Chapter 11: Too close

"A-A-Antonio," Andrea stuttered, looking like the blood had drained out of her face, as though she was seeing a ghost.

The little boy stared with admiration at the man before him and shouted alarmingly, "Santa's in Town!"

He wiggled his little body out of her arms and offered to carry the hats in. Antonio chuckled and insisted that he'd do that himself but placed one on the little guy's head. John thanked him and rushed back in excitedly.

"W-What are you doing here?"

"Oh where are my manners not replying to your greeting. Merry Christmas to you too Miss Santa," he said sarcastically, causing her to roll her eyes with a chuckle.

"Merry Christmas to you too Santa Claus. But what are you doing her?"

"What do you think? I came to adopt. It is an orphanage after all," he said nonchalantly.

"Huh?" she asked stunned.

"Except that I'm hearing from sources it would be easier if I had a wife. But how would I get one who would actually like orphaned kids they barely know. Most of the women I kno