Chapter Twenty-Four

Molly

For a man who claimed to be so uninterested in candy, Nicholas seemed to have no problem with helping little Naomi with reaching the top of the Christmas tree so she could have a candy cane.

Molly thought that the gesture was just so sweet, not expecting Nicholas to be so generous with his height, or as comfortable with his place as Santa in the middle of the town’s parade.

Nicholas Kerstman was full of so many surprises and Molly wondered if there would ever be an end to him pulling rabbit after rabbit out of his unassuming hat.

It was time to walk off the float and over to the chair set up in the town square for Santa to sit. Nicholas offered her his arm, and together they walked like they really were Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the seating area. All around them, children cheered.

At one point, the path was too narrow for them to continue walking arm in arm. Instead, Mr. Claus took her hand as they slipped through the narrow spot. He didn't let go and she found herself enjoying the