Chapter XIV

"Fae Touched?" Santa was looking upset, reminding his wife and the others of his days as Scott Calvin. "What does that mean? What did she do to him?"

"It's not bad, Sir," Judy quickly interjected. "It's a gift. Really. When a human is cared for by a Fae, he or she becomes Fae Touched. They grow their own Sparkle, and age more slowly. It's only when they are near the Fae, and it can fade and grow back in time. He is still human, Sir."

Mrs. Claus was studying her husband, brow furrowed, when she asked, "What would happen if they got married, and Charlie became Santa?"

The Fae exchanged glances, and Mab answered.

"It's never happened before, so we can't know for certain. However, it is highly likely that he would be Santa for an abnormally long period of time."

"That's it?"

"That's it. Though I should think near immortality for our children is nothing to scoff at."

When they were finally alone – really alone – at Fia's apartment, she and Charlie looked shyly at each other.

"So. Er . . ."

"Thank you, Charlie."

He laughed nervously and ran a hand through his hair.

"Maybe . . . I should go."

"I- You . . . You don't have to go. If you don't want to."

His eyes darkened, but he smiled at her and stepped closer, taking her waist in his hands. She let her hands roam up his chest and around his neck, turning her face up to him. He accepted the kiss and deepened it, this time pulling her toward her room.

"Just . . ." he began, his breathing already ragged. "Just tell me when to-"

"Stop? Charlie Calvin, if you stop at all, I'll kill you."

He laughed and kissed her with new vigor, only to pause again. She growled at him.

"Sorry, it's just . . . I don't have a . . ."

She smirked at him. "Don't worry; I do." His eyebrows raised and she said, "For just in case. I- I've never-"

"I know. You're sure?"

"Of course. Now kiss me before I lose my nerve."

He grinned and did as she asked.

Later, Charlie woke to a hand on his cheek. He smiled down at Fia.

"What?"

She grinned. "You're Sparkling. Just a little."

His hand flew up to try to feel what she meant.

"What? What does that mean?"

"It means that I like you a lot."