Chapter 3

I heard a throat being cleared and stood up to find Alec smiling at me. “Interesting visit from Santa, wasn’t it?” he said with a smile that made his eyes crinkle up at the corners, like birds’ footprints in the snow. “Oh—before I forget.” Alec fumbled with his wallet and pulled out a couple of notes. “Here. It’s a donation. For a new, ahem, pair of trousers for Santa?” His eyes were twinkling.

I gave a mock groan. “Thanks,” I said ironically, shoving the notes in my back pocket—but suddenly I didn’t feel so bad about it all.

“Is Jason going to give it to him?” Poppy asked.

I nodded. “I’ll make sure Santa gets it. Wouldn’t want him getting cold while he did the rounds on Christmas Eve, now would we?”