Page 29 of Mountain Man's Naughty Elf
I smiled, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "You know, for a grumpy mountain man, you're surprisingly good at reassurance."
"Don't tell anyone. I have my reputation to maintain."
I laughed, the sound filling the cab of the truck. Whatever happened tonight, finding Pax Forrester had changed me—given me a strength I hadn't known I possessed.
As we approached Evergreen Falls, I gasped at the sight of the town's holiday transformation. Every building, every streetlamp, every inch of public space had been decorated to the hilt. Multicolored lights turned Main Street into a rainbow tunnel. Giant snowmen and candy canes lined the sidewalks. Storefronts featured elaborate displays—O'Malley's Bakery had created a gingerbread village with working train, while Harrington's Department Store showcased animatronic elves building toys.
"Oh my gosh, look!" I exclaimed, pointing at a life-sized sleigh complete with mechanical reindeer that moved up and down in simulated flight. "They added that this year! Isn't it magical?"
Pax's pained expression only made me laugh harder. His face looked like someone who'd just discovered that candy canes were required uniform. "Holy—" he began.
"Christmas wonderland!" I finished, clapping my hands in delight. "Isn't it wonderful?"
"It's... something," he managed, looking completely overwhelmed by the display.
"Your inner Grinch is showing," I teased, enjoying his discomfort perhaps a little too much.
Miller's Gas Station appeared ahead, relatively subdued with only a modest wreath on the door. A beat-up Jeep was parked beside the air pump, a lanky man with Pax's jawline but a much more approachable demeanor leaning against it.
Rudy straightened as we pulled in, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of his brother. "Well, well. You look... different."
Pax glared as he stepped out of the truck. "Don't start."
"I mean it in a good way," Rudy insisted, glancing meaningfully at me as I joined them. "You seem less... broody."
"He's still plenty broody," I said, extending my hand. "Nice to meet you in person, Rudy."
Rudy took my hand, then pulled me into an unexpected hug. "Thank you for getting my reclusive brother to rejoin the human race. I've been trying for years."
Pax cleared his throat pointedly. "We're on a schedule."
Rudy released me with a grin, and the family resemblance became even clearer. Same jaw, same intense blue eyes, but where Pax was all contained power, Rudy had an easy charm that probably worked wonders with sources. "Right. Operation Christmas Justice is a go." He handed us each a laminated press badge. "You're now officially with the Mountain Gazette. I've got the tech gear in my Jeep. The plan?"
While Pax outlined our strategy, I changed into my elf costume in the gas station bathroom. Staring at my reflection, I hardly recognized myself. Not because of the ridiculous outfit I'd worn hundreds of times, but because of the determination in my eyes.
When I emerged, both brothers turned to look at me. "How do I look?" I asked, giving a little twirl.
"Like Christmas threw up on you," Pax said dryly.
I grinned, unfazed. "Perfect. That's exactly the look I was going for. Holiday camouflage activated."
Rudy handed me a small earpiece. "Comm check. Can you hear me?"
I nodded, adjusting the nearly invisible device in my ear. "Loud and clear."
"Alright, team," Rudy said, clapping his hands together. "Let's go save the day."
The town square exceeded even Evergreen Falls' usual winter extravagance. The massive tree dominated the center, its lights creating a kaleidoscope of colors against the darkening sky. Wreaths and garlands draped every available surface. A giant gingerbread house large enough for children to walk through stood near the fountain, with a line of eager kids waiting theirturn. Couples snapped selfies in front of an enormous sleigh stuffed with wrapped packages. The stage had been erected at the north end, currently empty but surrounded by technical equipment and a massive screen.
The square was already filling with townspeople bundled in winter coats, children enjoying treats of all varieties, vendors selling hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts. The mingled aromas of gingerbread and evergreen filled the square, blending with the buttery smell of fresh popcorn. In any other circumstance, I would have been in heaven.
I squeezed Pax's hand. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
His expression softened slightly as he surveyed the scene. "It's not terrible," he conceded.
I laughed. "Coming from you, that's practically a miracle. That's another point for your reward tally."
We split up as planned—Rudy heading to the control booth with the USB drive, Pax positioned near the stage to keep watch for Nolan and his security team, and me circulating through the crowd in my elf costume to gather intelligence.
