“What happens now?” Pam asked.
“You’re invited to spend the Christmas holiday with the Claus family. It is a very traditional day: Last-minute packing of the sleigh, then the celebrations and finally the departure.”
“A party at Santa Ville? Now, this I have to see.”
“There is an added celebration this year. Since you have agreed to my proposal, there will be an official ceremony to bind us. You can think of it as an engagement party. It is extravagant, and the entire kingdom will be present to hear us recite promise vows.”
“Vows? We get to do it twice?”
“Consider it a practice run. Tomorrow’s words will benefit Santa Ville. I didn’t think you’d want to add elves to your wedding guest list in Cedar Springs, but I could never exclude them entirely from our marriage festivities.”
“Elves would definitely require explanations we are not prepared to provide the general public, right? I gather secrecy is still a criterion for our life in the North Pole?” Pam asked.
“I’m afraid so.”
“No problem. My peers in the medical world would lock us both up in an asylum and Christmas would fall at risk again.” They both laughed.
“After the holiday you will return to Cedar Springs to plan our real wedding,” John said. “Any day you choose is fine with me. And in the meantime, I will visit often and continue to uncover all the wonderful things that make my future wife tick.” He stepped closer, and the ring twirled under his touch. “I can’t wait to live with you as man and wife.”
Pam could not contain her enthusiasm. “Oh, John – I am so happy! You are the best Christmas gift a girl ever received from Santa.”
After another long stretch of kisses, Pam pulled away. “John, I need to change before we go. And I should call Denise and tell her I’ll be out of town. They’ll worry if I don’t show my face around the store. And…”
John laughed. “Well, get to it, woman. I’ll just help myself to a few sweet treats – you do have some hiding, right?”
“Oh yes, future Santa.” Pam laughed as a delightful image opened within her mind. “Parents will definitely go broke putting cookies out for you on Christmas Eve.” She grabbed the containers off the counter and the fridge and pointed to the hot chocolate. “Help yourself! I need to pack a bag!”
“Don’t worry about the engagement dress. Mother has that covered. Let me call Denise and Tom for you and tell them I’m snatching you away for a vacation.”
“Thank you.” She leaned in and pecked a quick kiss on his cheek.
The next hour flew by and when Pam stood beside John with her bulging suitcase, he smiled. “Are you ready for the next great adventure?”
“I suppose, as ready as I’ll ever be for that flying trip to Santa Ville.”
“You, my love, have graduated to an easier form of transportation.” John picked up the ornament and snapped the missing key back into place. He pressed it against her heart and moved in close. “Mind if I hitch a ride?”
Pam grinned, intoxicated by his closeness. The couple transported to the Polar Penthouse, and her Cedar Springs’ kitchen became a distant location.
The trip was instantaneous and more comfortable than the spinning tunnel. But, before Pam could focus on her new surroundings, her future in-laws and her long-lost birth mother swept her into their arms. The rest of the evening was a muddle of emotions planning and exploring the past, present, and future.
Late the next morning, Cynthia Claus and Cassie Legend ushered Pam into the salon, and the girl talk and primping began. Pam sat in an engraved chair reserved for her. It read Pamela C. Legend. She gasped at the initial.
“The middle initial in my name. Is the C for Cassie or Cynthia?” Pam asked.
The ladies roared in laughter. “That has been a lifetime debate. The verdict we settled on is that we name you after both of us. Your father took for granted C was for Cassie. He always denied the existence of Cynthia Claus.”
“You realize Father had it removed from legal documents. I have no middle name.”
“Well, in our world, you do,” said Mrs. Claus.
After the many groomers worked their skills to perfection on Pam’s hair, makeup, and gown, they bowed and scampered from the room. Pam stood amazed at the image that stared back at her in the mirror. From her inner being streamed happiness, and her countenance took on a new and improved glow.
Pam moved to a small table where finger foods sat ready to devour by the women. She munched nervously on a sandwich and paced the floor. In passing, Pam noticed Cynthia smiling like the cat that swallowed the mouse. It was the identical mischievous grin that the woman’s son had inherited.
“What are you keeping from me? I’m not good with surprises.”
“You will love this one, my dear.”
A tap sounded on the door, and Cassie nodded toward Pam. “I believe that’s for you.”
Pam opened the door, watchful at first, for in this magical place one never knew what to expect around the next corner. She gasped as recognition took hold. Pam flew into the arms of her best friend.
“Denise!” then she backed off. “Denise? How did you…?”
Cynthia rested a hand on Pam’s shoulder. “We would not dream of excluding your special friends from this grand occasion. Keeping Santa Ville a secret will be difficult at the best of times. But a girl needs someone to unload on, besides her husband. And for documented back up, Denise and Tom agreed to sign the hush-contract. It appears they both desire to stay in the good books with the future Santa Claus.”
Pam and Denise both burst out laughing, dispensing the awkwardness between them.
