Page 7 of A New Year Baby

“Yes, that’s right!” I interject sharply. “He’s on his way right now. He’s a very lovely man. You can meet him soon, Evie.”

“Okay,” Eve says, nodding and turning to leave. But then she hesitates and turns back. “Where is he coming from exactly?”

“He liveswaynorth of here,” Luna explains. “But he’s coming to town.”

Eve’s eyes grow narrowed again. “Where in the North, Luna? I just came from Alaska—do you know where that is? It’s very far north.”

“Oh, wow! Did you see my father there?” Luna asks with excitement. “Mommy showed me the map of where he’s traveling. It looks like a very long trip. But he will get here super fast.”

“Is he driving?” Eve asks.

“No, of course not,” Luna responds. “He’s flying. ”

“Yes, and he’s coming into the airport very early tomorrow,” I add. “So, we need to get some rest. Hope you enjoy the macarons, Evie. Merry Christmas!”

But she doesn’t leave.

“What does your father do for a living, Luna?”

“Oh, he’s very busy,” my daughter answers. “He’s very famous. That’s why I never get to see him.”

“How often does he stay with you?” Eve presses.

“Never,” Luna says. “He only visits.”

Eve looks at me suspiciously. “Have you ever actually met him, Luna?”

“No… because I don’t wake up early enough,” Luna admits. “But he comes down the chimney, and I saw his snowy footprints on the carpet after he left me a bunch of toys. And I made special cookies for him, and he ate them all and dipped them in milk!”

“Are you talking about…Santa Claus?” Eve asks.

“Yes, Father Christmas,” Luna says with a sage nod. “He’s very jolly and very important. He would spend more time with me, but he has to make toys to give them to lots of children. He’s already traveling to see them now, I can show you where he is on the map! I think he’s over China.”

Eve glares at me, and I know I’m busted.

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