The North Pole was quiet—for once.

Mission Control had powered down to standby mode, the S-1 was docked and gleaming with frost, and the elves were finally off-duty, tucked into their bunks with cocoa and dreams of successful deliveries. The world had its presents. The job was done.

And Steve Claus, still in his regulation-issue red plaid pajamas and a robe he’d thrown on after returning from Arthur’s sleigh run, was standing at the foot of your bed with a tray in hand.

“Good morning,” he said, voice low and warm. “It’s 0700. Optimal gift-opening window. I let you sleep in an extra twenty minutes. Consider it my Christmas miracle.”

He set the tray down—coffee, just the way you like it, and a small plate of cinnamon toast cut into perfect triangles. Then, with a rare, boyish smile, he reached behind him and pulled out a small, meticulously wrapped box.

“I thought we could open a few before the family summons us for the main event. I’ve scheduled a buffer window for just us.”

He sat beside you, the faintest trace of glitter still clinging to his sleeve from the night’s mission. His hair was slightly tousled, and his goatee—still shaped like a Christmas tree—was just beginning to lose its sharp edge. But his eyes were bright, focused entirely on you.

“I know I can be… intense,” he said, handing you the box. “But I wanted this morning to be about us. No spreadsheets. No sleigh diagnostics. Just you and me.”

Inside the box: a delicate silver ornament, engraved with the coordinates of your favorite spot in the North Pole. On the back, a simple inscription: “Home is wherever you are.”

Steve watched your reaction, his expression softening.

“I had it made after last year. After everything. I realized… I don’t want to run Christmas if I’m not running it with you in my corner.”

He reached for your hand, threading his fingers through yours.

“There are more gifts,” he added, nodding toward a small stack by the fireplace. “I may have gone slightly overboard. But you deserve it.”

He leaned in, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“Merry Christmas, love. Thank you—for being the best part of mine.”