The Santa Sub: A Captain Swan Story

Part 3/6

The following morning, Killian met Emma outside the toy department in full Santa get-up.

She smiled. "Lookin' good!"

He adopted a pout and scratched at the beard. "This thing drove me mad all last night. I didn't sleep a wink."

"Poor baby."

He glared at her. "Your concern is touching."

Emma smiled. "Come on, let's go. We don't usually start Santa visits until after Thanksgiving, but the Christmas season starts earlier every year and we have to keep up with the competition. This will be good practice for you."

Killian was only able to waddle in the fat suit as he followed her to Santa's Village.

A woman in her fifties Emma didn't recognize greeted them. "Thank God you two are here. I was beginning to think we were going to be Santa-less and elf-less."

Killian grinned as Emma's face paled. "I'm sorry, you seem to be confused. I'm not an elf. I'm Emma Swan, event coordinator here at the store. This is Mr. Jones' son, Killian. He will be playing Santa for the parade this year and needs a little practice. I called yesterday to set this up."

The woman rolled her eyes. "Who did you speak to?"

"I think her name was Tina."

The woman groaned. "Not that twit. Well, it seems when she rescheduled the Santa who was supposed to work first shift she also rescheduled his elf." She scanned Emma's figure. "You're a little tall, but you'll do."

Killian was trying desperately not to laugh.

Emma shook her head. "No, no. I told you. I'm not an elf. The parade is in a few days and I have a million things to do. I can't be down here for 6 hours playing an elf. I was just going to give Killian a few pointers and then get back to work."

The woman shook her head. "Santa needs an elf. The elf brings the kids up, gives them the candy cane, and takes their picture."

"Why can't you do those things?" Emma snapped.

The woman's jaw clenched. "Honey, my name is Ruth Danvers. I've worked here 30 years. I supervise. I don't play an elf."

Emma simply groaned. She knew there would no point arguing with this woman.

Ruth gestured to Santa's house. "You'll find your costume in there. Hurry. The kids will be lining up soon."

Killian watched as Emma begrudgingly trudged off to get dressed. 10 minutes later, she emerged. Killian was sitting in Santa's chair. Ruth had given him his instructions. How to Ho, Ho, Ho, which he was getting better at. How to wave, which he needed to master by Thursday. And how to get the kids talking and keep them moving.

When his eyes landed on Emma, he dissolved into a fit of laughter. She had on a green felt hat with a bell on the end. She wore a red felt dress with red and white striped tights. Her shoes matched the hat, complete with bells on the toes. What completed the look though were the fake pointy ears she wore.

"I look ridiculous," she said through gritted teeth.

"Welcome to the club," he managed to say. "I can't decide if you look more like a Munchkin or an Oompa Loompa though."

"I'm glad I amuse you."

Suddenly, Ruth clapped her hands. "Okay, get ready. Here they come."

Emma unclipped the rope and allowed the first child to come forward. Things were going well for a while. Killian was really getting into character and even Emma was managing to survive. But then things began to go downhill.