So I press Andrew’s name on my phone and cross my fingers he won’t be in the middle of something at work that doesn’t allow him to pick up. He answers on the second ring.

“I was just thinking of you,” he says by way of answering.

“Oh really. What about?” I’m in a rush, but I can’t help my curiosity.

“Just thinking about that elf costume.”

“The one at the restaurant?”

“Not likely.” There’s amusement in his tone. “What’s up? I thought you had that party to set up for? I’m surprised to hear from you.”

“Well… I have a favor to ask.” I bite my bottom lip.

“Okay, let’s hear it.” Papers shuffle in the background, and I know he’s always so busy.

“It’s a big favor. Like really big. Huge.”

He chuckles. “What is it?”

“And keep in mind how much you love that elf costume and that I intend to wear it whenever you want as a thank-you.”

“Now you’ve got me intrigued.”

“The guy I hired to play Santa tonight just canceled and I’m in a bind. I need someone, a.k.a. you, to play Santa for an hour for a handful of kids.”

I’m met with silence.

“Andrew?” I pull my phone away from my face and see that the call timer is still counting. “Andrew?”

“You want me to play Santa. Me? A man who doesn’t even like Christmas?”

“I wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t desperate.” I look behind me to make sure neither Enzo nor Annie have come into the room. I don’t want them to panic. They’re hosting this year, and last they told me, they were going to get showered and ready for the party. The kids are out somewhere with the nanny.

“Didn’t you call me Scrooge once?”

I sigh. “That was before I really knew you. And let’s remember Scrooge came around.”

“Oh, so now you think I’m suited to play Father Christmas?”

I huff. “No, I’m desperate and have no one else to ask. So, will you do it? Please!” I cross the fingers on my free hand.

“Kenzie, I don’t think I can pull it off. What if I bugger it up and then the kids know that Santa isn’t real?”

“It will be really easy, I promise. The presents already have each child’s name on them. You just ask what they want for Christmas, tell them to be good, and give them their present before they get off your lap. I’ll be next to you the entire time.”

I hear him blow out a breath. I’m fully aware I’m putting him in a bad situation because he wants me to be happy. “It’s not like I just happen to have a Santa suit lying around.”