to stay lost in the power of Xanther’s passion forever.
Too soon, he lifted his head, eyes gleaming. “How was that for following your human rituals?”
“Perfect,” I whispered, still breathless. “Though feel free to practice more later.”
Xanther grinned devilishly, causing fresh flutters within me. As we rejoined my oblivious family, his arm stayed wrapped securely around my waist, warming me to my core.
***
On the drive home, I was floating on a cloud of happiness after the wonderful day. Xanther held my hand, smiling contentedly. This had been the most magical Christmas I could remember.
As we pulled up to my house, Xanther gently squeezed my hand. “Noelle, there’s something I must tell you,” he began solemnly.
My stomach dropped. I braced for bad news.
“When we return inside, I...I have to leave,” Xanther confessed. “As joyous as this time with you has been, I’ve already overextended my stay in your world.”
