Page 34 of Naughty Elf: Shimmersnap

“It does,” Walter agreed. “And our little girl is going to love it.”

“What if she hates Christmas?” I asked, suddenly struck by the thought. “What if she hates sparkle?”

Walter smirked. “Well, we can work with that. Black’s a beautiful color.”

I stared at him, eyes wide. “You would decorate in black?”

He shrugged. “If our daughter hates Christmas and sparkle, we’ll make it work. I’m flexible. She is going to be her own person—er, elf. With her own personality.”

“I know! I can’t wait!” I laughed, leaning my head on his shoulder. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

“Only because you are,” he said softly, kissing my temple.

We sat there for a while, letting the holiday glow of our home surround us. Despite my impatience, I knew the wait would be worth it. Soon, our baby girl would be here, and our little family would be complete, wrapped in the magic of Christmas forever.

“But what if I’m not good at being a parent?”

Walter laughed and kissed my cheek. “Shimmersnap, I’ve never known you to worry.”

“I know, it’s a new thing. I don’t like it.” I worried that I’d be too much for my child and they’d be embarrassed of me. I worried that I’d not be enough and they would hate me. I worried mostly that it would all go by so fast and I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.

“You’re going to be a great dad.”

“You are too. What’s that phrase the cops use on those human shows? Good cop, bad cop?”

Walter chuckled. “Yeah, that’ll be our parenting style. I’ll handle all the fun, and you’ll do all the discipline.”

I gave him a mock glare. “We’ll see what style works for us. But I can assure you, discipline will not be my forte.”

“I know it, sweetheart.” Walter kissed my cheek, and I calmed as I always did when he was near me.

A knock sounded at the door. I groaned, shifting on the couch. “I can’t possibly get up. Who could that be?”

Walter shrugged. “I’ll check.” He walked off, leaving me to attempt sitting up. Moments later, he returned with Dr. Goldwillow in tow.

“Do I have an appointment today that I forgot about?” I asked.

The doctor shook his head, a warm smile on his face. “It’s time, Shimmersnap.”

“What? How can it be time? I’m not ready! I’m not having contractions!”

Dr. Goldwillow smirked. “Did you not pay attention in your elf studies?”

“I don’t remember,” I muttered, leaning back.

“Besides, Santa’s delivering on that Christmas miracle you requested just moments ago.”

“That was hypothetical! Is it safe? Is the baby ready?”

The doctor snorted. “You’re two days past your due date. She’s more than ready.”

Walter rushed to my side. “Are you ready, love?”

I nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. “Let’s go meet our baby girl.”

Thanks to the magic of elves, we blinked to the North Pole’s hospital in no time. I was instantly in a bed, dressed and ready for delivery. Walter, carrying my sparkly blue duffel bag, set itaside and sat by me. I marveled at the bedazzled hospital gown and robe I had picked out for this moment.

“She’s going to be here soon, isn’t she?” I asked, breathless.

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