Read One Sweet Christmas (novella) for Free Online

keep everyone in line occupied, and Steve, the reindeer , will take pictures.’
    ‘And what will this cute little elf be up to?’ Jackson tugged her red, velour skirt.
    ‘Filling the parents’ bellies with fudge.’
    ‘Wouldn’t it be more fun if you were Mrs Claus?’
    ‘Shut up.’ Candi spun him toward the door. ‘Put your hands on your belly and bring on your best ho, ho, ho .’
    As he opened the door, Jackson’s eyes went wide and his cheeks paled. ‘Candi, I can’t — ‘
    She shoved him down the aisle before he had a chance to bolt for the front door. ‘Girls and boys, look who just arrived!’
    The riotous cheer and high-pitched squeals almost deafened him. Jackson swallowed hard past the lump in his throat.
    ‘Ho, ho, ho,’ Candi whispered behind him.
    He glanced over his shoulder. ‘What?’
    She nodded at the long line of kids.
    ‘Ho, ho, ho,’ Jackson said dryly.
    Candi jabbed a finger in his back.
    ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ he repeated with more enthusiasm and the kids screamed again.
    The cute elf stood by the noisy children and a not-so-cute reindeer tapped a large red chair. Tinsel and garland hung twisted around a string of lights and the scent of the fresh pine filled his nostrils. A very festive scene.
    Jackson sat down on the velvet chair. Beads of sweat rolled down his temples and his chin and cheeks itched from the fake beard. He gripped the arms of the chair. A cold chill ran up his spine. As Candi turned to leave, he shook his head, hoping she understood his silent plea. She waved the other elf away and took Virginia’s spot near the line.
    Steve stood behind the camera and Candi led the first child past the red rope barrier. A little girl with blonde ringlets stood in front of him, a hand on one hip.
    Jackson smiled at her. ‘What’s your name?’
    She frowned at him. Playing this role was a mistake.
    ‘Santa,’ Candi whispered, nervously tapping her fingers against her legs.
    Jackson checked his trousers, expecting to see a tear or sweat stains. Nothing. He looked back at Candi, who pointed at the little girl. The child’s lips were tightly pressed together in a grimace. She was obviously not happy with him.
    Help! He shrugged and returned his attention to Candi. What was he doing wrong?
    Candi rolled her eyes and stepped forward. ‘Santa, this is Mindy.’ She lifted the small girl and placed her on his lap.
    ‘Oh, right.’ Jackson flashed a big grin at Mindy. ‘I’m sorry. Santa is a little slow today.’
    ‘That’s okay, Santa. Candi told us you weren’t feeling well. I get tired when I’m sick, too.’ Mindy shifted on his knee.
    Candi winked her encouragement after the rocky start.
    Mindy chattered on about what she wanted for Christmas and Jackson settled more comfortably into the chair. Each time he shot a look toward the line of waiting children, Candi offered him a sweet smile.
    Kids came and went. Most sat on his lap, but a few were too nervous and chose to stand beside his leg. The reindeer snapped picture after picture, until Jackson didn’t think he’d ever see beyond the tiny spot of the blinding flash.
    To his surprise, sadness crept into his chest when the line dwindled. Jackson slipped letter after letter into his sack, making mental notes of the various Christmas requests. He handed out treats and wished everyone a happy holiday. Who knew two hours could go by so quickly?
    He had mastered his ho, ho, ho by the time the last child climbed onto his lap. Her name was Clarice, she told him, and she was five. She hesitated before speaking again, biting her bottom lip and avoiding his eyes. Jackson suggested some of the toys the other children had asked for, even though he’d never heard of any of them. When Clarice finally spoke, her wish totally caught him off-guard.
    ‘I want my daddy,’ she said.
    Jackson squinted. ‘You want me to bring you a daddy for Christmas?’
    ‘No, silly Santa.’ Clarice stopped chewing her lip long enough to smile. ‘I want