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Eve. There was never a plan to let Santa go it alone.”
    He looked at her in stunned silence before he started laughing. “So, I was sent to retrieve someone who was coming back anyway?”
    “Yup. Nice outfit by the way.” She gestured to his change of clothing.
    “I snuck out while you were sleeping.” He grinned.
    She was back in her normal garb of skirt and blouse with leather bodice.
    With the dishes done, they locked up and made their way to the stirring faire.
    Cora had to set Viv up to take over the business. It was probably going to be the hardest part of the entire visit to the human world.
     
    Viv’s eyes filled with tears. “Why didn’t you mention you were leaving?”
    “I didn’t want it to be hanging in front of you every time we spoke. I have a contract to sign over the entire shop to you, and I will make as much stock as I can today.”
    Viv wailed. “I don’t understand.”
    “Be confused later. For now, we have a pre-Christmas rush to deal with.” Cora reached inside her and blurred Viv’s memory. Viv could still remember the conversation, but it wasn’t going to haunt her.
    It was time to get on with their day.
     
    At the end of the afternoon, Cora looked around. She had gone as fast as she could during the day, but metal melted, poured and cooled at its own speed. She had no input once she had completed her pour until it was time to finish.
    Viv was off getting a meal before the evening party started, so Cora signed the contract and left it at Viv’s station.
    They had gotten through the day without any problem, but Cora wanted to hug Viv and go. Leaving was never her favourite part of a relationship.
    Viv returned, and they chatted for a few minutes.
    Cora cleared her throat. “I have to get going. Can you lock up?”
    “Sure. Hot date?”
    As if summoned by the word hot, Salk appeared.
    Viv grinned. “You two have fun.”
    Cora gave her a hug. “Take care, Viv. Have a blast tonight.”
    Salk watched, and he nodded to Vivienne. “Have a merry evening.”
    Viv grinned. “That is the idea.”
    Cora left her shop, placed her hand on Salk’s and they walked through the small, temporary town until they got to the security office.
    “So, we are leaving at dawn?” Salk asked her in a quiet voice.
    “Yes. I mean, we could take off tonight if you like.” Cora shrugged. “It makes no difference to me.”
    “Would you mind?”
    “Nope. I have a small pack with presents for the girls, but if you hold onto that, we can be on our way around three in the morning when there aren’t many folks awake. It is better that way for takeoff.”
    “I will agree to your expertise in that matter. What did you want for dinner?”
    She bit her lip and looked around. “Can we order Chinese food? I don’t have a cell phone or a computer, so I haven’t been able to spot a menu, but I would love to try it just once.”
    Salk grinned, and he pulled a cell phone out of his belt pouch. “I believe we can manage that.”
    Cora rubbed her hands with excitement, and once inside the small castle, he scrolled through the menu options on the tiny phone.
    The bemused delivery driver arrived an hour later, and Salk tipped him lavishly and brought the giant pile of bags inside.
    “Are you sure you can do this?” He gestured at the food as he set it on the counter.
    She grinned. “I am a nine-foot-tall deer. I am capable of eating most of this house if I am peckish.”
    “Well, then, Mistress. I present your feast.”
    Cora spent the first ten minutes working out chopsticks, but when her hand finally knew what it was supposed to do, there was no stopping her.
    She plowed her way through some of everything that Salk had ordered, and then, she returned for her favourites.
    “I have to say, I am amazed by your appetite.”
    She chortled. “It isn’t appetite. It is capacity. They are very different things.”
    Salk cocked his head. “Would you be interested in sharing my quarters at the workshop?”
    She