Bobby regarded him with a faint quizzical smile. ‘I believe in you,’ he said.
Mitzi nodded. Then she put her arms around his huge girth as far as they would go, which wasn’t far. Santa leaned down and she vanished into his white hair.
‘Goodnight, both of you,’ he said huskily.
When the children were gone Corinne looked at Santa’s belly, then at her own, which was about the same size.
‘I wouldn’t have much luck cuddling you, either,’ she said, chuckling. ‘Cross fingers that we’ll make it through Christmas.’
‘Well, if not, that husband of yours is here.’ Beneath his beard Santa paled slightly. ‘He may not be much use, but he’s here.’
‘Don’t you say a word against my husband. The clinic said he was doing the breathing exercises very well. Better than me.’
He grinned, but then the grin faded. ‘Are you going to be all right?’ he asked seriously.
She smiled. ‘We’re going to be all right. All of us.’
‘Sure?’
‘I’m like Bobby. I believe in you. Happy Christmas, Santa. Now and always.’
Lucy Gordon
Lucy Gordon cut her writing teeth on magazine journalism, interviewing many of the world’s most interesting men, including Warren Beatty, Richard Chamberlain, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Alec Guinness, and Sir John Gielgud. She also camped out with lions in Africa and had many other unusual experiences which have often provided the background for her books. She is married to a Venetian, whom she met while on holiday in Venice. They got engaged within two days.
You can visit her website at www. lucy-gordon. com and look out for The Italian’s Passionate Revenge which will be available in May!
