Page 32 of A Trident Christmas Baby

Sparky’s sheepish expression was all the confirmation Ace needed. He let out a sharp exhale and turned away, muttering a string of curse words to himself.

“Since we are not too far, we could call one of our wives to come and get us. You told us that Derek said everyone was at the hospital.”

Ace leaned against the van. “Unless we get a Christmas miracle, I don’t see any other choice we have.”

Suddenly, as if summoned by fate, the distant hum of a diesel engine grew louder. A truck pulling a flatbed trailer with a massive, glittering sleigh came into view, flanked by twinkling lights. Ace squinted as the vehicle slowed and pulled over next to them.

The driver’s side window rolled down, revealing a beaming Santa Claus in full festive attire, complete with a red velvet suit and white beard. Mrs. Claus, equally decked out in holiday cheer, leaned over, her round glasses perched on her nose.

“Need a hand, folks?” Santa’s voice boomed jovially.

Ace stepped forward, equal parts relieved and incredulous. “Uh… yeah. Our van ran out of gas. I’m trying to get to the hospital. My wife’s in labor.”

Mrs. Claus gasped, clapping her hands together. “Oh, you poor dear! Santa, wehaveto help them!”

Santa grinned, stroking his beard. “Good thing we’re heading home from the Christmas parade. Hop on the sleigh, and we’ll get you there!”

Ace stared at the sleigh, then at Santa. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” Santa replied, thumping the steering wheel. “Now hurry up, no time to waste!”

Irish and Stitch exchanged stunned looks before shrugging and grabbing their gear. “You heard the man,” Irish said. “Saddle up!”

The next few minutes were a whirlwind of chaotic hilarity. The team climbed onto the flatbed trailer, and Twinkles immediately began rearranging the seating like a bossy event planner, ensuring everyone had space. In the end, everyone fit, with the three elves sitting on Irish, Skittles, and Diego’s laps.

As Ace settled in, his long legs crammed awkwardly against the side of the sleigh, he looked around and just shook his head. If only someone could get a picture of this.

As if on cue, the sliding window in the back of the opened, and Mrs. Claus poked her head out. “You all look cute. I need a picture.” Sure as shit, she pulled her phone out and started snapping pictures.

Potter leaned over. His face was uncharacteristically amused. “You do realize that the team is never going to let this go.”

Ace snorted, shaking his head. “At least nobody will forget it.”

As the truck pulled back onto the road, Ace sent a text to Derek telling him they should be there in about five minutes.

As they drove through the streets of Norfolk, the sleigh rocked slightly as it picked up speed. Sparky and Twinkles led the group in yet another round of Christmas carols, their voices echoing into the crisp night air, which gained the attention of many people. Ace didn’t even have the energy to protest.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the hospital came into view. The truck pulled into the front drive, the sleigh coming to a halt in a flurry of sparkling tinsel.

The first person Ace’s eyes landed on was Derek, standing just outside the hospital entrance. His father-in-law and commander, who was normally the picture of stoic authority, stood frozen in place, his mouth hanging wide open in sheer disbelief.

Derek blinked a few times, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to form words.

Ace was the first person off the truck, his boots hitting the pavement with a thud. He turned to thank Santa, but the jolly man waved him off with a hearty laugh.

“Go meet your baby, son!”

Grinning, Ace took off running toward the entrance but stopped when he got to Derek.

“Do I even want to know?” Derek questioned, though Ace could see the laughter in his eyes.

Ace grinned, “Priority transport, courtesy of the North Pole. Don’t worry, Santa has top clearance,” he joked.

Derek chuckled. “Come on, let’s get you inside before that baby comes.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

As Ace and Derek strode through the hospital, making their way up to the second floor, Ace's adrenaline was pumping harder than it had during the mission.

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