“Well, say something. Do you think I’ve lost my mind?”
“I’d say you finally found it.” Tears flowed down Denise’s cheeks. “But I need to compliment you ladies on your gowns. You all look breathtakingly gorgeous – a front cover edition for the Extravagant Christmas magazine.” Denise was on a roll. “Mrs. Claus, you look just like the media portrays you. My, oh, my! This whole experience is uncanny!”
Cassie laughed. “Perhaps, but the image may have to revisit the marketing board when my daughter takes her rightful place as the new Mrs. Claus. She does not resemble a round-shaped, old-woman at all.”
“Her daughter?” Denise glanced at Pam for validation.
“Yes. Cassie is my birth mother, her magical past something my father refused to accept into his unbelieving heart. His attitude is much the same as the world-view that refuses to see the possibility of God’s extended hand through this whole bizarre scene at the North Pole. John assures me the entire system needs a shake-up, priorities re-visited, and open hearts touched anew by the Miracle Maker.”
“A huge order! But, I have no doubt that you and John are just the ones to accomplish it,” Denise said.
“It’s already accomplished. Jesus was born on Christmas day. People just need nudging back toward the truth,” Pam said.
“What about your medical practice,” asked Denise? “You’ve worked so hard to get where you are.”
Pam chuckled. “Are you kidding? They’ve set me up with my own mini-hospital here in Santa Ville. My patient sign-up-list increases by the hour. They will surely swamp me with work when I start doctoring after the wedding.”
“Oh, Pam – you must marry during the Christmas in July event in Cedar Springs. No one but us will have the faintest clue how perfectly fitting the ceremony will be.” Denise bubbled with excitement and Pam could see the plans already swimming inside her head.
“I can see the next six months is all about planning a wedding,” Pam announced.
“Of course! A fairytale wedding to be sure!” Denise gasped. “You won’t be inviting fairies to the wedding, will you?”
Mrs. Claus clapped her hands. “The fairies are waiting in the church, along with John, who I’m certain grows impatient to see his lovely chosen one.”
The women filed into the foyer and moved toward the elevator. Denise snuggled in close beside Pam, and the girls giggled nervously. Downstairs, the chimes rang out as the group exited the elevator and made their way to the ceremony.
Cassie was the first escorted up the aisle, and then Mrs. Claus’ introduction received enthusiastic clapping. Moments later, the room quieted again. The music changed to a celebratory beat, and Denise advanced with a bouncy march to her step.
Santa moved in beside Pam and whispered. “Thank you for extending this honor to me, Daughter. I will cherish this moment always.” Pam clung to his arm, blessed to have a second chance at a relationship with a father figure. She turned and focused again on the trek ahead, down the extraordinary long aisle before her, into the arms of her man. Pam’s happy-ever-after had finally happened, and she could not be more thrilled.
Her life, with its promise of unpredictability, spread before her, and she eagerly welcomed it. Painted toes, sticking out from beyond silvery-white sandals, relished the comfort of the red carpet fibers underfoot. She passed through crowds of interesting characters – from elves, fairies, famous legends, and strange animals – then through scores of inhabitants from the neighboring kingdom. Pam sauntered to the beat of White Christmas Dreams, a local holiday tune filled with words of peace and love. Two elves followed Pam on either side of the ten-foot train to keep it straight as it flowed behind her in a soft velvety crimson fabric, the bottom and sides edged in embroidered white, green, blue and gold feathers. The cape clasped at the front. The dress beneath was white silk, close fitting on the top, with hoops under the skirt that seemed to take on legs of its own as it floated and swirled around her. She wore the family Tierra – a crown of diamonds, rubies and emerald stones in a gold setting. One loosely knotted French braid hung down her back, each crevice in the knot filled with stems of startling white daisies. Around her neck, she wore the gold key to the kingdom. But nothing could match the aura of her face as the altar came into view.
Pam viewed Denise standing beside Tom, and gratitude overwhelmed her for the gift of their presence. Then John appeared, and her world stood still. His eyes stayed fixed on her alone, and they consumed her entirety as he laid his heart bare for her to see. If happiness wore a name, it would be John-Doe Claus. Dressed in a red tuxedo complimented by a white shirt, tie and shoes, added to the magic of this moment. Pam’s heart soared as she neared the man of her dreams.
Peace consumed Pam the instant John touched her hand. He completed her destiny. John escorted her the final steps to the altar, and together they turned to face the one who would lead this ritual. John gave her arm a squeeze. How appropriate that Cassie, Pam’s birth mother, would officiate the ceremony. Although the words that followed would not legally unite them, Pam could not imagine a stronger bond than she felt growing within her heart at this moment.
Cassie Legend’s voice rang out for all to hear.
“Santa Ville. Please join with me in welcoming home, John Doe and Pamela Legend, both appointed as the new Claus duo starting sometime in 2020.” She winked
