Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 47165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 236(@200wpm)___ 189(@250wpm)___ 157(@300wpm)
Except for today.
He only smiles, stroking my hair back and kissing my forehead, and tells me I can sleep as late as I like, any day of the week.
“And what have you been planning?” I ask, playfully putting on an accusing tone, regretting it as soon as I see that look in his eyes.
The look of a man with means, who’s set a ton of things in motion.
A man who’s planned a lot. And most of it around me, I can just feel it.
“I’m just kidding,” I croak, making him laugh.
“It’s been a busy morning, but all play. No business,” he promises me.
“Madison’s on vacation as of tomorrow, so I’m working him extra hard to do a few little things, and Hank, the cab driver from last night? He’ll be our company’s newest driver. Madison was a little put-out, but he’ll get over it,” he says with that smile again.
“I thought we’d head over to the hospital,” he adds, tapping a thick envelope I know is full of his trademark Christmas gifts for the kids and parents at the hospital this time of year.
“I’d like that,” I tell him.
“There’s also the shelter the Sisters run,” he continues. “They have a year-round kitchen and drop-in center. I usually spend some time there too at Christmas,” he says, studying my expression.
“Only if you want to, though,” he’s quick to add.
“I know how boring that kind of thing can be…,” he trails off.
“I don’t think it’s boring,” I chirp. “I think it’s amazing. I think you’re amazing. All the things you do for other people… I always thought…,” I begin, but I can’t say it.
Not to Steve, because I know it’s not who he is.
“You thought all people with money were assholes, right? That they never lift a finger to help anyone but themselves.”
I stare into my coffee cup.
“You’re probably right, but rich or poor, there are givers and takers in this world. I take what I want, but I always make sure I give back more than I take. If that makes any sense?” he asks, almost sounding as if he needs my approval or something.
“I know,” I tell him. I want to share my own news and feel like I have something to give, too. But it’s too soon.
What if I’m wrong, and what if it’s just wishful thinking?
It can wait.
“Hm!” he exclaims, taking a final gulp of his coffee and looking at his watch.
“I don’t wanna rush you, but I told Sister O’Halloran we’d be there by eleven. Hank should be here soon to pick us up.”
“I’ll shower and change, I guess,” I remark, noticing all the familiar bags and boxes from my own little shopping spree lined up by the front door.
Steve shoots me a wink and moving quickly, he’s on the phone again, speaking in a hushed tone, looking back to make sure I’m actually going back upstairs.
I’d normally feel hurt or a little worried. But the near-crazed look in his eyes as he watches me tells me he’s up to something for sure.
And it’s something I’m not even sure my surprise could top.
Just make sure first. Then tell him… No point getting both our hopes up just yet.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
THE NEXT DAY ~ CHRISTMAS EVE
Steve
I don’t know what Sister O’Halloran and Holly spoke about, but she was whisked away from me for a good few hours when we paid a visit to the hospital yesterday.
Sister O’Halloran’s the only person apart from myself I feel comfortable leaving Holly with, and by the time I could get her back to me, it was clear there was something cooking between the two of them.
I spent my time with the staff and sick kids on the wards, chatting with the parents of some of the kids who have them and generally just trying to brighten the day of the ones who don’t.
Promising myself this will be more than just a Christmas thing from now on.
Kids are sick all year round, and people are hurting all year round. And I can help.
I can’t solve the world’s problems, but I can do my bit in a small way.
The few hours apart from Holly gave me a little time to work on a few other surprises. Things I was struggling to get done and have Holly as close to me as I’d like in the build-up to Christmas day.
Madison’s been a gun. And although it’s silently agreed we don’t care too much for each other, he actually took the time to do everything I asked without rolling his eyes or making a face.
Even having that stupid portrait taken down and replaced with a more festive image that has nothing to do with me, thankfully.
“It’s done?” I ask him, not even wanting to see his major project completed until the right moment.
Tucking the small parcel into my breast pocket. Closest to my heart.