Authors: Penny Watson
Lucy laughed. "You're...totally buff! I can't believe Santa Claus is buff!"
Nicky Sr. flexed his biceps and smiled. "Thanks for the compliment. I work out three to four hours a day. Alternate cardio and weight training."
Alena squeezed her husband affectionately. "Nicky trains for marathons during the year. He's really an exceptional athlete. I'm very proud of him."
"You're no slouch, yourself, love. Alena completed her first half triathlon this summer. Finished third in her age group."
Nicholas looked at Lucy's astonished expression and laughed. "Not what you were expecting, huh?"
Lucy grinned, trying not to blush. "Not in a million years!"
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Santa turned to Nicholas with a grim look. "I'm assuming everything went okay with the council since you look so calm and collected."
"Thankfully, yes, it did," Nicholas answered his father warily.
Santa nodded. "Good. Good. Let's get cooking and you can tell me all about it after dinner."
Sven stuffed another cookie in his mouth. "Great idea, I'm starved. When are we making the pizzas?"
Lucy turned shyly to Santa. "Are you serious about helping with the dough?"
"Of course! Got to put these biceps to good use. What would you like me to do?"
"The dough needs to be rolled out into circles, and if you're interested, I can show you how to flip them to stretch it out."
"No problem." Santa patted Lucy gently on the shoulder.
"I'm glad that Nicholas found you; he deserves a good woman in his life." He paused and looked at Alena. "Well, let's get to it. I'm ravenous after my workout. Nicholas must be hungry, too. Groveling before the council works up quite the appetite, I'm sure." Then Santa winked at her.
In a few minutes, Lucy had the four brothers chopping vegetables, Nicky Sr. was rolling out dough, and Alena was stirring the marinara sauce while it simmered on the stove.
Nicholas was chopping romaine lettuce and browning fresh croutons in the oven. She quickly realized that the Klaus family had a special bond, and she felt lucky to be included.
So this is what it feels like to be part of a big
family...heavenly.
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Nicholas smiled, observing his family's usual antics. His father was flipping huge discs of dough high into the air, while his mother cheered enthusiastically. Sven, Oskar and Wolfie snuck succulent pieces of shrimp from a platter on the counter. Gregor was absentmindedly stirring sauce on the stove and talking on his cell phone. Lucy laughed at his family's typical boisterous behavior.
I knew she would be a
perfect fit! Now I just have to convince her she can't live
without me.
Nicky Sr. glanced sideways at Lucy and began to stuff the dough into the pans. "So, Lucy, I've heard through the grapevine that you have your own bakery in the Sudenwelt.
You and Nicholas must have a lot in common."
"Well, Sweet Inspiration isn't nearly as large as Klaus Kuche. We have a more relaxed attitude in my cafe." Lucy giggled as Nicholas raised an eyebrow at her.
"Lucy and I may have different management styles, but we both love baking. And her creations are divine. She and her staff are very well loved in Eston." Nicholas couldn't contain his pride about Lucy's accomplishments.
"Well, that's quite a compliment from my son. He's a bit of a stickler about his food, if you haven't noticed." Santa paused and turned to Lucy. "What do you think about Glasdorf? This must have come as quite a shock to you, being a Suddie and all."
"Truthfully, this has been a fantasy come true. The real North Pole is even more fantastical than a child could imagine. I love the elves, and the village, everyone is so friendly, and Nicholas' bakery is amazing, and..."
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Santa interrupted her with a huge belly laugh. "I guess you like it! That's very good." He shot a measured glance towards Nicholas. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, although Nicholas should have followed the correct protocol before bringing you here."
"Nicky!" Alena wailed. "Not now...please. We're having such a nice time getting to know Lucy Anne."
"Lucy Anne is a part of this, too. I just want to know why my eldest son made life altering decisions without consulting us. Then, brought home a young woman and hid out in his cottage while we were worrying ourselves sick..."
"Well, for goodness sake, Nicky. They're young and in love, anyone can see that. They had a traumatic incident and needed to spend some quality time alone together before meeting the family."
Nicholas cleared his throat. "I'm sorry about that, Dad. I guess I wanted to get the Tag der Rache out of the way before we talked. I didn't mean to worry you and mom."
Santa shook his head. "I'm still having trouble believing that you blatantly disregarded the laws of Glasdorf. It seems out of character for you, Nicholas. And you're the future Weihnachtsmann, supposedly above reproach. What the hell did the council have to say about that?"
Nicholas grimaced. "Why don't we go into your office and talk about it, okay? I don't think this is going to last until after dinner anyway."
Lucy took a determined step forward. "I'm coming, too.
I'm the reason Nicholas is in trouble in the first place. If you 159
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have something to say to him, then you can say it to both of us, Mr. Klaus."
Sven and Oskar looked at each other and cracked up.
"Looks like Nicholas has a little five foot tall body guard."
Lucy bristled. "I'm 5'1" for your information!"
Wolfie smiled encouragingly. "No fear. I like that. The little red head is standing up to big Papa. Very impressive."
Alena nodded her head. "Nicholas, I like her spunk. We need some more sassy females in this family. Too much damned testosterone around here, if you ask me."
Nicky Sr. had an astonished look on his face. "Uh, Lucy, that's not necessary. I really think that Nicholas and I need to speak in private."
Nicholas smiled and pulled Lucy into his arms. "Let me talk to my dad alone, sweet. I can't leave my mom out here in charge of the kitchen by herself...it would be disastrous. You finish up with the dinner, and we'll be back in a couple of minutes." He kissed the worry lines on her forehead.
"Everything will be okay."
Lucy looked at Santa and frowned. "If you say so. If you need me, I'm here."
Nicholas was humbled by her fierce loyalty. "I'm sure." He turned to his father and followed him out of the kitchen to his office. Trophies, Nike posters and a vast array of fitness equipment cluttered Santa's study. His father collapsed into his comfy chair behind the desk and motioned for Nicholas to sit also.
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"Why the hell has it taken you so long to come see me, young man? You've been back in Glasdorf for two days. You should have called me right after the healing."
"I know. I'm sorry, Dad. But I was worried about Lucy recovering, and then...well, we were enjoying our time together, and I was waiting to hear from the council...and..."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. You were avoiding me, and you know it." Nicky pounded his fist on the desk. "Damn it, Nicholas, I don't want you to be afraid to talk to me. Sometimes you boys make me feel like an ogre."
"Well, you do tend to lose your temper fairly easily."
"Regardless. I think I have every right to expect a certain level of maturity and model behavior from all of you. For God's sakes, we're the Klaus family. The elves are dependent on us for their survival...and the protection of Glasdorf is at stake."
"I know that, Dad. I would never knowingly put Glasdorf in danger. Lucy is completely trustworthy."
"And the healing? Using elfin magic to save a Suddie's life...well, that's a major infraction, and you know it."
"I'm not going to apologize for that. I know it's forbidden, but I'm in love with Lucy. There was no way I was going to let her die when it was in my power to save her..."
"And what about all the other people in the Sudenwelt who want to save their loved ones? The ones with sick children, suffering parents, dying spouses? Is it fair for us to use magic when those poor people have no choice?"
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Nicholas swallowed and stared at his father's haunted expression. "It's horrible for them, I know. But I just couldn't let her die, Dad. I couldn't do it."
Nicky Sr. sighed and wearily rubbed his hands over his face. "The truth is...I would have done the same damned thing if Alena's life was threatened in any way. I can hardly blame you for saving the woman you love." He paused and looked at Nicholas solemnly. "I can tell that your Lucy is a gem, son. I can't judge you for what you did. Tell me what happened at the council meeting."
Nicholas took a deep breath. "Well, they were definitely disappointed that I broke two of the sacred laws. But after some discussion, they decided that elfin magic may have dictated the course of events, so they were willing to cut me some slack."
Santa raised an eyebrow. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Hector used the red sphere to save Lucy's life. Evidently it is very choosy about what tasks it will complete. The council is convinced that their magic determined the success of Lucy's healing."
His father nodded. "Fascinating. How did the red sphere behave?"
"Well, I guess it gave me and Lucy a blessing of sorts.
Touched both of our hearts, one after the other. Hector said it was approving of our match."
Nicky Sr. laughed and slapped his desk. "Oh, I bet the council just ate that up! They love a good story about destiny ordained by elfin magic, etc., etc. Lucky for you. Did Ebbe 162
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and Gerd give you a hard time? They're not too pleased with your reluctance to assume the role of Weihnachtsmann."
"Yeah. As a matter of fact, my exoneration was conditional. The council decided that the Uberholen is to take place within the year. With your agreement, of course."
Nicky Sr. nodded soberly. "You knew it was coming. It's inevitable. Your culinary interests have been a distraction from your true responsibilities, Nicholas. I tried to tell you.
Markus is more than capable of running Klaus Kuche."
"I know. I'm sorry I've been dragging my feet. You and Mom deserve a nice retirement. You've worked your ass off for all of these years. I'm ready to step up." Nicholas felt a tightness in his chest as he uttered the words.
"I know you're dreading the Uberholen, Nicholas, but hopefully you'll find the same joy in this position that I have.
You can also continue with your cooking as a hobby. But the truth is that the role of Weihnachtsmann is a time-consuming job." He cocked his head at his son. "What about Lucy? Will she be able to give up her profession to support you? Perform the duties required of Santa's wife and partner? It's a huge responsibility."
"We haven't talked about it yet, but I'm hoping that she'll agree to marry me."
"It might be difficult for her to give up her cafe in the Sudenwelt, and all of the independence she has as a Suddie.
It seems like cooking is her life's work."
Just like you
. The words were left unspoken.
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"I hope that she'll be willing to join me here in Glasdorf and sacrifice Sweet Inspiration. Truthfully, I don't know what's going to happen."
Nicky Sr. stood up and offered Nicholas a hand. "Good luck, son. I can tell the girl is crazy about you. I hope it works out. You certainly have our blessing."
"Thanks, Dad."
"Well, we'd better get back before Alena causes another disaster in the kitchen. I'm looking forward to tasting Lucy's shrimp pizzas."
Nicholas laughed. "You won't be disappointed. She's good."
"Great! I'm starved." Nicky paused at the doorway and looked into Nicholas' eyes. "It's good to have you back, Nicholas. We've all missed you these last two weeks." Before he could move, Nicholas was swept into a bear hug by his father.
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Lucy gazed around the long dining room table and smiled.
The Klaus family certainly enjoyed their meals. Sven, Oskar and Wolfgang sat on one side of the table, helping themselves to pieces of pizza, a garlicky Caesar salad, and crispy cheese sticks Lucy created with the leftover dough. Nicky Sr. and Alena were seated at either end of the beautiful table, which Alena proudly told Lucy was designed and built by Sven.
Gregor surprised the family with a crate of red wine from a new California vineyard.
Lucy was sandwiched between Nicholas and Gregor, feeling somewhat like an elf herself. Except for Alena, who was just a few inches taller than Lucy, the remaining Klaus members were giants. As she listened to the ebb and flow of conversation around her, she admired the stunning dining room, an interesting mix of formality and casual comfort. A lit fireplace kept the room cozy and warm, and each place at the table was set with hand-painted Christmas china.
Nicky Sr. helped himself to a third piece of pizza and turned to Sven. "Did we ever manage to find any wood that's free of pests? Those beetle infestations are killing us."
Sven nodded. "Yep. Got lucky this morning. I'll be able to finish the last batch of toy trains before Christmas. My workers are using paints tinted with botanical dyes this year, too. Mom's been experimenting with different colors and overseeing plant production in the greenhouses."
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Santa beamed. "Excellent. That sounds like an interesting project, Alena."
"Oh, it is. I've been testing the new dyes on Sven's T-shirts. He's accumulated a nice assortment."