Epilogue

Hernan

Next Christmas

“We’re ready.” Merry stepped out of the bedroom with No?l wrapped snugly in a Christmas-themed baby wrap against his chest. He carried a bag of gifts in one hand.

I looked like his matching pair—Noelle against my chest in an equally vibrant wrap, and in my hand was the diaper bag. We were heading to the North Pole for Christmas, and I couldn’t wait. As much as I loved Christmas at home, this had become home too.

I grabbed Merry’s hand, and with a twist of his ring, whisked us to our house at the Pole. The sight that greeted us was breathtaking: the house was completely decorated to the max—all things Christmas.

“When did you do this?” I looked around the room in wonder. It was magnificent.

Merry looked around the room with a smile. “I did it when I brought Holly here this morning. You know I don’t like to sit idle.”

That was the understatement of the year. He was always keeping busy. His crocheted animals that he made for the Christmas festival were so abundant that we ended up opening an online shop for them as well. And my house had never looked tidier, no matter how often I told him he wasn’t expected to do all of that.

We settled into our second home, feeding the twins and putting them down for a nap before getting to work.

Our family was hosting Christmas dinner, though we weren’t sure exactly who all was coming. We’d invited some elf friends, Santa, and a few reindeer shifter neighbors. We could either end up with a packed house or a small gathering, we weren’t sure which, and that meant we had to be prepared. Worst-case scenario we had a ton of freezer meals and a nice quiet day, just the four of us, and that sounded pretty fantastic too.

I got the turkey into a cooker, loving the appliance for freeing up space in the oven for the ham. Then Merry and I worked together, chopping potatoes and vegetables and making bread. By the time the twins woke up, everything was either ready to cook or was already cooking.

One of the best things about being at the North Pole was that I could be my dragon self without having to travel far. Once the twins were clean and in fresh diapers, we bundled them into their snowsuits and placed them in a little sleigh we used instead of a stroller while up here. Together, we headed to the small clearing near our house where there was enough room for my dragon.

I shucked my clothes, grimacing at the cold against my skin but knowing the twins’ giggles would make it worth it. After shifting, I stretched my wings and took to the air, diving and twirling like always. The twins watched in wide-eyed wonder, their giggles echoing through the clearing.

Some of the younger elves came out to watch, along with a few curious reindeer. They all loved my dragon and would sometimes knock on our door to ask him to come out and play. After my flight, I gave rides to the elves whose parents allowed it. Being elves, there wasn’t as much concern about safety—their magic helped with that. Dasher, one of the reindeer, was working on a harness for their young ones because they weren’t able to magic themselves to safety the same way.

Eventually, though, it was time to head back inside and finish cooking.

“That smells good already,” Merry said as we got the twins out of their snowsuits.

I smiled. “Let me put the ham in, and then maybe we can open some Christmas presents.” I was excited to watch the twins with theirs.

Adjusting to the timing of Christmas at the North Pole had been a challenge. At my house, it had always been about waking up, opening presents, and spending the day together. But here many people worked all night, so the schedule was different. I was worse than a little kid wanting to open my own gifts when it came to waiting to give the twins theirs.

We sat in the living room, helping the twins open their gifts. They loved tearing the wrapping paper far more than they cared about what was inside. But their joy made it all worth it.

Then it was time for Merry and me to exchange gifts. I handed him mine first: a fancy yarn organizer that changed the shape of skeins—something I didn’t fully understand but knew he had mentioned wanting. He loved it.

My big present to him, a yarn bowl I’d made on my spinning wheel, was next. I made five of them before I felt like it was good enough for him. He must’ve agreed with my assessment because he tackle-hugged me when he opened it.

“I love it so much,” he said, peppering my face with kisses. “Your turn.”

His package for me was, of course, wrapped beautifully. I carefully untied the bow and opened it, revealing a pregnancy test—a positive pregnancy test.

“We’re having another baby.” Merry placed his hands on his belly. “I found out two days ago. You know how hard it is to keep something so wonderful a secret… but I thought… I thought it would be the best Christmas present.”

“It is,” I whispered, tears in my eyes. “The best.”

I looked at my family, my heart fuller than the Grinch on Christmas morning. I loved this life we had built—a magical balance of time spent at the North Pole and at home, crafting, living, and loving.

Shortly after, the guests began to arrive. The house filled with laughter and joy, with everyone—including Santa—bringing something to share. Santa carried a plate of cookies he swore were the best ever made.

“No extra salt,” he added with a wink.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I could be this happy, and here I was, so overflowing with Christmas joy that I was half afraid it was a dream—all thanks to an adorable little elf figurine who became my everything.

Merry Christmas.

Read all the books in the Naughty Elf series by your favorite M/M authors.