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~ Christian ~

Curious about how Destiny became Mapleton's Secret Santa, Christian sat in the driver's seat, his trunk overflowing with wrapped presents, thirteen small trees, and canned food. Throughout three years, people debated the identity of the woman he had known since middle school, who was never believed to be the holiday miracle worker.

Destiny Cross, with her dark hair, huge green eyes, and admiration for luxury, came across unlikely to help others. Perhaps no one knew her. Since he didn't know her well, he spoke with her for thirty minutes to learn more.

"So, how do you normally do this?" he asked while following the GPS directions.

"Once I get to a neighborhood, I park across the street from most houses. I need to watch where I walk if someone has a dog."

"That's understandable."

"Yeah, I don't want to disturb anyone. That would expose my identity and everything."

Christian nodded. "How do you continue if a family has a pet?"

"I hide myself. It's worked three years in a row for me."

"You have a point, Destiny."

She chuckled. "I thought it was Serendestiny?"

One side of his lips rose. "It is cool of you to do this. You're a rare gem in a sea of pebbles."

"I appreciate that. Since the first year, I've always made sure to do my homework beforehand."

Christian went on to ask, "What happened to you the first time?" with the familiarity that Destiny's tone was far from optimistic.

"A Rottweiler belonging to one family barked the entire time I was in the yard. The massive beast was tall and chased me down their mile-long street. I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest or I was going to end up in the hospital."

"Goodness, Destiny," Christian murmured. He didn't like the thought of her life being in danger.

"All's well that ends well, and that situation taught me the importance of looking before I leap."

"How many of the families tonight have dogs?"

"There are only three homes, but don't worry. Most of the pets are small, and I've gotten better at fighting over the years, so we shouldn't have any problems."

He giggled and said, "Like a superhero?"

"Laugh all you want, Mr. González, but I'm an expert," Destiny quipped.

Despite her red cheeks from the cold and minimal makeup, he found her more attractive. His interest toward her was nothing new to him. He always liked her, but she was like a forbidden fruit on a tree of passion. Like a sunset, Destiny Cross was beautiful and forever out of his reach.

"You can park anywhere around here."

The street was recognizable because his aunt and uncle lived nearby. "I know this area."

She looked at him and nodded. "This street is quite active. Every home has Christmas lights. Very impressive."

"Like you, Destiny."

She grinned as he slowed down near a curve.

After they climbed out of the cab, Christian helped her retrieve a Christmas tree with a constructed base from the trunk. Once it stood, Destiny took a long ruby garland from another bag. "I always set up the trees before taking them to the porch. The presents come next, and the groceries are last. I usually finish everything under ten minutes, unless there's a problem. Then I have to go full speed, which drags out the process."

While decorating the tree, Christian gently reminded her, "Everything should be effortless since you have a partner this year."

"True." His large biceps caught her attention, and he grinned. "We can finish in half the time with your help to carry the trees." After finishing up, Destiny stepped back, put her hands on her hips, and looked at him. "Thanks for doing this."

"I'd help you with anything, Destiny."

She turned her gaze and cleared her throat. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I will ever be."

"Perfect." She grabbed two reusable bags and one red bag from the backseat. "We have ten minutes."

"We can do this in five."

She nodded as he took the tree and two bags. Christian stayed quiet as he positioned the tree, watching Destiny let go of her bags after reaching the porch. The residents included the Hamilton family, which struggled after Eric Hamilton's layoff earlier this year. She unloaded the gifts under the tree while beaming.

Taking Destiny's hand as they descended the snowy stairs to his vehicle, Christian guided her. He whispered, "Why this house?" as they hopped into his car and proceeded to the next house on her list.

"Little Molly Branson told me that her parents worked long hours and traveled. Her two teenage brothers had never had a tree, gifts, or a Christmas dinner. Her elder brother is graduating high school next year, so I planned an enjoyable holiday. Nathan already has his plate full with family and a part-time job at the diner, but this slight gesture would brighten his day. I have a gut feeling."

Destiny's words shook Christian and made him wonder if she understood the blessings she had delivered. What mattered most was the impact she had on people's lives, not the material things they received.

He held her hand and exhaled his suppressed breath while looking at her. "Can I ask you a question?"

"What do you want to know?"

"Did you ever miss out on any memorable experiences while you were growing up?"

She laughed loudly. "Have you forgotten who my family is?"

"No. What a ridiculous question. I apologize." He remembered driving by her fancy house as a teenager in his parents' battered truck. All her neighbors had Christmas lights, and he enjoyed them. "One of these days, I will figure out why you're doing this."

"I didn't count until midnight like other kids my age. Nothing major happened on Christmas Day. Each year, we decorated our family tree. Campfire stories and tasty food were available. Because my family managed money well, we never ran out. I didn't mind gifts because I had several." Destiny shrugged.
"As I became older, I realized that I should not be so entitled and that I tend to take things for granted. Many families struggle during the holidays. I accept donations and give back because I enjoy it. My life has a purpose."

Christian smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Destiny, your deeds are extraordinary. I think your childhood shaped you into the person you are now."

She shook her head and watched him. "Your opinion of me will change. People dislike me. They gossip and stare. Everyone thinks I'm a spoiled brat who never worked." Destiny continued while he listened. "Some people think they know me, but they are pointing fingers in the wrong direction. Despite their financial security, my parents taught me how to save. My independence brought me here. My parents just covered tuition, and no ones knows I worked two jobs for housing, groceries, and books. I lived with them after college to save for a house and then moved away."

Christian said, "Your father still owns the community center, and you work under him," which they both already knew.

"I earn the same as everyone else at work. It will be a while before my dad retires, but I know he will leave the center to my brothers and me. Running a company is exhausting. I'm not rich, but I have enough money to cover my mortgage, two car payments, a few loans, and an annual beach vacation."

He shifted in his seat, thinking about Destiny in a beach bikini. "Where do you like to go on vacation?"

She replied, "Huh?" and put her fingers in front of the warm air vents after taking her hand from him.

"Where do you like to go on vacation?" Christian repeated his question for emphasis.

"Wherever my soul leads. I wish to be in a warm place and snow-free."

"When is your next vacation?"

"A few days after the new year." She chuckled. "I'm going to Hawaii, where I have rented a beach house near the ocean and plan to do nothing all day but drink virgin daiquiris and soak up the sun."

He asked, "Are you traveling alone?" Despite never seeing her with a man or woman, Christian didn't care. Destiny could still be dating a secret lover.

"Yep. Since most of my friends have settled down with families, I am traveling alone."

"So, you don't want any company?" Although she had no commitments to him, Christian did not like the idea of her traveling alone across the sea.

"I don't need anyone." Dismissing his questions seemed to ease her, and Destiny inhaled deeply. "We've got to get moving. You can park near the gate since we have three more houses on this street to visit before sunrise."

"You're sounding like the Home Alone bandits, trying to get to as many houses as possible," he remarked, garnering laughter and smiles from her.

"We're not criminals, Christian. Instead, we're spreading the joy of Christmas." Destiny bolted once he parked. "Two minutes."

Repeating the process, they decorated each tree and placed presents and food bags by the front door. Back in his cab, they moved in sync to each house until they reached the end.

"I know you weren't planning on having me come along with you tonight," he said at a four-way intersection. "Still, I've enjoyed this experience. Best night of my life tonight. Honestly."

"We did work well as a team, didn't we?" She tilted her head while smiling. "I can make some pancakes if you're hungry, or you can go home and sleep."

"You like to cook?"

"Sometimes. But I planned to ask the housekeeper to prepare us a batch when I returned." She giggled. "I'm kidding. Of course, I like cooking. I'm tired of your crude preconceptions about me."

"Sorry, sweetheart, but most women who look and dress like you do not know anything about a kitchen."

"That's their loss, Christian. I excel at cooking and stand out among other women. Don't add me to the mushy bar chicks who flirt with you."

"What do you know about the women I interact with?" Christian looked at Destiny, hoping she wouldn't believe local gossip. Since he never bothered to fully understand her, he can't blame her for interpreting what they said literally.

"I know women come and go in your life."

"Maybe because none of them made me breakfast." He grinned.

"You know what? My plans for tonight changed. I'm tired now."

"Nope. That won't work for me. Refusing your breakfast invitation seems disrespectful. Why should I turn it down when we're having so much fun together? Maybe we will continue this tradition when we're gray."

"Now, you are trying to buddy up to me." She exhaled. "But if you irritate me, I cannot promise I won't try to poison you."

Christian laughed at her remarks and knew he cherished this woman. It was his only hope that Destiny Cross mirrored his feelings. Unless she reciprocated, declaring his affection for her would be awkward. He wanted their relationship to bloom like a rose, but unfortunately, it seemed doomed from the start.

Realizing she could be his soulmate, Christian could not back away. Destiny was in his life now, and that lit his soul on fire.

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