I looked down at myself with a chuckle—no, a Ho, Ho, Ho! How I'd let that adorable ginger boy talk me into this was a complete mystery. I put the big, snowy-white beard on, followed by the white wig of flowing locks. Once I had the Santa hat on, I was the picture of a storybook Santa—minus the pipe, of course.

Sandy came bustling into my office. I looked up and the second we made eye contact, she was laughing her ass off. Before I could even react, she had her phone up for a quick pic.

"Sorry, bossman. This is one for my memory book. And all the nurses and other doctors on my email list," she muttered as she turned and rushed back to her desk. Evil woman.

I gave myself one last pat down and stepped out of my office into the main area where Sandy worked. She came bustling over with a small, round, decorative cushion from the waiting area.

"Sorry, sir. You're just not fat enough. Let's shove this down your pants while you tell me why you're dressed this way tonight."

"For one, gimme that! We aren't shoving anything down my pants." I looked at her with a bit of hesitation. "Will it really make it better?" At her nod, I lifted the coat and shoved the pillow into my waistband.

"And I'm doing this for the kids’ Christmas party upstairs. I got wrangled into it by my friend who's running the party." I grumbled, but I was secretly excited to play Santa for the little ones. Seeing Tom again after our hot date last night was just a bonus.

"Oh, Dr. Samuels!" Sandy gushed with what I could only assume were happy tears in her eyes. "That's wonderful of you! And I didn't know that you knew Tom! Isn't he just the sweetest? You'd never know he had all that money either. He's just so, well, normal. You know?"

"Money? I wasn't aware of Tom having money. Not that it matters," I added with a grin. "We're kinda dating. Maybe. Well, we went out on a date last night."

Sandy's mouth was making a fish-like 'O'. Between that and her bulging eyes, she currently resembled a cartoon guppy. Just as quickly, she pulled herself together and crossed her arms to glare up at me.

"Colin Samuels, if you break that sweet little omega's heart—I will end you! I'm not even joking, mister. This is a hospital; I know things! And I know people who know the things that I don't know! We can end you and never get caught."

I held up my palms and pleaded for mercy. "Sandy, I promise that I'm not playing games with him. I have no intention of hurting Tom. I've been completely honest with him about not wanting to have an omega because of my job. That's not fair to him. But, I don't know. There's just something about that little ginger boy that I can't get out of my mind."

She nodded. "Well, see that you don't hurt him. Besides, the board will be pissed if we lose him around here. Who do you think was responsible for that pretty new pediatric cancer ward we have up there?"

My jaw dropped. "Tom is the guy behind The Collins Foundation?"

Sandy nodded. "And he spends more hours up there as a volunteer than many of our staff who are paid to be here. So yeah, try not to piss him off."

I scratched at the fake beard where it was rubbing my five o'clock stubble. "Then why does he work in a candy store? Shouldn't he be living in a mansion somewhere being attended to by his minions?"

Sandy pursed her lips. "Think about it. Does that sound like Tom to you? Besides, I was told by a friend of his that the money is from a life insurance policy that he inherited when his parents died. Apparently, he doesn't want it. He uses it to do good instead."

Fuck. The more I heard about my ginger boy, the more he grew on me. Just like a fucking fungi. Shaking my head, I told Sandy to take off early and close up for the day. As I went to the elevator, my mind was racing with thoughts of Tom.

Last night had been perfection. He'd been wearing a suit when I picked him up. But, Tom being Tom, the suit was leather and fit him like a glove. Under the leather suit jacket, he'd worn a shiny silver dress shirt with no tie. Instead, the collar had been popped up with the top button open. The black oxfords and silver socks had tied the look together. With his hair slicked back, he'd looked like the cover model for Gingers Weekly, seriously.

I'm still not completely sure what all we'd talked about over dinner. Between the cozy table at the way more romantic than I intended restaurant and Tom looking so good, my brain had been mush.

I'd wanted to take him back to my place, but somehow it felt cheap to invite him after the special evening we'd shared. Instead, I took him home and we'd made out in my car for an hour. Or twenty minutes. It was hard to say. I was just consumed by Tom in ways that I'd never wanted to be with anyone else.

For fuck’s sake, I'd actually been lonely when I went home alone! And when I woke up this morning, I found myself longing for the scent of peppermint and the omega that accompanied it. If I didn't get a handle on things soon, I'd end up married to the guy or some shit before I knew it was happening.

No. I couldn't play with Tom's heart. If I couldn't be in 100%, I would need to back away. Especially now that Allie was going to be in his home. That little girl was another little ginger that had stolen my heart without my realizing it. What the hell was happening to me? The elevator dinged and stopped two floors early, and my omega buddy, Hank, stepped in.

He peered up at my face in shock, then barked out a laugh as the doors closed.

"Yeah, yeah. Yuk it up. Are you going to pick a floor, or what?"

Hank shook his head and said, "You already picked it, dude. I'm on my way up to see a patient before I pop in on the party up there."

He looked back at me then and nodded suddenly. "Oh, I get it now. You're playing Santa for the kids tonight, I take it?"

I nodded with a shrug. "It's for the kids. Why wouldn't I?"

Hank looked at me seriously then. "You know, my previous offer is still open anytime. Just come talk to me and the job is yours. There's a pediatrician slot opening in my department after the first of the year, and we both know that you did your residency in pediatrics before you fell into emergency medicine. Think about it, Colin. I know it's not a department head position like you have now. But on the other hand? You could have a life outside of these walls. There's a lot to be said for that, my friend."

I'm not sure which of us I surprised more as I nodded slowly and answered him thoughtfully. "You know what, Hank? I'm actually going to give it some thought. I've been thinking more and more lately about getting a life. For some reason, it's much more appealing than it has been in the past."

When we got off at the Ped's floor, Tom was pacing in front of the elevator wearing an elf costume. Hank waved and went off in the other direction while I sauntered up to Tom with a low "Ho, Ho, Ho".

I grinned at his red and white candy cane tights, green booty shorts, leather suspenders, and demure white shirt with a rounded collar. His lips were painted red, and he wore black mascara to accentuate those emerald green eyes. The curled toe green leather boots and green elf hat with a flopped over end that hung to his lower back just completed the picture.

"Why do I think that this outfit is a little more PG-13 than it's meant to be for a G-rated party?" I smirked as I gave him the slow moving elevator eyes.

Tom giggled adorably, his cheeks flushing pink. "It probably is? Tom usually wears this on Christmas Day minus the shirt. Tom calls it the naughty elf look. But add a shirt and presto! Tom is a respectable elf."

I leaned in and said in low voice, "If Tom is a respectable elf, then why does Santa have a stiffy? Trust me, ginger boy. It's not a candy cane in my pocket, and I am definitely happy to see you."

Tom glared up at me. "Behave! There are children waiting to see Santa." He waved his fingers in the direction of my crotch and hissed. "Make the beast go back to sleep! That isn't appropriate! Santa is like a Ken doll—junkless and pure!"

I looked down at him and shook my head sadly. "Then how can he possibly be a jolly old elf, like the rhyme says? Junkless is the opposite of jolly, if you ask my opinion."

Tom tittered and shoved my arm. "Stop it! Santa Colin is bad!

Tofer came rushing out of the party room right then, making a beeline for us. "Good, good. You're here! We need to get our Santa in there, Tom. I have the children all lined up for their gifts and a picture with Santa. Hurry up, you guys! You can make the goo-goo eyes later. Now it's time for the children!"

My eyebrows shot up as I saw Tofer’s get-up. Unlike my naughty elf wannabe, Tofer looked like the real fucking deal. He wore old fashioned shoes with big, golden, square buckles on the top of his feet, with knee high white socks.

His woolen shorts were red and went to his knees, with matching suspenders over what looked like a hand woven long sleeved red flannel shirt. His elf hat was also long like Tom's, green felt with a red band and a huge red pom-pom at the end.

I poked Tom's ribs, making him giggle. Pointing at Tofer, I said, "Now that's what an elf is supposed to look like, ginger boy. He looks like the real deal, not like he's about to give a lap dance."

Tofer snorted, his eyes dancing merrily. "Yeah, but I think we all know which elf you'd rather take on a sleigh ride under the stars!"

Tom giggled and said under his breath, "Yeah, a sleigh ride. Let's go with that, because junkless Santa doesn't know of any other kind of fun rides."

Tofer looked confused but smiled brightly. "Right this way, Santa. I have your area all set up." He stopped and looked at me sternly. "No more flirting with Tom! You have an image to maintain, and Santa must be kept pure! You and Tom can play your little reindeer games later."

Tom snorted behind us. "Yeah, Santa. Tom the Elf will be over to visit the North Pole later for the reindeer games."

I smirked back at him over my shoulder and winked. "I've got your North Pole, ginger boy. Ho, Ho, Ho."

Tofer gasped and stopped in his tracks. He sternly pointed at both of us and stamped his little foot. "No! None of that! After the party, do as you will. Right now, we are pure visions of Christmas joy for these sick little ones."

With one more glare at both of us, he turned and dashed into the room with a perfectly executed cartwheel. When he came to a stop, Tofer clapped his hands together and spoke excitedly while Tom led me over to a large throne-like red velvet chair. A Christmas tree with piles of brightly wrapped gifts stood next to it.

"He's here, boys and girls! Santa Claus has arrived! Remember your manners, now. If we all take our turns, then Santa will be able to give everyone their gifts. When you're on Santa's lap, make sure to tell him your wishes. Christmas magic is all around us, you never know who might be listening!"

While Tofer talked, Tom was already taking the little boy at the front of the line by hand and leading him to me. He lifted the little bald boy onto my knee. The sick child was no more than four, and so light that I barely felt his weight. I looked at the chemo sores around his dried lips, my heart swelling as he told "Santa" that all he wanted for Christmas was for his mommy not to cry anymore.

Tom was passing me a gift and joining us for a picture before I had time to let my heart hurt for the sick boy on my lap. I kissed his temple and said: "Merry Christmas, son. Santa loves you."

Tom helped him down and led him back to the festively decorated table where his parents sat watching with sad smiles. Tofer was leading the next child my way. He helped her up and said brightly, "Susie couldn't wait to meet you, Santa! I'll let you chat while I get her present!"

Tofer did the same routine that Tom had, passing me the gift after I'd had a moment with the girl, then posing for a quick photo and leading her away while Tom was back with the next in line. It went on that way for the better part of an hour, as each child was heard, given a gift, taken a picture, and led away happier than they'd been when they'd arrived.

I was impressed with the smooth routine that Tom had in place. After my time as Santa was over, I slipped away and changed before returning to the party. Tom and Tofer were bustling around the room, making sure that everyone was having a good time. I sat back with a few of my doctor friends in the corner and watched while Tom made sure that the children had a wonderful time.

By the end of the party, Tom had his staff of volunteers busy while he took a seat at the old piano at the far end of the room and led the children in a rousing round of carols. Tofer danced through the children, swinging them around and singing along in a high soprano voice.

I noticed the pregnant omega from Tom's shop sitting there in the group of children with his own daughter and another little boy. An alpha that I assumed was his husband kept going over to check on them. I smiled wistfully, wondering if that would ever be my life. Thinking back to Hank's offer, I glanced over at Tom and made my own Christmas wish.

A chill went up my spine and I could swear I heard the sound of sleigh bells and smelled fresh snow as Tofer came up with a bright smile. He danced around the table, passing candy canes and smiles out to the other doctors. When he came to me, he whispered in my ear. "Santa always knows your heart’s desires, alpha. All you need to do is believe."

He winked and pranced away, stopping to give a candy cane and a hug to a teen girl in a wheelchair. I shook my head, trying to make sense of the weird little elfin dude that seemed to be BFFs with my ginger boy.

When the children started to flag, the nurses began appearing to lead them back to their beds. The ones whose parents were here began slowly being led back to their beds by their moms and dads. I took a deep breath and noticed Allie sitting alone by the Christmas tree. Abandoning my friends, I went over and lowered myself to the floor beside her.

"Why so serious, pretty girl? Didn't Santa bring you what you wanted?"

She shook her head with a sad smile. "Not yet, but I'm not giving up. Tofer says that not all of Santa's miracles come under the tree. He says that sometimes you have to wait and trust that Santa is working to make your miracle happen."

I wasn't really wanting to promote the Santa myth to a nine year old, but I also wasn't going to be the alphahole that burst the bubble of hope in a lonely little girl who was fighting cancer.

"That's good advice, sprite. Think about it. Not everything you want in life is tangible, right?" At her curious look, I explained. "Tangible means that you can touch it. And not all things can be touched, or held in our hands. Things like love, happiness, and health are intangible things that can't be touched but we want them too, right?"

She nodded silently. "Do you think that Santa can give me in-tan-gi-bull things too? I like the dolly I got, but I would give her back in exchange for a family of my own. I don't even care if I have to be sick, if I can have a family."

My heart cracked right in half. I reached over and plucked her up, pulling her over onto my lap. Wrapping my arms around her, I cuddled her to my chest and hugged her. I told her, "Take things a day at time, princess. But let me give you a tip. There are two kinds of family. The one you get when you're born, and the one you choose as you grow. I'm pretty sure that you're stuck with your Uncle Tom over there. Just wait. I guarantee you that little dude is planning to spoil you rotten and love you like family. He's like that. And you know what else? I'm kinda sold on you too. Just try and get rid of me, princess. I'm too big, you'll never be able to get away!"

Allie giggled and then said in a soft voice, "Is Uncle Tom your boyfriend, Doctor Colin?"

I bit my lip and casually asked, "Why would you ask that, princess?"

"Please. Everyone can see you guys being all weird to each other. You should just kiss him and tell him to be your boyfriend. Then you could both be happy all the time."

"Nice try, princess. You just want me to have an excuse to visit you a lot at his house. Well, spoiler alert? I'm already planning on it. Like I said, I'm hard to get rid of, so don't bother trying to shake me."

Allie shook her head and looked up at me reproachfully. "Nice try, doc. You're trying to sidetrack me. But that's okay. I don't always tell everyone my business either. Just think about it, okay?"

I nodded and tickled her belly. "You're a pushy little princess, but okay. I'll think about it."

The party wound down soon after that and I walked with Tom to take Allie back to her room. I carried her in my arms like royalty while Tom was giving her the exciting news that she was going home with him tomorrow. I smiled down at the sleepy girl.

"Hear that, princess? Tomorrow you get to go home with Uncle Tom and get out of this joint."

She blinked up at me and asked quietly, "You'll come visit, right? Like you promised."

I kissed her forehead and said gently, "Wild horses and gingerbread men couldn't keep me away from your castle gates, princess."

Allie smiled happily and drifted off to sleep. Tom wiped his eyes and looked away to compose himself. I carried her into the room and laid her in the bed. I hooked up her monitors and got her settled for the night. I knew the nurse would double check everything, but at least I knew I'd done my part to tuck her in.

"I won't stop you," Tom said suddenly. His voice was thick with emotion in the dimly lit room. "You're welcome at my home anytime, Colin."

I stared at him, completely flabbergasted. Where was Tom and who was this normal guy standing in front of me, speaking like a regular person?

"What?" He shrugged. "I know how to talk, I just choose to be different. Special, you know? I like to stand apart. Right now I'm just too, I don't know, emotional maybe?"

Silently, I reached out and pulled him close, into my arms. We stood there hugging, his cheek pressed against my chest, my chin on his head. Softly, I murmured, "You don't have to put your walls up with me, Tom. I like the idea of you being vulnerable to me. I'd like to let down a few walls of my own with you. Believe it or not, you make me want more than this life I've been living. So does that little girl over there."

Tom sniffed. "I'll think about it. You caught me in a rare moment here. First there are all the little sick kids. And there's our princess here. Allie reminds me so much of what I should have in my life right now, but lost forever. I'd like to tell you about that, but I don't know if I can talk about it yet."

"Is this secret the reason for the big walls that you keep up between the real world and your heart?"

"Yeah. And I'll tell you someday, if you're still around."

"I'd like to be, Tom. Can I share something with you?"

He nodded. "The reason I've never settled down is because I don't want to have a family if I'm not going to be around them because of my job. I've been offered a job, here in pediatrics. It would be a step down, but worth it with the loss of stress and decreased work hours. I could actually try and date you, see if we can lead somewhere like I hope we could."

"I don't want you to sacrifice for me, Colin." The naked yearning in his voice said otherwise, but I didn't call him on it.

"What if I want to sacrifice for myself? Maybe I'm sick of being alone. Did you ever think that maybe I'm addicted to the scent of a certain peppermint spiced omega that I keep running into?"

Tom snorted and stiffened in my arms. He gave me one quick hug, and pushed back. "Tom will wait and see what happens with the hot daddy. In the meantime, why doesn't Colin take Tom home to visit that North Pole that was discussed earlier with hot Santa? After tonight, Tom will have responsibilities to Miss Allie."

I smiled sadly at my naughty little elf. It would have been nice if those walls had stayed down for me, but I was still grateful to have had that brief glimpse behind them. "Okay, ginger boy. Let's go visit the North Pole."

Tom grinned up me with that flirty grin. "Ho, Ho, Ho."