The glow of the Christmas lights illuminated the living room, casting a warm light over the current scene. Simon stood near the tree, tugging at the white fluff of his Santa beard. “This thing is bloody ridiculous,” he muttered, the matching red hat tilted to the side on his head.

“Oh come on, you look very believable,” you laughed, carefully setting the milk & cookies on the living room table.

Simon rolled his eyes but didn’t argue with you, instead he crouched down to scatter some flour near the fireplace. His boots making perfect snowy footprints across the floor. “That should do it,” he grumbled, brushing his hands off as he straightened up.

You stepped closer to him, biting back a smile as you studied him. Simon as Santa Claus wasn’t a sight you ever thought you’d see, but it filled your heart with a warmth that only he & your precious children could bring out in you.

“Something funny?” His hazel eyes softened beneath the brim of the hat as he turned to you, his lips quirking into a smirk. The fake beard on his usual stoic appearance was honestly hilarious.

“Nothing,” you shook your head, stifling a laugh, “It’s just… you make a pretty good Santa. They’ll believe it without a question.”

His smirk turned into a teasing smile, & before you could react, he stepped closer to you, slipping an arm around your waist. “Yeah? you think so?”

You didn’t even have time to agree before he leaned down, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss that sent sparks of electricity & warmth through your chest. The kiss deepened, his hand resting at the small of your back, pulling you closer to him.

& then—

“Mommy’s kissing Santa!”

The shriek shattered the moment & the two of you jumped apart, slowly turning towards the stairs. & there stood your pair of two very wide eyed kids, their mouths agape in a gasp. Emily & Jamie.

“We have to tell Daddy!” the youngest, Jamie, whispered, clutching his siblings arm in pure horror as they stared at the scene in front of them.