Page 19 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I watched as Cayden worked his jaw, clearly unamused, but I couldn't help it. I started to laugh, and I laughed hard. I couldn't remember the last time I'd laughed so hard.

"Well, now that you got that out, I need to get to work." Even as Cayden said the words, I could see a hint of humor in his tone.

"When is the festival?" I asked.

"Tomorrow," he said, touching my shoulder and turning me. "And if you stop laughing, I'll tell you where."

I laughed even harder.

Chapter 8 - Cayden

My mood soured further as I drove to the mall where we were holding the event. But at least I wasn't the only one that seemed unenthusiastic about the outfit.

"Well, don't you look like a happy elf," Owen said, stopping next to me.

"I look ridiculous in this," I grumbled, waving my hands around. "Can we please change?"

"I think it's great," Owen said, adjusting his ears. "Really puts you in the Christmas spirit."

I rolled my eyes and glanced at the others. Miles was laughing at Lucas, who looked just irate in his outfit. Thomas was on their phones while we waited for Ayden and Wendy to arrive.

We stood in the middle of a makeshift village with a large chair put out for Ayden to sit in. There was fake snow all over and a line of children already eager to see Santa. We arrived a little early, and I thought Ayden and Wendy would have already been waiting here.

"Would you guys perk up," Owen said, waving at the kids. "We don't want to look like unhappy elves."

"We are unhappy elves," Lucas grumbled as he crossed his arms. "And why is Ayden late? He's never late."

Before anyone could say anything, we heard the jingling of bells. We all turned and watched as Ayden and Wendy started to walk toward us, away from the parking lot. The kids squealed, and Wendy and Ayden waved happily at them. Both of them were dressed as they said they would—Santa and Mrs. Clause.

"You know what, that outfit suits him pretty well," Miles chirped, and we all snorted at the remark. It was true. Ayden played the role perfectly, and Wendy beamed as she stopped patting a few kids on the head.

Ayden looked at them and started to laugh. He then waved a hand at them. "When I asked you all to be elves, I envisioned some happy faces. You all look great, why so sour?"

“Have you looked at us? We look ridiculous." Lucas said.

"I thought we looked pretty good," Miles quickly added, running his hands over his outfit. "I look sharp."

"It's for the kids," Wendy said, glaring at each of us. "And you all better start smiling. I didn't agree to wear all these layers for you all to complain about wearing pointy shoes and ears. I'm in a corset. You can all suffer with the shoes for a few hours."

Ayden snorted and waved a hand. "All right, we're all here, so everyone get to your places."

"You're the boss," Owen said, waving a hand. "And the chair awaits you."

"Smartass," Ayden grumbled back, walking past him. He jingled with each step, and Wendy walked with him, happily giggling.

Everyone went to their places. We each stood around and helped keep the line moving. I stood next to Thomas, who didn't seem to mind the outfit.

I rolled my neck when I spotted Riley across the food area. She looked around, taking the event in, when her eyes landed on the Santa area. She smirked, and as she walked, the smirk grew.

"You know her?" Thomas said, seeing I was staring.

I sighed with a nod. "Yeah, she's my sister's best friend."

Riley spotted me, and she started to laugh. My wolf purred at the noise, finding it was the most amazing sound. I wanted to always hear it.

"You know this is even better than I imagined it," Riley said, stopping in front of me. "I have never been happier than I am right now."

"If you want a photo with Santa, the line is back there," I teased, pointing to the line.

---