Pam found him standing at the island counter staring at the base of her key ornament gift.
“You kept it,” he said.
He reached into his pocket and displayed the missing piece of the gift. “I can only leave this with you on one condition.”
“And that is…?” Pam asked. She moved in closer proximity and immediately felt the draw. She clung to the edge of the counter with a white-knuckle grip.
“That you will change your mind and marry me. I’ve missed you. My heart’s in limbo and will never find a joyful melody without you by my side. I came one last time to see if you feel the same way – if you’d reconsider.”
“Did you get my letter to Santa?” Her feet inched closer and the gap between them lessened.
“Dad saw it and rushed it straight over to me,” John said.
When the mischievous smile lit up his face, Pam’s chains of doubt broke. Her legs shook like strands of spaghetti while she endeavored to nibble life-blood back into her trembling lips.
“John,” she whispered.
He instantly covered the rest of the space separating them and folded her into his arms. Pam rested her head on his shoulder and tears trickled down her cheeks unchecked. She wondered how John could be her perfect match and at the same time so wrong for her life’s goals. She was a level-headed realist, and he was a magical mystery. Two complete opposites. Yet in his arms, she felt secure, and the promise of happy-ever-after took residence in her heart.
After a few moments of silence, John pushed her gently to arm’s length. She stood limp, unsure of the next step.
“Let me answer the questions I see simmering behind those beautiful eyes,” John said. “Your first visit to my hometown saved Christmas because the key sensed our love. For that, the entire kingdom is forever grateful. In your absence these past months, a heavy cloud resides over the people for they see their future Santa is grieving a great loss. And for me –although I will inherit my father’s role in Santa Ville, I remain lost in the aftermath of you. Without you, Pamela Legend, I will never inherit the merry soul of Santa Claus.” John took a deep breath and continued. “I love you, and that will never change.”
Pam squeaked out the words she could not deny in her heart. “I love you too, John-Doe.”
The man beamed from ear to ear and excitement rose between them. “This is the deal. If you choose me, and the bizarre life that comes with the package, you will be free to work and travel wherever and whenever you want. You will not become a prisoner in the frozen north. We will call it our home base, but weekends and vacations back to Cedar Springs, or some romantic hot island, will be welcomed by your ever-attentive husband.”
“That is nice to know,” Pam said her voice regaining some of its strength.
“This is my last season as an apprentice. By next Christmas, I will have taken on the Santa role, and my parents will retire. Your contract is negotiable. I need a Mrs. Claus, and I so want her to be you.”
“So, this proposal is mandatory for your job description – Santa must have a wife?” Pam’s voice edged with uncertainty. Could it be she was merely a formal requirement to John?
“It’s not what you’re thinking! I love you. I want us to spend our lives together. No one else will ever take your place in my heart, even if I must eventually surrender to the conditions of my job description. There must be a Mrs. Claus in the kingdom.”
Pam gazed deeply into his eyes. Any remaining film of secrets behind them washed clear, and she witnessed his heart, soul, and mind. She gasped at its purity and strength of character.
“Will you always unveil yourself for me – like you are now?” Pam asked.
“Always and forever. No secrets within the Claus family.”
“Then yes, I will marry you, John-Doe Claus, and be the happiest woman in this world.”
John pulled a piece of mistletoe from his pocket and hung it over their heads. With one arm he pulled her in and bent his head to cover her lips. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and the unnecessary foliage fell to the floor as together they sealed their love with a kiss.
A distant clapping and cheering sounded in the kitchen. Pam pushed away. “What is that?”
“I’m afraid my mother coerced me into letting her view this moment. Moms’ can be so nosy, which you will soon discover. Yours is with her and those two together are an impossible duo.”
“Mine?”
“Cassie. She’s waiting for you in Santa Ville, hoping love will build a bridge in your heart toward hers.”
Tears fell down Pam’s cheeks. “My mother? Oh, John, I’ve waited so long to know her.” Pam heard the clapping again and the wail of happy crying.
“Okay, you two,” John called out into the air. “You got your answers. Now turn off the screen and give us some privacy.”
Pam could not contain her laughter. “Peeping mothers – that’s all we need!” John joined in, and the background noise ceased. They were alone again.
From inside his pocket, he withdrew a small gift-wrapped box and handed it to Pam.
She fumbled with the lid and lifted it from the base. She gasped at the sight of the ring atop the white silk cushion. A massive diamond sat center-front and emeralds and rubies danced at odd angles around its setting.
“John, it’s gorgeous!”
He removed it from the box and slipped it on her finger. “It is the family ring, and now we are officially engaged.” He kissed her finger, and she cried again.
“I’m a mess.”
“A wonderful mess I
