“So glad you like it,” said Robert. “We aim to please – as long as the location won’t bring tears on your wedding day.”
“Tears of happiness are allowed,” said Sandra. “Otherwise, I am in trouble, for I no doubt will shed many before the day is done.”
“Anything you want to change for this part before I start ordering the furniture in?” asked Robert.
“Nothing.” Angie nudged Trevor. “Want me to take you down there and show you the spot? You’ll love it.”
“Sure, anything to steal more of your precious time.” The couple rose. “Keep up the good work you two,” said Trevor.
After they left, Robert said, “This is the nit-picky part. Fifty choices of chairs to rent is only one of the tedious hurdles at this point.”
“Can I help or do you prefer to go it alone?” asked Sandra.
“In the words your son so adequately spoke; anything to steal more of your precious time.”
“Good. Because I love the details you call tedious. Did you ever notice men think on the grand scheme whereas women love to make the details of life happen?”
“Can’t say I have.” Robert pulled the computer closer and brought up a different page where he recorded all the many minute decisions as they happened. “All right. Time to fill in the blanks and order our beach scene. Two weeks is pushing it, but I have connections and we will have this wedding on track for December 24th.”
“I found it strange that they chose to marry on Christmas Eve,” Sandra said. “Have you heard our story?”
“No. Angie just said the date held significance.”
“No other way to say it except straight out. My husband, Braxton, and Angie’s parents all died in a car crash on Christmas Eve in Hawaii. Her brother was intoxicated and after causing the accident, died a few hours later in hospital from his injuries.”
“Woe – those are heavy memories to drag to the altar. I had no idea.”
“The kids say it’s what almost tore them apart but forgiveness and healing brought them together again. They chose that date to celebrate the victory. A bittersweet reminder that love overcomes the biggest hurdles in life.”
“And what about you? Your husband died last Christmas Eve?”
“He’s still alive in my heart. That will never change. But it doesn’t mean I will live the rest of my days tripping over my own grief. Braxton would not want that. He was a jolly sort – loved to play Santa.” Sandra gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. “Robert, can you play Santa – for the wedding, I mean? I can think of no better way than to allow the man in red to hand gifts to the couple. We have time slotted in the dance tent for the opening of presents between four and five o’clock.” Sandra’s feet danced on the spot.
“Santa? Can’t we hire a Santa?” asked Robert.
“And you miss out on all the fun? Thought you might enjoy playing the role.”
“It was your husband’s role. I don’t want to presume on…”
“You are not presuming – I am inviting you to join in a special Christmas family tradition at my son’s wedding.”
“When put that way, how can I say no?”
“You can’t. There’s a place in town where you can rent a Santa outfit.”
“Let’s go there now. We could use a break from staring at this computer screen,” said Robert. He pushed the lid down and placed the laptop in his carry-bag. “Just let me bring this upstairs and we’ll be off.”
Robert held Sandra’s hand all the way to town and somehow it felt right. Once in the store, the fun began. Who’d have imagined there were different outfits showing diversity in culture from all over the world to rent.
“Really? Which one do you like, Sandra?”
“I think we should stick to the traditional one we all recognize in America,” she said as she gazed at the labels. “What’s your size, Robert?”
“Medium fits most times.”
She yanked a hanger off the rung and when she held it up, he roared laughing. “That is a super-huge medium.”
“Remember, you will need to fill in the tummy with a pillow.” She pointed to the inside pocket sewn in solely for that purpose.
“Well, don’t they think of everything? No thin Santa’s in Pineville this year.”
“Go try it on. Grab a pillow on your way in.” Robert took the costume and made his way toward the dressing room. At the door, a worker handed him the padding, and he waved it in the air for Sandra to see. A grin covered his face and her heart warmed toward the man who’d played along with her hair-brained idea. She wondered how she’d react to see him up front giving out gifts to her son, just like her Braxton used to do at home and at the church Christmas party. Would it hurt – just a little? Too late to worry now. It had been her idea. Perhaps it would provide a final closure and if not, she’d suck it up and brave the storm. Robert was a gem to agree. She only hoped Trevor would agree. She’d need to ask him before they paid for the rental.
While she waited for Robert’s transformation into a jolly old St Nick, Sandra texted her son. Trevor. Had a wild idea that Santa could make an appearance and pass out the wedding gifts to you and Angie. Robert has agreed to play the part. Do you mind or is it too close to home for comfort?
The text came back as Robert stepped from behind the curtain, fully garbed and bulging in the middle. She read it as she chuckled. It’s a
