Chapter 15

15

Lunabelle

“ O h, here he comes, Luna.” My mother nudges me excitedly, quickly straightening herself as Quill comes walking straight towards us. If my mother wasn’t locked around my arm, I’d be making my escape, but she’s holding me in place, and it’s not because she’s been worried sick about me and wants me close by.

“Hello, Lunabelle. You look beautiful. Are you feeling better?”

I shake my head. I’m feeling terrible. I’ve been sick to my stomach all evening. The tears have been threatening to break since we arrived. I shouldn’t have come tonight. I’m in no mood for a celebration. I want to curl up in my bed and cry myself to sleep. My mother has been terrible all evening, ordering me around, irritated with my every move. And my father barely spoke two words to me before he rushed back to work, and now I have to deal with Quill.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I missed you on Christmas. I had a special present for you.” He leans in right to my ear. “I was finally going to let you have me.”

Let me have him? My mother’s assumption was clearly way off the mark. He wasn’t going to propose. He was going to try to convince me to take his tiny elf prick. A thought more terrifying than marrying the arrogant elf.

I pull away, trying to put some space between us but I don’t get far. My mother is keeping me in place. “So, Quill, is there something you want to ask my daughter?” she urges. Gods, she’s practically forcing him to propose. What is the matter with her?

“Yes, I do.” His cunning smile irritates the dickens out of me. “I’m offering you a chance of a lifetime, Luna. I’ve chosen you as my future wife, so here…” He reaches for my hand, but I pull it from his grip. The ring he’s holding falls to the ground and he curses as he scurries around the floor looking for it.

“I’m sorry, Quill. She’s still under the weather and not herself. I’m so thrilled to welcome you to the family, son.”

“No,” I practically shriek. “I’m not marrying him. He’s not…” I let the words die on my tongue before they break me. “I’m sorry, Quill. But my answer is no.”

“No?” He jerks back in shock.

“No?” My mother mirrors his reaction.

“No,” I state. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home.”

I turn and nearly jump back when I see Santa standing close to us, witnessing our little scene, along with the entire village, which I’m sure my mother is loving right now. Her only daughter humiliating her in front of everyone. I’m not sure I should go home. Maybe I should run away.

“Santa, I’m sorry. I just can’t marry him.” I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to marry anyone. My heart isn’t even beating in my chest anymore. It got left back in the cave.

He shakes his head, reaching out to grip my shoulders. “You don’t have to apologize, Luna. He never would’ve been my choice for you.” He looks over my shoulder, shaking his head at the arrogant elf. “Your heart is too pure for the likes of Quill. He still has a lot to learn and needs a slice of humble pie before he’s ready for a relationship.” The immature elf balks behind us, and I smile at Santa’s spot-on assessment. I hope my mother is listening too. She can see that her perfect elf isn’t perfect at all.

“Besides, Luna, there’s someone I think you’re better suited for.”

Great. Now Santa is trying to marry me off. Why can’t everyone just let me die of my broken heart in peace?

“Here, Luna. I never got to give you your Christmas present.” He hands me a wrapped box and it’s the only time in my life I haven’t been happy to receive a gift. But I don’t want to be rude to the man who has always been like a father to us elves. Maybe even a better father than the one I was born to.

“Thank you, Santa.” I remove the lid from the box, finding a letter on top of some red tissue paper.

To my Little Red,

I’m sorry. For so many things. For the way I acted. For the things I said. But if I’m being honest, the only thing I’m not sorry for is taking you. That will never be something I regret. But I am sorry for locking you in that room and making you feel like you were anything less than a princess. That will always be a moment I wish I could do over. A regret I will forever live with. I was terrified of losing you, Luna. Terrified you’d leave me, and so I made a giant mistake. (No pun intended.)

I smirk at my goofy giant’s joke, feeling the tears slip down my cheeks.

Up until the night you appeared in the woods, I never understood the meaning of Christmas. But you are a holiday, Little Red. Your smile is as bright as all the twinkling lights on the tree. Your giggle is like a Christmas carol. And every moment we were together was a special gift. You brought me so much joy, and I will forever cherish the memory of our time together. The most magnificent days of my life.

I hope one day you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me for what I did. But if you don’t, I will understand. Just know you are loved beyond the magic of Christmas and will always have a home in my heart.

With all my love,

Your Giant

I reach under the tissue paper and pull out my present. My snow globe . The giant kissing his Little Red. A gift more special than any cookie-decorating kit in the world. I shake the pretty globe and watch as the hearts flutter around the couple, feeling my own heart fluttering in my chest. Kilgore made me feel so special. He showed me the true meaning of the holidays. It’s not just about presents, or cookies, or parties. It’s about being tucked in the arms of the one I love. It’s about feeling safe and cherished. It’s about feeling home. Kilgore is my home.

“Santa…” I look up from my gift. “I...”

He holds up his hand. “No need to explain, Luna. I will miss those incredible cookies, but I’m hoping you’ll come for a visit every once in a while.” With my new powers, I can come every day if I want to.

“But what about the golden rule?” I ask, knowing it’s one of our most sacred laws.

“No rule can break the bond of true love, Luna. It’s a force more powerful than magic. Now, go to him, and I’ll handle things here.” He looks over my shoulder. “I have a few elves that are on the naughty list and need to learn the spirit of Christmas. Happy New Year, Luna. Oh, and by the way…” He smiles. “I left your other present with Kilgore.”

I launch forward and wrap my arms around his waist, giving him a hug. “Thank you, Santa. Thank you for giving me the most special gift.” His permission and acceptance of my choice means more to me than anything I could’ve wished for from him.

I close my eyes and imagine myself back in the cave. Back in the arms of my giant.