Carlita thanked Pirate Pete for inviting them and the others echoed her sentiment before Pirate Pete excused himself, but not before reminding them that he would stop back later for the surprise.
Tony, Shelby and Violet loaded their plates first and Carlita waited until they returned to fill an empty plate with roasted turkey and pecan chicken. She added a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and balanced a soft dinner roll on the edge of her plate.
The food was delicious and the honey pecan chicken was her favorite dish. She dabbed at the corners of her mouth and eyed Violet’s plate. Even Violet had managed to eat a respectable amount of her food, although it may have been because her mother told her no dessert unless she ate most of her meal.
“I am going to have to invite Pirate Pete over for an Italian feast to repay him.” Carlita didn’t see Pete sneak up behind her. “I’ll be takin’ you up on that. It’s almost time for my special surprise. Are you done feastin’ yet?”
“I think I can squeeze in one of those pumpkin tartlets and a slice of the German chocolate cake first,” Tony said.
Carlita slid her chair over. “Do you have a minute to join us?” she asked Pete.
“Yeah. Things are quietin’ down.”
Their server hurried over, coffee pot in hand. “Would you care for coffee?” She poured a cup for Carlita, Mercedes and Pirate Pete before refilling Violet’s glass with the pirate punch. While they finished their dessert, Pirate Pete regaled them with stories of his family’s history and some of his adventures up and down the Savannah River.
“You should write a book,” Mercedes said. “I can help you if you want.”
“Ah, that’s kind of you Mercedes.” Pete shifted his gaze and stared out the window. “Your surprise has arrived.”
“Yipee!” Violet sprang from her chair and tugged on her mother’s arm. “C’mon. We gotta go see our surprise.”
The group followed Pete to the sidewalk, where a festive trolley sat parked in front of the restaurant.
“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa Claus stepped off the trolley.
Violet’s eyes grew wide as saucers and her mouth fell open as she gazed at the jolly old elf. “Santa Claus?”
“Hello Violet. Are you ready for a ride on the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley?”
“Yes.” She began to hop on one foot. “Do you have elves with you?”
“I’m afraid I’m alone today. The elves are busy working at the North Pole, getting ready for Christmas.” Santa reached into the trolley and retrieved a small gift bag. “Jingle, one of my elves, asked me to give you this.” He handed the bag to Violet and she gazed at Shelby, who nodded. “You can see what’s in it.”
The others gathered around, curious to see what Jingle had given Violet. She wiggled the bow off the front and handed it to her mother. “We need to keep this mommy. An elf made it.”
She stuck her hand into the bag and pulled out a pink felt purse. “A pretty pink purse!”
“There’s something inside,” Santa said.
Violet carefully unhooked the clasp and peered inside. “It’s candy.” She pulled out a handful of suckers, a candy cane and a cupcake pop.
“What an adorable purse.” Shelby helped drape the purse over her daughter’s shoulder. “We’ll have to save the candy until later.”
“Jingle made this for me,” Violet whispered in awe. She reached for Santa’s hand and gazed at him earnestly. “Please tell Jingle that I love my gift.”
Carlita’s eyes burned and she blinked rapidly as she gazed at Pirate Pete, who winked at her.
“I’ll be sure to let Jingle know,” Santa assured her.
The group posed for photos before boarding the trolley. Several other families boarded and after everyone was seated, the trolley rolled away from the restaurant.
“I’ll see you later,” Pirate Pete waved good-bye.
“Don’t forget to look for the pieces of eight,” Gunner squawked.
The trolley turned onto Bay Street and Santa began singing a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells. The passengers sang a medley of Christmas carols as the trolley toured the historic district, making its way through several of the squares. Pedestrians and bikers waved and smiled as the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley circled the city.
The trolley stopped at the visitor’s center for hot chocolate and candy canes before resuming their ride and caroling. Too soon, it ended where it began at the Parrot House. By then, Violet was rubbing her eyes and burying her head in her mother’s shoulder.
Tony helped Shelby and Violet off the trolley. Carlita was the last one off and she paused when she reached the front where Santa stood waving good-bye.
“Thank you for making this a wonderful start to the holiday season, Santa.” Santa winked and Carlita could’ve sworn she’d seen him before. She leaned closer. “Do I know you?”
“Of course you do.” Santa’s eyes twinkled. “Everyone knows Santa Claus.”
Carlita slowly smiled. “Of course. We all must believe in a little magic.” She squeezed his arm before grabbing the handrail and stepping off the trolley.
More passengers boarded and Santa gave a cheery wave as the caroling trolley drove off.
“I’m going to run inside and thank Pirate Pete,” Carlita said.
“We all need to.” Shelby kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “He’s made this day magical.”
They found Pirate Pete in the back, regaling diners with pirate lore and they waited until he finished. Gunner was still with him.
“Did you enjoy the trolley ride with Santa?” Pete asked.
“It was wonderful,” Carlita said. “The whole day was wonderful. I don’t know how to thank you for all that you did. I…we weren’t looking forward to today, but you changed all of that.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Pete said. “Now about that Italian feast.”
Carlita assured Pete that she would be planning a dinner soon, and that she
