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“Thanks?” Vanessa chuckled. “It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would, actually.”

“How would you feel about doing it again?”

Vanessa blinked. “What? Why? I mean… are you and George quitting the Santa and Mrs. Claus gig?”

“Well, I told you I had an idea of how to convince Jackson that you’re all-in on the small town life and staying here in Fir Tree Grove. And, while George and I are still spry, we’re getting on.”

George grunted, and Mabel rolled her eyes at him. “He doesn’t want to admit it, but it’s true. I think you and Jackson should carry on the tradition. To be the town’s Santa and Mrs. Claus this year… and, well, if you enjoy it just as much as before, do it every year.”

“Me?” she finally managed. “Mabel, I—that’s such an honor, but are you sure? I mean, you and George are the Santa and Mrs. Claus. You’re iconic here. One year was one thing, but every year? The children expect you. Won’t you miss it terribly?”

George chuckled, coming to stand next to Mabel. “Actually, for this year at least, you’d be doing us a favor.”

Mabel’s head whipped around to look at her husband. “What on earth do you mean?”

George’s smile widened, and Vanessa saw a cheeky sparkle in his eyes. “Mabel, my love, you’ve been talking about your bucket list for years. And there’s one thing that’s been at the top of that list for as long as I can remember.”

Mabel blinked confusedly. “George, what are you saying?”

He chuckled. “I’m saying that I’ve booked us a trip. We’re spending Christmas in Florida.”

Mabel’s eyes went wide. “Wait… really? Is this another prank, George Lowery, because if it is…”

“It’s not a prank,” he told her sincerely. “I’ve got flights already booked, and I’ve rented us a little beach house right on the ocean. We’ll have Christmas morning with our toes in the sand, watching the sunrise over the water. Just like you’ve always dreamed about.”

Mabel’s expression turned to one of pure joy, and she threw her arms around George’s neck, nearly knocking him over, and dislodging Rascal, who dug her claws in. “Oh, George! Oh, you wonderful, wonderful man!”

Vanessa couldn’t keep the smile off of her own face as she watched the two of them. It was so wonderful seeing that her grandmother had found someone so perfect for her, after all these years.

“I can’t believe it,” Mabel said, pulling back to look at George’s face, her hands cupping his cheeks. “Christmas in Florida. I’ve wanted that for so long.”

“I know you have, sweetheart. And you deserve it.” George kissed her forehead tenderly. “So you see, Vanessa and Jackson taking over Santa duties is perfect timing.”

Mabel turned back to Vanessa, her face glowing. “Oh, you have to say yes now. You simply have to. It would make everything perfect.”

Before Vanessa could respond, the front door opened, bringing with it a gust of cold air and Jackson’s voice. “Vanessa? I brought you and Mabel chicken pot pie for lunch⁠—”

“Perfect timing,” George said, prying the cat away from his shoulder. “We have news.”

Jackson set the takeout bag on the counter and looked at the three of them. “What’s going on? Why does Mabel look like she just won the lottery?”

“Because I did!” Mabel exclaimed. “George is taking me to Florida for Christmas!”

“That’s wonderful,” Jackson said with a grin. “You’ve been talking about that forever.”

“And,” Vanessa added, “Mabel has asked us to take over as the town’s Santa and Mrs. Claus this year.”

Jackson’s eyebrows shot up. “Us? Again?”

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Mabel said. “But you two were perfect. The children already adore you both.”

Jackson looked at Vanessa, and she saw him wondering if she was really on board with this, if it was really what she wanted. She stepped forward, reaching for his hand, and looked at Mabel.

“If Jackson is in, I am too,” she said with a smile. “I’d be happy to.”

“I’m in,” Jackson said, but his eyes were still on her. “Are you sure, Vanessa? I mean…”

She laced her fingers through his. “I’m sure. And I hope this convinces you once and for all just how much I’ve come to love and cherish this town. This is my home. My family. And I want to be part of this tradition. I’m not going anywhere.”