Christmas Magic Read Online Free Page A

specifically to bring Sadie to the clearing.
    Another short burst of notes came from the trumpeters, and there she was. Luke’s heart was about to beat out of his chest as the musicians began playing the song chosen for this moment.
    Sadie was radiant as she held her father’s arm and made her way toward Luke, carrying a bouquet of evergreen sprigs mixed with red and white flowers. Her dress and hair were beautiful but were nothing compared to the way her smile lit up her face and her eyes shined with unshed tears. It was all Luke could do to stay put and not run to her. As soon as they reached him, he shook Reggie’s hand and waited until he’d kissed Sadie’s cheek, and then he took her hand in his as her father went to sit beside his wife.
    “You look breathtaking,” Luke whispered with a soft smile.
    She smiled and squeezed his hand in thanks as they turned to face Timmons.
    “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”

    The reception was in full swing after the wedding, and Luke couldn’t help but laugh as he twirled Sadie—his wife—around the dance floor before pulling her back into his arms and swaying with the music. The great hall had been transformed, sparkling with crystals and twinkling lights. All around them, people danced, talked, and played. Plates of cake, cookies, and other goodies accompanied cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Off to the side, he could see two young boys sword fighting with two giant candy canes. A group of little girls sat with an older elf, learning how to weave crowns out of flowers and string—much like the one atop Sadie’s beautiful head.
    “I love you,” his wife murmured against his neck as they danced. “Thank you for making my dreams come true.”
    Luke pulled back to gaze at her, enjoying the alluring look on her face. “I love you, Mrs. Taylor.”
    She giggled, smiling brightly. “You aren’t going to get tired of saying that, are you?” she teased.
    Shaking his head, he said, “Never.”
    “Good.” She sighed and laid her head back down on his shoulder. “I’ll never tire of hearing it.”
    Luke smiled as he leaned his cheek against her head, love for his wife, his soul mate, filling his entire being, and he thanked heaven above and Christmas magic for sending him into her path that cold winter’s night.

    Sadie paced anxiously around the bedroom, unable to stop herself from watching the clock. Luke was due back anytime from his second trip around the world as Santa. For the second year in a row, she wouldn’t be there to greet him at the stables, but she had a feeling he’d be okay with that when he saw her… Ghosting her hands down her sides, the velvet chemise soft under her palms, she took a deep breath. She and her husband of six months had a rich, vibrant sex life, but for some reason, she was nervous. Today felt…different, somehow. Maybe it was the swirl of Christmas magic in the air. She couldn’t explain it. She just knew something was happening.
    The front door opened a few minutes later, and she heard his footsteps. Luke, midway through his change from Santa, stepped into the bedroom, still dressed in costume, minus the heavy black boots. While Sadie could see traces of the jolly man recognized round the world, her heart recognized her husband. The beard was receding, his hair was growing shorter and gaining color, and his body was slimming before her eyes.
    “Luke,” she sighed, reaching out to him.
    His gaze—those brilliant blue eyes, which were the same year round—was heated as he took her hand in his still-gloved one. After only a moment, he shuddered and the air around him shimmered. Before she could blink, Santa was gone completely and Luke was in his place, still wearing the oversize suit.
    “Sadie…” His voice was rough, and he cleared his throat as his gaze took in her outfit. “My very own Mrs. Claus?”
    Sadie shuddered under his touch when he reached out a finger and traced the edge of the red slip of