Chapter Twenty-One
"I'm telling you, Mr. Brockman, she's been like this for days." Kiana could hear Trish whispering to the bookseller in the hallway outside her room.
"Uh huh. And she told you she would feel better after January eleventh?" Mr. B answered.
"That's what she said. With no explanation whatsoever.
But it's been two days since the eleventh and she's still just as depressed as ever." Trish pushed the door open a bit and peeked in. Kiana ignored her.
"She hasn't gone back to work at the library. She stopped volunteering at your shop, which is her favorite thing ever.
She cries herself to sleep. And the only thing she told me is that Oskar Klaus broke her heart. I swear....I'd like to kick his green-haired butt all the way to...." Trish mumbled.
"All right, all right. Let's have a little chat with Miss Grant and figure out what's going on. This seems somewhat confusing to me," Mr. Brockman responded.
Kiana heard the door to her room creak open and she hid her head under her pillow. The last thing she wanted to do was have an emotional conversation with Trish and Mr.
Brockman.
"No use trying to hide from us, Kiana. We're not leaving until we have a discussion about your short vacation," Mr.
Brockman announced.
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"Not in the mood," she said from under her pillow. It was yanked off her head by Trish, who glared at her from the side of her bed.
"Time to get out of bed, girlfriend!" She grabbed Kiana by the arm and pulled her upright.
Mr. Brockman looked down at her with a sympathetic smile. "Trish tells me you're nursing a broken heart. But the last time I saw you with Oskar your auras were beautiful together. Glowing and quite powerful."
Kiana's eyes filled with tears. "It was all a lie, Mr.
Brockman. We weren't meant to be together after all," she whispered.
He sat down on the edge of her bed. "I don't believe that for a minute. I saw your aura before you met him and after.
It was real, believe me." He raised a brow. "Did you go to the North Pole?"
Kiana gasped.
Trish rolled her eyes. "Uh, Mr. Brockman, what the heck are you talking about?" Trish asked.
"You know?" Kiana asked. "How can you know about that?"
Trish's head snapped back and forth, looking at Kiana, then the bookseller. "Uh, could you two please let me in on your conversation. What's going on?"
Mr. B smiled at Trish. "You can tell her, Kiana. It's all right.
She's a trusty-worthy young woman, and she deserves to know what's going on."
"How do you know what's going on, Mr. Brockman?
Suddies aren't supposed to know about Glasdorf."
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"Suddies? Glasdorf? What language are you guys speaking?" Trish huffed with impatience.
Mr. Brockman gestured for Trish to sit on the bed, which she did. "I knew Alena Klaus when she was a young woman. I was courting her at the same time that big bear of a man took a shining to her." He shook his head. "Too bad, really. I think she would have been happy with me, but she chose Nicholas Klaus, Sr. instead. I knew all about the North Pole and the magik. Of course, my family hails from Bavaria, Germany so we're well acquainted with the legend of the Klaus family and the elves, etcetera." He paused and reached for Kiana's hand, squeezing it gently. "In fact, my family is well versed in Light Magik. The elves taught my ancestors about their gifts many, many years ago. It's more or less a lost art-form these days, but I still dabble in it a bit."
Trish barked out a laugh. "I think the two of you might need a little shock therapy."
Kiana turned to her best friend. "I know it sounds crazy, but Oskar Klaus, and Gregor, Sven, Nicholas and Wolfgang are actually Santa's sons. They live in the North Pole and help their parents run Klaus Enterprises, which is a huge business.
Not only do they make toys for delivery on Christmas Eve, but they also do philanthropic projects all year long." She laughed at Trish's incredulous expression. "And there are elves up there, too. I know this sounds nuts, but I was there, and I saw it with my own two eyes."
Mr. Brockman lifted his hand in the air and opened his palm. A small misty cloud formed above his fingers, and the 301
sparkling castle of Glasdorf appeared inside. "That's what it looks like, Trish."
Trish's mouth hung open. "Holy Macarena. All that time you were talking about auras and stuff I just figured you were....well....a little bit kooky, Mr. Brockman." She gazed at him with wonder. "But you're not really kooky at all, are you?"
He shook his head. "No. Not many people can open their hearts to the magik."
Kiana stifled a cry. "I don't want to talk about the magik! A stupid spell got my heart broken." She told Trish and Mr. B
about Ingo's spell and the battle with Wiebe, finding Gabi and falling in love with Oskar.
"The spell was supposed to be over on January eleventh, but I don't feel any better! I can't stop thinking about Oskar."
Her voice broke on a sob. "I never thought I would trust anyone again after the whole debacle with Tom. But Oskar was different. It felt so real! I can't believe it was all a lie."
She rubbed her nose. "And I miss Gabi, too. She is such a little honeybee." Tears tracked down her cheeks and Trish leaned over to give her a hug.
Mr. Brockman shook his head. "You need to listen to your heart, Kiana. Regardless of this spell, which frankly I doubt was kast correctly, you must learn to trust your own emotions." He narrowed his eyes and looked at her closely.
"Your aura is filled with pain. If your feelings were not genuine, why are you still suffering? What does your heart tell you? Was your love with Oskar the real thing? Or not?"
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Kiana took a deep breath. She was afraid to face the truth, but somewhere deep inside she believed that Oskar honestly loved her. He hadn't been put off by her ugly clothes, her librarian job or her painful memories from Hawaii. In fact, he'd encouraged her to talk about her family, praised her work at Brockman's, and persuaded her to drop the hideous clothes and reveal her true self. "I think....I think it was real.
I know I'm crazy about him, and his love for me felt amazing." She buried her face in her hands. "What am I going to do now?"
A buzzing sound came from her backpack. Kiana sighed and reached over the side of the bed. "That's my cell. Just a second." She crawled out of bed and searched through her bag until she found the phone. "Hmm. That's weird. It says Lys Bauer. She lives in Glasdorf."
"Hello?"
"Hello! Kiana! Is that you?" Lys's high-pitched voice sounded faint.
"Yes, Lys, it's me. How did you get this number?"
"From Gregor Klaus. Someone here wants to talk with you...." Kiana heard whispering in the background.
"Hullo? Kiana?" Her heart stopped at the sound of Gabi's voice.
"Gabi! It's so good to hear from you, sweet pea. How are you?"
"Well...I miss you. A lot. So does Mr. Frosty."
Kiana shut her eyes and tried to pull herself together. "I miss you, too. You have no idea how much...."
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"My birthday is tomorrow. I was wondering if you would come to my party. I want you to be here to celebrate with me."
Kiana laughed. "You're having a party in Glasdorf?"
"Yes. Boris will come pick you up in a sleigh. The Council said it was okay."
Kiana sighed. She missed Gabi and wanted to share the joy on her birthday. The idea of seeing Oskar had her heart racing. But was she brave enough to do this? She glanced at Trish and Mr. Brockman who were nodding at her encouragingly. "Is there any chance I can bring some friends with me? Do you think the Council would approve of that?"
"I don't know. Who do you want to bring?" Gabi asked, curiosity in her voice.
"Two people who are really important to me. They would love to meet you, too. Mr. Brockman...he owns that awesome bookstore I was telling you about. And my best friend Trish. I know you will get along great."
Kiana heard more whispering in the background.
"The Council wants to know if your friends are trustworthy," Gabi said.
Kiana turned to Mr. Brockman and Trish and smiled. "They are the most devoted, trustworthy and loyal people I know.
They're my true family. I trust them with my life. Tell the Council they will keep their secret safe from the rest of the world. It would mean a lot to me if they could come to Glasdorf, too."
After a few moments to confer, Gabi returned to the phone. "Good news! Gregor vouched for both of your friends 304
and the Council said you are all welcome here. I can't wait to see you!"
Kiana swallowed and took a deep breath. "Thanks so much, Gabi. I can't wait to see you, too. Um, how is...uh...Oskar doing?"
There was a long pause on the phone. "He's super sad.
Boris said he looks like a long-lost puppy dog who lost its mama...."
Kiana heard some scuffling in the background.
"Even now? Now that it's past January eleventh?" Kiana asked.
"Yeah, he's still miserable. Dag says he smells stinkier than a Teufelchen and that he needs a damned bath..." Gabi said.
Lys got onto the phone. "Oh, Kiana, we are so happy you are coming to the party! We're looking forward to meeting your friends, too. Boris will be there tomorrow evening to pick you up, all right?"
"Thanks, Lys. I will see you soon." Kiana hung up the cell phone and looked at Mr. Brockman and Trish. "So, how do you guys feel about a little trip to the North Pole?"
"Oh my God!"
Kiana laughed at Trish's expression as their sleigh whizzed along the streets of Glasdorf.
Trish clutched onto Mr. Brockman's arm. "Is this cool or what? Can you believe this place?"
Mr. Brockman smiled and patted her roommate's hand. "It is truly lovely. I agree."
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Boris steered the sleigh along a snowy roadway dotted with old-fashioned gas lamps and awning-framed storefronts.
He chuckled at Trish's excitement.
"That's Nicholas' bakery there....Klaus Kuche." He pointed to a massive building that seemed to be bustling with hundreds of elves inside, all dressed in baker's whites.
"Wow! I would love to see that place." Trish leaned forward, peering at Boris' ears. She tentatively reached out to touch one.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing, Miss Suddie?" Boris bent away from Trish's questing fingers.
"Just checking to see if those things are for real. I've never seen...uh...elfin ears before."
Boris rolled his eyes. "Keep your hands to yourself, Miss.
We're here." He parked the sleigh in front of a huge structure that reminded Kiana of an industrial warehouse.
"This is where Gabi's party is being held? What is this place?" Kiana asked as she hopped out of the sleigh.
Boris led Mr. Brockman, Trish and Kiana to the front door of the building. "Well, you'll see soon enough." He winked at Kiana as he knocked on the door. "Coming in!" he yelled.
As soon as the door opened up, a burst of hot, humid air rushed out to greet them.
"Is this a sauna or something?" Trish asked, fanning her face as they walked into a foyer. "It's really hot in here."
Boris took a cigar out of his mouth and pointed to a door at the end of the hallway. "You're supposed to go in there.
There are changing rooms with clothes for all of you."
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Kiana shook her head in confusion. "We have to change clothes for the party? I don't get this."
Boris laughed. "Yep, you're all....a bit overdressed I guess.
Go on, Gabi's waiting."
Mr. Brockman and Trish flanked Kiana, holding tightly onto her hands as they entered the dressing room.
"Try not to be too nervous about seeing Oskar. Everything will turn out all right, you'll see," Mr. Brockman reassured her.
"How do you know that?" Kiana asked. "Do you have a crystal ball? Maybe he doesn't want to see me. He hasn't called or contacted me at all this whole week."
"Gregor told us Oskar was drunk as a skunk at some bar.
He was devastated when you left, Kiana. I agree with Mr. B.
He will be thrilled to see you," Trish added.
They opened the dressing room door and several elves ran over to greet them. "Please follow us. We've been instructed to get you ready for the party." The elves grabbed their hands and lead them into a curtained area.
Mr. Brockman left, laughing, with a male elf who was asking him about his measurements.
Trish and Kiana followed a cute brunette into a room filled with clothes, shoes and accessories.
Kiana took a quick look around and realized everything was beachwear...sandals, skimpy bikinis, hats and even wet suits. "What is going on?" she asked in disbelief as the elf gathered some bikinis in her arms.
"Oh, it's a surprise, Miss Grant. You and your friend need to choose a bathing suit for the party."
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"Look at all these gorgeous clothes!" Trish shouted as she explored the packed room. She turned to the elfin assistant and leaned down to inspect her name tag. "Bertha? I think it's time we got Kiana into a smoking hot bikini. I've been working on her for years. What do you think?"
Bertha nodded her head and winked at Trish. She leaned over and whispered, "Isn't that funny? Oskar told me the same thing."
Kiana laughed at their determined expressions and held up a hand. "Fine. I'll put on a bikini. With a cover-up."
Bertha clucked and lead the girls into changing stalls.
After several minutes, Trish and Kiana appeared in vivid-colored bikini sets with matching sarongs.
Trish gasped when she saw Kiana. "You look gorgeous, girlfriend." She took Kiana's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Like the island girl you are."
Kiana gazed down at her suit and smiled. "It's been a long time since I wore something like this."
"Oskar's eyes are going to pop right out of his head." Trish plopped a wide-brimmed straw hat on her head and twirled in front of a mirror. "For some reason, I thought we'd be wearing snowsuits in the North Pole." She raised a brow at Kiana. "You know what I mean?"
Kiana shook her head. "Uh huh. Something weird is going on. Gabi must be planning quite a birthday party."
Mr. Brockman joined them shortly, looking dapper in Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt.
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"Well, this is a new look for me. I hope Alena likes it." He straightened his bowtie while inspecting his reflection in the mirror.
Kiana placed her hand gently on his arm. "You're not nervous about seeing Mrs. Klaus, are you, Mr. Brockman?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe just a bit. It's been years, and....well, I guess I want to make a good impression.
It's hard to compete with Santa Claus."
Trish giggled and helped to adjust his bow tie. "You look fabulous, Mr. B."
"All right. Please follow me. The other guests are waiting."
Bertha took Kiana's hand and led them down a dark hallway.
At the end was a door with light shining through the cracks on the side. "Here we are. Have a wonderful time," Bertha said.
Bertha pushed open the door and Kiana stepped onto...a beach. The second her toes touched the soft, warm sand she was transported back in time, back to the shoreline in Oahu, greeted by the sound of tropical birds, the rush of the sea, the scent of frangipani blossoms. Her breath caught in her throat and she stared, speechless, at the sight in front of her.
Not sure if it was real or an illusion.
She shaded her eyes with her hands and gazed down the length of the beach. Palm trees fluttered in the breeze, and waves crashed onto the shore. Torches were lit in front of a large gathering place under a thatched roof. Kiana saw tables set up with mounds of fresh fruit—coconuts, pineapples, mango, papaya. Garlands of tropical flowers wound their way around tables and chairs, hung from the trees, were scattered along the beach.
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Trish wrapped her arm around Kiana's waist. "This is fantastic. Look...check out the band!"
Kiana shook her head in bewilderment. A band of elves entertained a crowd, all dressed in beachwear and flip flops.
They played traditional Hawaiian music with ukuleles, ipu drums, kala-au sticks, and the haunting sounds of a Conch shell. She inhaled the smoky scent of pig roasting in taro leaves. Down the beach she saw Mr. and Mrs. Klaus walking hand-in-hand with surf boards under their arms. They both wore wet suits and were watching the sun set over the sea.
"Kiana, are you all right?" Mr. Brockman peered into her face.
She took a deep breath and nodded. "I'm fine," she managed to say. Tears ran down her cheeks. "This is...just....so unexpected. It's been years since I left the island. It's bringing back a lot of memories."
"Good memories, I hope?" Mr. Brockman asked.
She nodded her head. "Yes. Look how beautiful it is. In spite of all the heartache with my family, this will always be a part of my soul. How could it not be?"
Two elves approached them bearing leis. "Welcome to Gabi's party. She's waiting for you." Kiana, Trish and Mr.
Brockman leaned over so that the elves could place the leis around their necks. The delicate garlands were strung with orchids and ginger blossoms. They followed the elves to the beach hut where a huge hand-painted sign hung from the rafters. It read WELCOME HOME, KIANA.
"I thought this was a birthday party for Gabi?" Kiana asked the crowd of smiling elves awaiting her.
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"My birthday isn't actually until September. I tricked you!"
Gabi squealed and flew into Kiana's arms. "Surprise!"
"Gabi!" Kiana squeezed the little girl and spun her around.
It felt so good to hold Gabi again. "Oh, sweet pea....I'm so happy to see you. Are you all right?"
Gabi nodded, her eyes wide and serious. She sighed and rested her head on Kiana's shoulder. "I am now that you're here."
Kiana felt a lump form in the back of her throat. Hot tears flooded her eyes.
"I hope you're not mad I tricked you. It's not really my birthday." Gabi shot her an impish expression.
Kiana laughed through her tears and set Gabi on the ground. "You little trickster. We brought you birthday gifts."
She gestured to a large bag Mr. Brockman had in his arms.
"Oh....really? I love presents!" Gabi exclaimed, peering with interest at the bulging bag. "I guess we shouldn't let these gifts go to waste."
Mr. Brockman chuckled.
"Are you Mr. Brockman?" Gabi asked.
He nodded and held out his hand for a shake. When Gabi reached for him, a string of sternschnuppen flew from her fingertips and jumped onto Mr. Brockman's hands. They raced up his arm and outlined his bowtie so that it glowed.
"You must be the little Bandiger I've heard so much about.
I am very pleased to meet you, young lady. Kiana informed me that you like Dr. Seuss. Is that true?"
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Gabi nodded. "Yep. Kiana reads with me. We like lots of different kinds of books. She told me about your cool shop. I wish I could visit it someday."
Mr. Brockman passed the bag to Gabi. "Well, I'll bet we could arrange that. An after-hours private viewing just for you."
Gabi threw her arms around Mr. Brockman's neck and he glanced at Kiana in surprise.
"Thank you, Mr. Brockman. That would be awesome!"
Kiana introduced Trish and Mr. Brockman to the Council members, the Klaus brothers, and countless other elves. All the while her eyes darted around, searching for Oskar. She couldn't find him anywhere. She tried to tamp down her disappointment. I guess he didn't want to see me after all.
She gazed out to sea, trying to will away her heartache.
"So, do you guys have beach parties a lot? I thought it would be colder in the North Pole," Trish said, sipping a frozen daiquiri.
Mr. Brockman accepted a tropical punch from one of the elves and nodded. "Yes, this seems rather unusual."
Kiana agreed. "Good question. How is it possible for a beach to suddenly appear in Glasdorf?" she asked.
Ingo cleared his throat. "I can explain." He ambled up to Kiana, his expression wary. Lys clutched his hand. "First, I'd like to apologize again for interfering with your heart's true intentions. I feel just awful about it." He drew in a deep breath and continued. "All of the Bandigers used our magik to create this place, just for you. It was Oskar's idea."
Kiana's heart stopped. "It was?"
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Ingo nodded. "He wanted it to be perfect. I hope you like it. And I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday." Lys slid her arm around Ingo's waist, waiting for Kiana's answer.
Poor Ingo, he looks so guilt-ridden.
Kiana knelt on the ground next to the elves. "Thank you for creating this wonderful place, Ingo. I love it. You have no idea how much this means to me." She was shocked by the worried look on Ingo's face. "The truth is...I was angry when I heard what you did, but how can I not forgive you? You saved our lives, and you showed Gabi that her talents are something special and nothing to be ashamed of." She held out her hand to him and he grasped it tightly. "Without your magik, Wiebe could have killed all of us that day. Your courage saved me and Oskar and Gabi and all of Glasdorf."
He nodded at her with tears in his eyes. "Thank you, Miss Grant."
Lys smiled, clearly relieved by their conversation. "I told you, Ingo. She's not one to hold a grudge." She clasped Kiana's other hand. "Thank you," she said, softly.
Kiana got a pang in her heart when she saw the way the two elves looked at each other. They are so in love.
From behind her, Kiana heard someone gasp in surprise.
"John Brockman, is that you?" Mrs. Klaus shouted. "I haven't seen you in years." Kiana turned to see Oskar's mother hurry to Mr. B and embrace him. "It's so good to see you."
"What the hell are you doing here?"' Mr. Klaus thundered.
"Nicky, please be gracious. He's here with Kiana."
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Mr. Brockman folded his arms across his chest and glared at Santa. "I'm here to support Miss Grant. Evidently, your son has broken her heart."
Santa rolled his eyes. "Butt out, Mr. Buttinski. My son is taking care of it. You always were a sore loser. Alena chose me, now get over it."
Mr. Brockman shook his head. "I see you haven't changed much, Nicky." He turned to Mrs. Klaus and lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles. "And you look lovely as ever, Alena. How have you been?"
"Is that really one of mom's old boyfriends?" Sven asked.
"Uh oh. Dad doesn't look too happy about this reunion ,"
Wolf said, trying not to laugh.
Nicholas cleared his throat. "Sorry to break up this love fest, but I think someone is anxious to see Kiana."
Gregor put an arm around Kiana's shoulders. "I hated seeing you so upset in Manhattan. I think you'll be feeling better soon."
Wolfgang nodded. "He's been going out of his mind, just so you know."
"Drank himself into a stupor," Nicholas said.
"I've never seen him so distraught. He needs you, Kiana,"
Sven added. He cocked his head toward the end of the beach.
Kiana shielded her eyes from the setting sun and gazed along the sand dunes.
He was standing there, alone. Swim trunks hung low on his hips. His skin was tan, dusted with sand. She could see every tantalizing tattoo, every ripple of muscle, every drop of water glistening on his skin. She hesitated, not sure what to 314
do. And then she saw the look in his eyes. Filled with love, filled with desire. He opened his arms and waited for her.
Before she knew it she was running down the beach.
Dreaming about touching him, holding him, kissing his smile.
Suddenly she was wrapped in his embrace, laughing and crying and nuzzling his neck. His mouth was all over her, kissing her tears, her eyelids, her lips. She pressed her face against his chest and inhaled his fresh scent...evergreen, earth and Oskar. Her fingers feathered over his beautiful tattoos and stroked the soft hair on his chest.
He pulled back and gazed down into her face. "My God, you look gorgeous." His eyes raked over her from top to bottom. "You take my breath away."
"You changed your hair color," she whispered. Her fingers ran through his damp hair, stroking his scalp.
"Yeah, it's aquamarine," he answered hoarsely.
She nodded in understanding.
"And I got a new tat. Wanna see it?" He flexed his forearm. A miniature version of Kiana's mermaid had been expertly applied. She ran her fingers over his skin.
"It looks great." She smiled up at him. No spell could take away this feeling...it was true and honest and real in every way. "Oskar, I don't care about Zottig Herz. I love you. This past week has been horrible." She buried her face against his chest. "I missed you so much."
"I should have never let you go," he replied. "I knew that Zottig Herz was a crock. Please forgive me..."
"But the spell...." Kiana interrupted.
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"Never happened." Oskar finished. "Ingo and Eugen figured out the spell was null and void because you and I started to fall in love before the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve."
Kiana gasped. "What! What are you saying? There was never a spell?"
Oskar nodded. "Exactly."
She shook her head. "But what about the flower petals in the shower? And my dreams about you...."
"The spell was trying to take hold, but it couldn't. We were already falling in love. I should have trusted my gut about the whole thing. I knew our feelings were the real deal." He kissed her forehead and rubbed the tears from her cheeks.
"I can't believe they put us through that for nothing." A fresh spurt of anger welled up inside of her. "I was devastated. I've been curled up in bed the whole week."
His expression turned grave. "God, I'm so sorry you had to go through this. For what it's worth, this past week has been the worst of my life. I numbed myself out at Dag's.
Everything is pretty much a blur since you left." Oskar leaned down and kissed her again...slowly, gently, and thoroughly.
She was breathless in seconds. "I can't imagine my life without you, Kiana."
"I don't want a life without you, Oskar." She tightened her grip around his waist. "It feels so good to be in your arms again," she whispered.
He cupped her face in his giant hands and smiled. "I tried to think of something to show you how much I care about you, how much you mean to me...." He paused and glanced 316
at the sunset. A soft apricot glow illuminated his face. "What do you think about the beach? Do you like it?"
She was surprised by the vulnerable expression in his eyes. "Oh, Oskar...I love it. Thank you so much for this."
He nodded, relief flooding his face. "I was hoping we could make new memories here. Replace the old, painful ones with new ones....happy ones."
She gazed at the sea and then back at Oskar. "You have no idea how wonderful it is to be here. I feel like....I've come home."
He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead as the wind whipped around them. "You belong here, I can tell. This is your element. Surrounded by wind and water and tropical flowers. Like a goddess." He smiled down at her. "This is the real you...not the woman covered up in coats and hats and fake glasses."
She smiled. "You're right...this is truly where I feel most comfortable. Thanks to you I'm not afraid to be the real me anymore. I'm done with hiding behind my protective shell."
She touched his face gently with her fingertips and shook her head. "This is such a precious gift. Thank you. I can't believe you did all of this for me. The beach, the ocean....all of it."
He clutched her shoulders. "I would do anything for you, sweetheart. I want you in my life. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Kiana bit her lip. "Are you sure? I'm just a plain Jane librarian."
Oskar shook his head. "There's nothing plain about you.
You are the most gorgeous, sexy and fascinating woman I 317
have ever met." His kiss lingered this time, drawing out the connection between them.
He pulled back and searched her face. "You're okay with the HR guy?"
"You mean the HR Director—slash—snowboarding wiz—
slash—demon slayer—slash—man of my dreams? Yeah, I'm okay with that."
He laughed. "Yeah, I guess we make quite a pair, don't we?"
She nodded. "A great pair."
Oskar cupped her face in his hands. "I have a couple of plans. Wanna hear about them?"
"Lay it on me, Bad Boy."
Oskar tipped back his head and roared with laughter.
"Okay, first up....we go surfing." He nodded toward two surf boards leaning against a rock. "I've been practicing. I think you'll be impressed." He wagged his eyebrows at her. "I can't wait to see you in action. Maybe you can give me some pointers."
"Well, it's been a long time. I'm probably a little rusty."
She glanced down at the surf boards and smiled. "I can't wait to get out there!"
"I knew you would like this," he said. "There's more..."
Her heart was thumping wildly at his intense expression.
"Okay. What else?"
"We've got a whole party thrown together...flowers, food, entertainment. It would be a waste not to celebrate something really special." He swallowed and reached into the 318
pocket of his swim trunks and pulled out a ring glinting in the last rays of sunshine.
Her breath hitched. "Oskar....what is that?"
He held out a band etched with crescent moons and sparkling dark blue sapphires. "It's a ring for a Moon Goddess. Marry me, Kiana. Tonight, on the beach. Let's make our own unique life together. You can help me with elf management, I'll help you build the new library. Gabi needs a mom and a dad. Mr. Frosty is already living on my patio. It sounds like a pretty cool family to me. We can snowboard and surf and travel whenever we want to. What do you say?" His hand was trembling as he offered her the ring.
Kiana reached out and gently took the band. She slid it onto her finger and splayed her hand over his heart. "It fits perfectly." Is this really happening? My dreams are finally coming true?
" We fit perfectly," he answered.
She glanced over her shoulder and saw the crowd watching them with bated breath. Alena and Nicholas, Sr., Gabi, Trish and Mr. Brockman, the Klaus brothers, the elves.
All of the most important people in her life. "Well, Mr.
Brockman could give me away. And Trish could be the maid of honor." She turned back to Oskar and laughed. "And elf management sounds sort of fun..."
"So, what's your answer? You're killing me, sweetheart."
The love she saw shining in Oskar Klaus' eyes was real.
"Yes, I would be honored to be your wife."
Oskar released a huge sigh of relief. He leaned over and hollered down the beach, "She said yes!"
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The crowd roared its approval as he pulled her tightly into his arms.
Kiana giggled. "I think you might be wrong about one thing, though..." she said, staring up into his eyes.
Oskar frowned. "What's that?"
"The spell."
"The spell?" Oskar shook his head. "I don't understand."
Kiana smiled up at him. "I think you kast a spell on me.
Some sort of sweet magik."
320
Epilogue
Oskar knelt in front of the fire and stoked it until it roared to life. He wanted to keep his girls nice and warm and cozy on this cold winter's evening.
"Uh, I dropped another stitch!" Boris grumbled from his spot on the sofa. "Lys, I need some help over here."
Lys hustled over to Boris and tipped her glasses to the end of her nose. "Let's see. That's easy enough to fix." She reached over and pulled out a loop on his scarf.
Gabi giggled from the rocking chair. "My scarf looks great!"
A long, white muffler danced in the air, sparkling with silver sternschnuppen.
"Gabi, quit showing off, little honeybee. Uncle Boris is having some trouble with his knitting tonight," Kiana called from the kitchen.
Boris frowned at the dancing scarf as it taunted him, flying in front of his face. "That's cheating!"
Gabi fell to the ground, laughing. "Sorry, Uncle Boris. I'll help you out. I promise."
Ingo joined Oskar next to the fireplace and smiled. "The stitch-n-bitch session is going pretty well, huh? Kiana made a nice hat, Lys' mittens are almost done, and Gabi's scarf looks great." He scratched his beard. "And, um, Boris is starting to get the hang of it. I think."
Oskar raised a brow. "I sure hope that isn't going to be my Christmas present for next year."
321
There was a tap on the window. Mr. Frosty waved at Oskar. "Hold on a second, buddy." Oskar stuck his hand in the ice cooler on the floor and pulled out a root beer-flavored popsicle, Mr. Frosty's favorite. He slid open the window and tossed the treat outside. The snowman caught it in his twiggy hand and nodded a thank you to Oskar.
"Ingo, when are Hie and Loki coming over?" Kiana asked, balancing a tray of hot chocolate in her arms.
"Any minute now, Kiana. Thanks so much for including them. They get lonely sometimes."
Kiana smiled, a gorgeous heart-stopping smile that made Oskar weak in the knees. Every time he saw his new bride he got a pang in his chest. He couldn't believe his good fortune.
Only a few months ago he'd been restless and dissatisfied with his life. Now it felt complete. He had a wife who adored him and was his partner in all ways. She was helping with the new construction plans for the Rec Center, designing a library for Glasdorf, and pitching in with "elfin" issues. In fact, he noticed that the elves seemed to gravitate to his beautiful wife. She had a way about her that put everyone at ease.
Especially the children.
He had an elfin daughter who was filled with joy and had a magikal talent that blew even Master Eugen out of the water.
He had a pet snowman who kicked ass at making snowballs and shoveling the walkways. And his house, which used to be quiet as a tomb, was now constantly filled with visitors, friends, and family. Somehow his self-absorbed bachelor lifestyle had been usurped. And it felt pretty damned fantastic.
322
Although Kiana had resigned her position at the New York Public Library, they still spent quite a bit of time in Manhattan. At least once a week, they volunteered at Brockman's Bookstore for story hour. Gabi used magik to transform herself into a "human" child so she could join them.
Ki was also busy planning the Literacy Project fund-raiser with Wolfie. It promised to be the big event of the season.
Family dinner nights at the Weihnachtsmann's house had turned into a boisterous and festive occasion. All the brothers, wives and sometimes friends (Trish never missed lasagna night) would gather and discuss Klaus Enterprises and how work was going. Gabi usually fell asleep on Ki's lap by the end of the evening.
Oskar's favorite time with Kiana was surfing on their own private beach in Glasdorf. She sparkled with joy every time she caught a wave. Hearing her laughter and sharing her passion for the water made him a happy and satisfied man.
Rolling around in the surf with his sexy wife was an added benefit.
They were even discussing a trip to Hawaii to see her family. She felt strong enough to face her past. Now that she had a future in Glasdorf with him and Gabi.
Kiana handed out steaming mugs of hot cocoa to all of their guests. She walked over to Oskar by the fireplace and set a mug for him on the mantel, next to Ingo's Mother Bond designs.
"Hey there, Bad Boy. What are you thinking about? You have a very pensive look on your face."
323
He leaned down and kissed her. "Just thinking about how lucky I am."
Kiana looked up at him, love shining in her eyes. He remembered being jealous of Nicholas when Lucy gazed into his brother's face with that look, the one he was getting right now. It was a million times better than he could have ever imagined. He cupped Kiana's face in his hands and kissed her with all of the joy and happiness in his heart. From behind him he heard Gabi's sweet giggles.
"Oh boy, here they go again. I had to put mistletoe up everywhere. You never know when they're going to get in the mood for kisses."
Oskar glanced up at the ceiling and smiled. Gabi had strung bouquets of mistletoe tied with cherry red ribbons all over the cottage. "My favorite Christmas decorations, perfect for any time of the year," he murmured into Kiana's neck.
She laughed and kissed him again.Ulrich