"Yes, of course." She gave a small nod of agreement, and then stepped back to the door.

"Elina?"

“Yes, Santa?"

“Why didn't you tell me you'd die if I didn't pick you out to be Mrs.

Claus?"

She seemed slightly troubled by that, though her tone remained pleasant enough. "Does it matter?"

“I'm afraid it does. Yes." He nodded.

“I suppose I thought you'd find out eventually, and in the mean time I hoped that there might be something between us. Something like what you've found with Callie. The last Santa Claus never tried to hurt me.

He never tried to hurt any of us. It was just his nature that made him the creature he was. He wasn't terrible all the time, you know. But he never really loved me. Sometimes he tried to made me laugh, and I believe he genuinely cared for me in some way, but I don't think love was something he was really capable of. It's been something I've always wished for. I went about trying to get yours all the wrong way. I see that now. I thought that perhaps we'd have more time together and I could put up a better fight, but by the time I returned from your errand a fool could see that you were Callie's and she was yours. I think I'd rather not Live through more centuries without the love of my husband."

"I see." He nodded and set his breakfast tray to one side. "Do you know why Callie really asked you to serve me breakfast this morning?”

Elina's eyes turned somewhat downcast at that question. "I assumed she wanted to rub my nose in it."

“You should think more of her. Will you come stand over here?"

"Certainly," she quickly did as she was bid and her expression filled with fresh curiosity. "There was some other reason then? I doubt it was my flair for making pancakes."

“No. We were talking about you last night, you see. I asked something of her that was slightly unconventional for a man to ask a woman he intends to spend the rest of his life with.”

"Oh, so you have chosen her then? Of course you have." Elina shook her head.

“I'm sorry. I knew it, but I didn't quite think I'd be affected by hearing it said aloud. Apparently I was wrong. What was it that you asked of her?"

“I asked if I might kiss another woman. Given a condition, she accepted." He chuckled and then pointed up at the high arched ceiling above their heads. There, a single branch of mistletoe hung above their heads.

Elina let out a peal of shocked laughter at the sight of the little branch that surprised them both. Then she Looked back down upon him, her smile remained dancing upon her lips and tears glistening in her eyes.

“Who would I be to deny Santa Claus such a request?" she said, and then leaned in to give him a hug.

She thought it was going to be a hug to say goodbye between them. Then she moved her head and touched her lips to his, enjoying the tickle of his silky beard. To her immediate surprise, the kiss wasn't exactly a chaste peck between friends. She felt it sizzle all the way down to her toes.