“Well, the Christkind,” she began, reciting the story she’d heard dozens of times growing up, “is a fairylike angel, dressed in white-and-gold robes and wearing a crown on top of her long golden hair. According to folklore, she is the bearer of gifts to children in German-speaking countries, leaving the presents under the Christmas tree and disappearing before they can catch a glimpse of her.”
“So a cross between the tooth fairy and Santa Claus?” Hudson somehow managed to keep a straight face, but the amusement in his eyes was evident.
Allie laughed. “Something like that.”
“And all this?” He gestured to the red-and-white striped tents arranged in rows under the shadow of the steel Picasso.
“This is the Christkindlmarket.”
He lifted a dark brow. “Which is?”
“C’mon,” she said, tugging him. “I’ll show you.”
Hudson chuckled quietly as she pulled him into the crowd. Although only a few blocks away in actual proximity, the Christkindlmarket seemed a world away from the retail giants of State Street and the Magnificent Mile. In the plaza outside Daley Center, dozens of merchants sat in small tents selling classic German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, and beer steins, while others offered handmade jewelry, clothes, and toys. Some even demonstrated their handiwork for customers, carving wood or blowing glass for those captivated by the idea of purchasing items directly from their workbenches.
They strolled hand in hand through the maze of tents until Hudson paused in front of one selling what appeared to be small wooden carousels. Each had several tiers decorated with intricately carved figurines and were surrounded by small white candles at their base. On top sat what looked like helicopter blades.
“We had one of these when I was a kid,” he said. His voice was so soft, Allie barely heard him.
When he was a kid. Hudson hardly ever mentioned his past, must less his childhood. A hundred questions popped into Allie’s head. But wanting to take things at the pace he needed, she kept herself from bombarding him and instead asked only one. “What is it?”
“A Christmas pyramid. When the candles are lit the heat rises and spins the propellers.” He reached out and with one finger gave the delicate paddles a gentle push. All at once the tiers began to rotate in alternating directions.
“It’s beautiful.” Growing up, her house had been decorated by the same people who did the windows at Marshall Field’s. And yet as she watched the pyramid turn, picturing a wide-eyed Hudson watching it as a child, she realized she’d never seen a holiday decoration she liked more.
“Nicky was obsessed with the damn thing, constantly trying to figure out what made it work. Only problem was, as soon as he touched it all the blades would fall out.” His lips were pressed together in a hard line, but at the mention of his brother a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “He would get so frustrated. But then I’d rebuild it for him and he’d do it again not five minutes later.”
Allie touched Hudson’s arm. “You’ve always been so good with him.”
Hudson frowned. “My mom used to put it on the table like a centerpiece. Even after . . .” His voice trailed off and they stood quietly for several moments until the spinning slowed to a stop.
“Let’s get one,” Allie said. “We can put it on the dining room table at your penthouse.”
He shook his head. “I don’t need a bunch of clutter. I like things simple, orderly.”
She placed her hand on the side of his face, urging him to look at her. “I’d like to have one. And imagine how excited Nick will be to see it.” She could see the internal debate flit across his eyes. “And as for clutter, you better get over that right now, Chase, because I have carte blanche when it comes to decorating.”
He lifted a brow. “Carte blanche?”
“Well, for the next few weeks, at least.”
“On whose approval?” he asked, unable to hide his grin.
“Mine. Didn’t you get that memo?” she teased.
“No, I must have missed that one among the hundred or so others.” He brushed his lips across hers. “You’re quite remarkable, do you know that?”
Allie leaned back to look at him. “Does this mean we’re getting one?”
“Hmm. Seems I’m incapable of denying you anything. Pick your favorite.”
“Oh no,” she said. “You’re the resident pyramid expert. You choose.” She smacked a swift kiss against his lips. “Meet me at the wrapping paper tent when you’re done.”
Hudson groaned, but as she walked away she stole a glance over her shoulder. He looked relaxed and happy as he chatted with the woman boxing up the pyramid he’d selected. Allie wondered idly if it was similar to the one he’d had as a child. Not that it mattered. The important thing was he’d faced a memory from his past. And more than that, he’d been willing to share it with her.
She smiled to herself as she wandered over to a table covered with every type of wrapping paper and ribbon imaginable. For several minutes she sifted through the rolls of brightly colored foils and prints, debating which ones would be best suited for the gifts they’d selected earlier for Harper and Nick.
“You didn’t tell me they sold beer,” Hudson said, strolling up beside her. He was holding a stein of beer in one hand and what appeared to be a tiny boot in the other. “Genius, really. Makes the Christmas shopping experience all the more tolerable.” He held out the boot for her to take.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Something called gluehwein, which according to the man dressed in lederhosen, is a hot spiced wine. Complete with a souvenir cup,” he added with a smirk. “That I somehow suspect is going to end up on display in my game room.”
Allie smiled. “What a wonderful idea. It will look great behind the bar. You can put it on one of the glass shelves right next to the Baccarat.”
“Keep teasing me and I won’t buy you that fried dough you’ve had your eye on since we arrived.”
Allie’s mouth popped open. How in the world did he always seem to know exactly what she was thinking?
Hudson’s mouth twisted into a wry grin. “Like I said, Alessandra, I’ve become quite adept at reading your body.” He dropped his lips to her ear. “Especially what it hungers for.” His words were like an incendiary device, setting her every nerve aflame. “Drink your wine.”
She took a sip of wine from the small boot, letting the spiced liquid warm her insides. Something on the display in front of them caught Hudson’s eye. He lifted a wide spool of red satin ribbon from the table.
“This looks promising,” he murmured, adding it to the pile of wrapping paper Allie had already selected. He dug his wallet out of his back pocket and handed his credit card over to a woman in a green elf hat.
“Planning to wrap a few presents, Mr. Chase?”
“One in particular.” A wicked gleam flashed in his eyes. “And I plan to unwrap it as well.”
Allie smiled over the rim of her cup, loving his playful, happy mood.
Hudson gathered their bags. “Now tell me, what’s left on your list of Christmas torture?”
“Why can’t you just admit you’ve enjoyed this?”
“While I’ll admit I have enjoyed spending time with you, I’m ready to get you home.” He lowered his voice to a rough whisper. “And naked.”
Allie looked around and was relieved to find no one within earshot.