Page 1 of A Not So Merry Kiss-mas
Prologue
The buzz of excitement surrounds me as I sip my morning cocoa. It’s the time of year we here at the North Pole live for, when the possibility of dreams coming true floats in the air, almost touching reality.
When even the people with the most fear let their hearts open the tiniest bit to feel the longing that’s been gnawing deep inside them, and the people around them feel inspired to help.
Take this letter, for instance:
Dear Mrs. Claus,
I’m Anne Fletcher, though you might remember me as Anne Taylor since that was the name on the envelope I received almost sixty years ago.
Your letter changed my life and helped me to see my annoying next-door neighbor in a completely different light. One that had me falling head over heels in love and marrying him a short time after.
I never thanked you for the gentle nudge your letter gave me. Not only was Samuel the best man I have ever known, but he was the perfect companion for me.
That’s a long enough trip down memory lane and not the reason I’m writing to you. You see, I’m hoping that you and your team still do your thing because my two neighbors could use your special type of magic. Melanie and Michael are two of the sweetest kids I’ve ever met, and they both deserve to find their perfect match.
Their initial meeting and then further encounters have been rocky. Despite that, I’m fairly certain Michael is smitten with Melanie.
Melanie, on the other hand, needs help recognizing Michael for the amazing young man he is. You see, Melanie is a tad grumpy—adorably sweet and would do anything for me—but quite prickly to the majority of people she meets. She’s always so tired from her night shifts, I don’t know if she even sees him! And well, Michael, he is the light that brightens whatever space he walks into.
Opposites in every way. Even their schedules clash—he’s busy all day firefighting, she’s busy all night on the nurse shifts. Two heroes, saving lives, what a match! But thereare moments when she looks at him where I’ve witnessed a softness light her eyes, and her permanent scowl lifts at the corner just a smidge. There’s a yearning that fills her expression for a moment before it’s replaced with the frown that seems to linger on her face.
Her loneliness, hidden behind a wary demeanor, tugs at my heart.
Melanie hasn’t told me what happened that made her shun true love, but I’ll trust that you are entirely aware and have a complete understanding of what she needs to hear.
Thank you for helping this old lady in more ways than I could have possibly ever dreamed.
Sincerely,
Anne (Taylor) Fletcher
Anne isn’t the first person to come to us with a request to help people she knows find that special kind of love. In fact, it’s a constant occurrence, one that keeps me and my team inspired to do the work we do.
Seems that she is also aware that Miss Melanie Briggs may be a tough nut to crack. She may be a tall order, perhaps, but nothing a little Christmas miracle can’t handle.
Who am I to meddle in matters of the heart?
Why, I’m Mrs. Claus, and I’m more than just the cookie-baker of the North Pole. While my dear Santa and his elves bustle about with toys and tinsel, ensuring Christmas morning sparkles for children everywhere, I have my own mission:Operation Mistletoe Match.
Through these letters, I weave a bit of hope, a whisper to take a chance—because love is the greatest gift, and it’s waiting to be unwrapped.
The story on the following pages is of Michael (Mike) Matthews and Melanie (Mel) Briggs. Did my letter spark the courage they needed? That’s for you to discover.
Grab yourself a warm drink, cozy up under a fluffy blanket, and let yourself get lost in the tale that’s waiting just for you.
With mistletoe kisses and a heart full of hope,
Mrs. Claus
Chapter One
Mel
Laughter and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” surround me as I walk through the door at the Nicholses’ house.
The party’s in full swing, and I’m late. My hour nap turned into two, and I rushed to get ready to make it here as quickly as possible.
