4. Teddy

4

teddy

25 days until christmas

M y phone buzzed as I tapped my ID badge against the sensor to enter the employees-only area of the park. I’d been here almost a week, and it felt like I finally had my footing here. Pulling it out, I looked at the caller ID and then sighed. Dad . I’d call him back later. I wasn’t quite ready to talk yet. It wasn’t like we’d fought, but the last time we’d spoken had been... different.

I knew exactly what he wanted from me: to find a wife, bring her back home, and settle down. Have two point five perfect children. And eventually take over his legacy. It wasn’t just the family business—though honestly, they ran almost perfectly, even without our participation—it was all of it: no pressure or anything.

Never mind that it had ended terribly when I’d dated in college. Try explaining to a woman that you wanted to take home for the holidays that she needed to pack for subzero temperatures. Oh, and home ?

The North Pole. Yeah, I wouldn’t have come with me either. After that, I’d stopped dating entirely. It was easier to tell the girls that I was from Alaska and laugh it off when they found out my last name was Claus.

Nobody here knew my last name or that I was one of those Claus. It felt almost wrong not to tell Ivy my actual last name, though. Plus, I just had this feeling any time I looked at her. Something I couldn’t quite identify, but it was there, lingering under the surface…

Dropping my stuff at my desk, I surveyed the room. It was a big corner office with windows that looked out over the park. Nothing like the tiny one they’d given her. She’d joked about everyone calling it a broom closet, but that was practically what it was.

How could I fix that? She deserved better than to be shoved into a tiny space.

While I was down here, I’d made it my mission to experience everything the park offered at least once. It was the only way I could get a truly informed overview of all the aspects of the park operations: attractions, food services, merchandise—every role played a vital part in the park running smoothly. Even our custodial team, overseeing sweeping and trash, kept this place looking pristine.

Looking over today’s to-do list, I took a drink of the coffee I’d grabbed from the hotel on my way here.

“God, that’s gross,” I muttered, grabbing the cup and dumping it in the sink. My mug from the Gingerbread Bakery had been incredible. Maybe I’d just sneak over and grab another one before starting my work.

I’d ditched the formal suit today and instead wore a pair of slacks and a red button up, rolling my sleeves up to combat the Florida humidity, forgoing a tie entirely.

Luckily, the line was short, and I stepped up to the counter. The entire place looked like Christmas threw up all over it, and that was saying something, considering where I was from. The menu was all Holiday-themed drinks and cookies, from sugar cookies to peppermint and even eggnog drinks.

“Hey. Can I get a large gingerbread latte?”

The barista adjusted her gingerbread cookie patterned apron before writing my order down. “And what’s the name for that?”

“Teddy.” I gave her a small smile as she input my order into the system.

“Whipped cream?”

I opened my mouth to say no but then said, “Sure, why not?” I was in the mood, and what was the harm? What was the point of life if you didn’t indulge yourself every once in a while?

“And can I get one of those gingerbread muffins?” I asked, pointing at the display case. It was the last one. My mouth watered just thinking about how delicious it had been yesterday. The North Pole was filled with amazing treats, but I absolutely needed the recipe for these.

“Of course.” She nodded.

“Thank you, Hollie.”

“No problem.” The girl blushed as I handed over my card.

“Oh, you’re—!” She exclaimed, and I placed a finger over my lips.

“Shhh. Wouldn’t want everyone in the park to know, right?”

She nodded. “Of course, sir. Sorry.”

This was why I didn’t want people to know who I was. But it was hard to ignore the Claus Family Enterprises company card with my name printed on it. Still, they didn’t know who I really was. That was a secret I couldn’t share with anyone—no matter how much I wanted to.

After paying, I took my plated muffin and sat at one of the small tables by the window. Even the stool was themed to match like this entire place really was made of real gingerbread. I waited for my latte to come out as I took a bite of my muffin, trying not to inhale every last bite.

“Sorry, he took the last one.”

“Who?”

I looked over at the counter, catching the barista pointing at me—and an irritated looking Ivy, who looked like she could have shot daggers out of her eyes. Scary. She looked like an angry kitten.

“You.”

I gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry. They’re delicious.”

“I know.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s why I’ve been getting one every morning for years.”

Raising an eyebrow, I licked my thumb, like a trace of icing might remain. “I didn’t see your name on it, sweetheart.”

“Ugh.” She rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “You’re so annoying.” I’m sure she didn’t mean for me to hear it, but I had uncannily sharp senses.

She turned back to the barista, ordering something else, and surprised me by coming down to sit in front of me.

I’d only caught glimpses of her over the last few days, as it seemed like anytime she saw me, she ran away before I could approach her. Now she wanted to talk?

Ivy took a sip of her drink—an iced, extra-sweet sugar cookie blended coffee—and I raised an eyebrow.

Even annoyed at me, she was a vision in green velvet. Stunning, with that strawberry blonde hair—that shined golden and red in the sun—curled down her back and her bright blue eyes that sparkled like snowflakes falling from the sky. Today, she was wearing a fresh pair of earrings than she had the last time I’d seen her—a set of sparkly Christmas trees—and she’d done her hair differently .

Yet there was something else in her bright blue eyes I couldn’t quite identify. Loneliness ? Or was that just my imagination? She had said she liked it here, but there was a hesitation I couldn’t help but hear in her voice. But maybe I was just projecting my own feelings onto her.

“So…”

She did her best to look properly annoyed while eating her cinnamon scone. “I can’t believe you took my muffin.” She scowled, though the expression was more cute than it was intimidating.

“You know what they say. You snooze, you lose.” I smirked, licking my lips. “What’s on the docket for the day, Poison Ivy?”

“Seems like I should be the one asking you that. Do you even work?” She gestured to the table, which held our cups of coffee and empty plates.

“Of course I work,” I scoffed. “Part of my visit is experiencing everything the park offers. I’m making a list of potential upgrades to the park.”

Ivy looked skeptical. “You are?”

I took a drink of coffee, studying her closely. What was it about her? “Yes. That’s my job. What did you think I do, anyway?”

“I don’t know.” She lowered her voice, leaning in conspiratorially. “I wasn’t sure the stuffy executives actually did anything.”

A laugh burst free from my lips. “I promise you, that’s the farthest from the truth.”

The strawberry blonde in front of me just hummed. “Maybe.”

“You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

She rolled her straw between her teeth, giving me a cheeky grin. “Potentially. ”

“What about you?” I asked, wanting to get to know her better.

“What about me?” Ivy repeated, looking confused.

“How’d you end up working here? Why Christmasland?”

She picked up her necklace chain—one that had been tucked underneath the neckline of her dress—and fidgeted with the snowflake pendant. “It’s a long story.”

I glanced down at my watch and shrugged. “I’ve got time.” I leaned back in my chair as I sipped my coffee and watched her.

“I’ve always loved Christmas. When I moved here for college, I got a job here working as an entertainment handler, and I never left.”

“And you like it?”

“What’s not to love? Being surrounded by the magic of Christmas every day?”

“Oh, you can only imagine.” I had more experience with that than she’d ever know.

“Hm?”

I chuckled. “Nothing. And what about your family? Where are they?”

Her face fell. “Oh. I… It’s just me.”

“I’m sorry, Ivy. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, it’s okay.” She stared down at her drink. “It’s always been just me, though, so I’m used to it. I lost my dad when I was small. When my mom passed away, I ended up in foster care.” She looked out the garland-covered window, toying with a pendant around her neck of a small silver snowflake. “All I had left of her was this necklace with my name etched into the back. I barely remember them, I was so young. Sure, I have vague memories of my mom, but that’s it. And my dad… all I know is that losing him destroyed her.” Her blue eyes looked so sad, and I briefly thought of comforting her. Of laying my hand over hers on the table, so she knew she wasn’t alone.

But I didn’t think she’d appreciate that, so I pulled my hand back into my lap.

Her little brows furrowed. “I don’t know why I just told you that.” She mumbled something under her breath.

But I did. It was the same reason little kids liked to tell me what they wanted for Christmas.

“Where are you from, anyway?” Ivy asked, changing the subject. “You didn’t say.”

“Up north.” I was aware I was being evasive, but she wouldn’t believe me if I told her. Not yet.

She scrunched her nose. “Like… Canada?”

A chuckle left my lips. “Something like that.”

“Mmm. I bet it’s cold there. Probably have a white Christmas every year, huh?”

“Definitely. It’s basically always snowing where I’m from.”

“I’ve never seen snow,” she admitted. “I’ve always wanted to, though. It seems so… magical .” She sighed, a dreamy expression on her face.

It was crazy, the things I’d taken for granted living in the North Pole all my life. But for Ivy, even this theme park was something special. What would it be like to see the North Pole through her eyes? To see her experience snow, a real Christmas, for the first time?

I shook the thought away. I’d only just met her—it wasn’t like I was going to invite her home for Christmas. Besides, I didn’t even know if I’d have time to go back.

She smiled at me, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I should go. This was… nice, though. Thanks for the company, Teddy.”

“Even though I stole your muffin? ”

“Yeah.” She stood up with a bit of flounce to her skirts. “Even though you stole my muffin.”

And then she was gone, in a blur of green velvet and strawberry blonde, making me wonder if I’d ever noticed how beautiful a woman was before Ivy Winters.

I didn’t think I ever had.

“Dad?”

“Hey, son. How’s it going down there?”

“Good. Park’s in good shape.” Overall, I was enjoying the job, even if I wished I was back home. “Sorry I missed your call earlier. I was just getting to work.”

“No worries. I just wanted to see if you’d given any thought to what I said the other night?” Dad asked, sounding so hopeful.

About meeting someone? Yeah, not likely. I was already here, learning all the family businesses at his request. When did he think I’d also have time to find a wife?

“The world is different now than when you met Mom.” I let out a sigh. “Besides, who would choose this life?” Especially since it meant leaving their family and friends—all of their loved ones—behind. Keeping a secret for the rest of their lives. Pinching the spot between my eyebrows, I shook my head. “No one in their right mind.”

“You know I’m not getting any younger, Theodore.”

Full name. Oh, he was serious. Everyone always called me Teddy, except for my parents when they were upset with me, and then I got the full Theodore Nicholas Claus . In college, I’d tried out Theo, but at home, Teddy had stuck.

“I know, Dad.” I blew out a breath. “But it’s not like I can just snap my fingers and have the perfect woman appear right in front of me.” He let out a hum, and I shook my head, even knowing he couldn’t see me. “But listen, that’s not why I’m calling.”

“Oh?”

“There’s this girl.”

“Oh. So you did think about what I said.”

“No. I mean, it’s not like that.” It wasn’t, right? I mean, she was beautiful, and something in her blue eyes captivated me more than I could explain, but it wasn’t… I cleared my throat. “I can sense Christmas magic in her. Which is impossible, unless…”

“Unless she was born in the North Pole. Or…” My dad let out a contemplative noise. “Do you remember that story I told you?”

“Which one?” I asked because my dad loved to tell stories. Besides making and delivering toys, it was his favorite pastime.

“About the runaway elf.”

“Dad.” I huffed out a laugh. “You can’t be serious. Wasn’t that like, thirty years ago?”

“Are you going to listen to me or not?”

I rolled my eyes, shutting my mouth, even though he couldn’t see me. “Alright, alright. Let’s hear it.”

I could almost picture my father nodding, running his thumb across his chin as if in deep thought. “She had a daughter.”

“What?” I blinked. Why was this the first time I was hearing of this? “And you think that…”

Was there a chance Ivy was actually from the North Pole? It felt like I’d been searching my whole life for someone who would understand me—had I really found her here?

But she didn’t know. She couldn’t . She appeared totally human .

“Maybe. If you can sense the magic in her, there’s little other explanation.”

“But what are the odds?”

He chuckled. “Maybe the magic of the park attracted that part of her. If she doesn’t know, that’s certainly one explanation.”

“She never knew her parents,” I offered. “They both passed away when she was young.”

“Hmm.” If he was here, he’d probably pat me on the shoulder and give me some wise advice. I didn’t understand how he did it, but maybe one day I would. “Guess you should get to know her better, huh?”

“Dad,” I groaned.

But he was right. The only way to sort this out was to get to know her better.

That wouldn’t be a hardship, though. Not when I couldn’t get those sparkling blue eyes out of my mind.