Illustrator unite question

I am designing the following set of name filled ornaments, (when my replacement lens arrives I can cut them) and I am making it for a number of kids, so I would prefer to use the unite option so the word sticks inside of the circle… (also if you have a font recommendation for this, double bonus)

Screen Shot 2019-12-10 at 7.44.25 PM

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But it just makes the name disappear.

I could use the scissors and slice the edge of the names, to join them but I was hoping there was an easier way to do it that this amazing group could share.

Here is the file…

decoration

Another option is just an underlined name that sticks across the circle, but once again I would love to unite them without manual uniting.