Page 24 of The Billionaire's Christmas Baby Surprise

“Santa?” Sierra giggled. “Do you really think…” Their voices trailed off as they headed into another room, but it was too late: Billie was already thinking about Max and the conversation they’d had about charity — and the toy cow they’d gotten for Eloise along with her donation.

On the morning of the hospital trip, Billie got a call from Max’s head of PR. A little surprised, since she’d mostly been communicating directly with Max, she answered. “Hi, Stephanie.”

“Billie. I just wanted to check in about tonight’s hospital event. Max will be there, as we agreed, and we’re also sending a photographer.”

Billie held back an internal sigh. “All right, but keep in mind that we shouldn’t take pictures of the kids unless they and their parents agree.”

“Of course, of course. Don’t worry; everyone is prepared to be very sensitive. Anyway, I just wanted to check in with you. See you this evening!”

Instead of making Billie feel better about the event, though, Stephanie’s call made her feel much worse. She wondered whyit had been Stephanie instead of Max who’d called. Max hadn’t texted over the last few days either.

Billie sighed. This would be fine. Yes, she was a little worried about how Max would behave, after he’d told her how clueless he was with kids, but she was confident he would be fine. It was the cameraman and Stephanie that she was more worried about.

As afternoon came, Billie checked her outfit — a Christmas sweater with a bright green tree on the front that she loved even though it was tacky, and a pair of jeans — then smoothed her hair back. Maybe she should have worn something else. She always wore funny Christmas sweaters to the hospital in hopes of brightening the children’s days, but with the cameras rolling…

No. Billie glared at herself in the mirror. The pictures didn’t matter — only the kids did.

She loaded the presents into the car and drove to the hospital. The call with Stephanie, her worries about Max, and her own uncertainty about her outfit made Billie more than a little grumpy as she pulled into the parking lot, but she steadied herself with a few deep breaths. Even if Max wasn’t good with the kids, even if her outfit looked bad on camera, even if Stephanie was a bit odd, they were still giving out Christmas gifts today — and that was what mattered.

Billie began lugging the first round of gifts from the car into the hospital, but was stopped right away by Max, who had just pulled up next to her.

“Let me help you.”

“Thank you.” Billie smiled gratefully and handed him a few bags. Then she paused, sniffing. “Something smells good in your car.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Juggling the bags she’d handed him, Max opened the trunk of the car to reveal five large bags brimming with takeout boxes. “I brought some food from the restaurant. I thought the kids might appreciate a break from hospital food.”

Billie’s heart melted. “That’s so sweet. But why did you offer to help me carry my bags? You have a lot to carry, too.”

“Good point.” Max looked down at the row of bags. “This might mean two trips.”

Exchanging a smile, they began to carry in their haul. The hospital administrator who was meeting them was in the lobby, and she immediately offered to come help with the next load. On the way out, they ran into Stephanie and the photographer and quickly co-opted them into helping as well. With so many hands, the work went quickly, and they were soon on the way up to the long-term ward.

“Remember,” the administrator said kindly, “some of the kids on this floor are quite sick. Please be considerate and only take pictures if they’re all right with it.”

Everyone nodded, but the photographer looked slightly annoyed. Billie hoped it was because he’d already been told this several times today, not because he’d been planning to take pictures indiscriminately.

When the elevator doors dinged open, they were greeted by three nurses. The one in holiday-themed scrubs stepped forward.

“Welcome to Denver Children’s Hospital,” she said with a bright smile. “Please, come on in. The kids are very excited to see you.”

“We’re excited to seethem,” Billie said. “Thank you so much for having us.”

“It’s really our pleasure. Follow me.”

First, they went to the hospital’s common area. The kids who were more mobile had congregated there, many with their parents or grandparents, to play games and listen to Christmas music. At the sight of Max and Billie, they all cheered.

After greeting them, Max set up most of the food into a buffet line along one wall with the help of Billie and one of the nurses.

“I’m keeping aside a few boxes,” he told Billie quietly. “We’ll go to a few individual rooms after this, right?”

“Right.”

Next, they went around the room handing out boxes and bags. Soon, the kids were tearing wrapping paper away and squealing with delight at their new toys, games, art sets, and books. The photographer snapped shots of Max and Billie handing out the gifts and of the kids, all of whom seemed to be in good spirits. Billie noticed a few with the telltale head coverings of chemo or who were wearing leg braces or were hooked up to IVs, but no one seemed especially sick, and spirits were high.

“I think I have everything I need,” the photographer told Billie. “Thanks.”

“Sure.”

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