Little snowflakes fall around us as we travel to the North Pole. Everything is a blur, but Nick holds me close and I’m not afraid. We land on the snow covered ground and stand before the cutest village I’ve ever seen. And there is a sign welcoming us to the North Pole.

Nick grins at me. “I usually go right to the house, but I wanted you to see everything.”

Hand in hand we walk through the village. It’s everything I imagined it would be. People wave from their windows as we pass and I wave back. Being here feels right. I spot Nick’s workshop and a thought crosses my mind.

“You’re behind on the list?”

He laughs. “Only a little. Don’t worry, love, I’ll finish it before the deadline.”

“Good. We don’t want to disappoint any little boy or girl out there.”

We walk over a bridge made of ice and I squeal in delight. A horse-drawn sleigh awaits us, complete with jingle bells. I climb in first and snuggle against Nick when he sits.

“No reindeer?”

Nick flicks the reins and we take off.

“There are reindeer, but I don’t make them fly around on Christmas Eve anymore. They’re too old and like sleeping in too much.”

I laugh. “So what pulls the sleigh on Christmas Eve?”

“I haven’t used the sleigh since 1920. I usually take my motorcycle. I can show you, if you’d like?”

“Oh, yes.” I lean up and nip his earlobe. “And then I’d like to try a few other things we talked about on the motorcycle.”

He makes a sound in the make of his throat. “Don’t tempt me.”

We reach the house, which is more like a mansion, and I gasp. It’s beautiful. Several elves wait for us on the front steps as well as a very handsome man. An older elf pushes past the man and rushes over to me.

“Hello, Ms. Kane. We are so happy to meet you.”

I hug him. “Peppermin, it’s so nice to meet you, too.”

We have a silent conversation that he assures me Nick can’t hear. My luggage is in my room and a warm bath is being drawn. He blushes when he says the staff will not disturb us. I thank him and turn to the man.

He bows at the waist. “Jack Frost, at your service.”

“You’re not what I expected. I thought you would have white hair or something.”

Nick grins. “His hair is dyed.”

“He’s just jealous,” Jack says. His face softens. “We are so pleased to have you here, Candy. My friend has been waiting for you for a long time, even if he didn’t know it.”

Nick’s eyes narrow at Jack. “About that. Did you have something to do with us meeting?”

Jack shrugs and there is a burst of cool air.

“Not just me, old man. I told you the Easter Bunny told me about the Jingle Belles app. After I checked it out and met some very interesting people, I decided you needed to get over your ex. When I told Cupid he let it slip that Candy was your soul mate. The rest is history.”

I have to ask. “The Easter Bunny uses Jingle Belles?”

For some reason this is hilarious to me.

“Oh yeah. I think his user name is Peter C. Tail.”

I snort when I laugh. “Very original.” Then I glance at Jack. “Oh my gosh. You’re Frost – you’re the one talking to my friend, Vixen.”

His face darkens in a blush. “She’s very pleasant to talk to.” He turns to Nick. “Nick, you should take your lovely lady inside. The elves have prepared a romantic dinner for the two of you.”

He waves and follows the elves down the stairs, snow falling in his wake.

I grin. “I didn’t mean to run him off.”

“Don’t worry about him. I’m sure you heard his thought – he really likes your friend.”

“It’s mutual, from what I can tell.”

Nick grins and then scoops me off my feet. I hold onto his neck as we cross over the threshold into the house. Again, we’re basked in golden light, but this time I swear I hear angelic singing.

Nick whispers, “Now you’re really mine.”

“That may be true, but I still expect an engagement ring and a wedding. If we’re going to shack up, it’s going to be legal.”

He laughs out loud, his chest rumbling. I lean my head against him, loving how right this feels. He shows me around the house, carrying me in his arms the entire time. I am smitten with every room. The library is my favorite, though, and our dinner awaits us in front of a massive fireplace. He puts me on my feet and kisses my hand before pulling my chair out for me.

“This is amazing. Do the elves cook for you every night?”

He grins. “That’s where the myths about my big belly come from.”

I take a spoonful of my soup and moan. “Oh my gosh. I can see how easy it would be to gain weight. This is delicious.”

We spend the rest of the meal exchanging stories of our past. He tells me how old he really is and I laugh.

“That explains the silver hair.”

“Should I dye it?”

“Oh no. I’ve always thought silver foxes were sexy.”

The look in his eyes makes my heart melt and he stands. I know where he wants to go and I nod.

“Show me the bedroom, Nick.”