Page 39 of The Billionaire's Christmas Baby Surprise

“Yes, please.”

Max led the way to the photo booth, where they waited in line for a few minutes before stepping inside. Assorted Christmas-themed props, from Santa hats to giant candy canes to headbands with Christmas trees on them, lined shelvesbehind the camera. Billie immediately grabbed a reindeer antler headband for herself, then tossed Max a giant gift. Smiling for the camera, they posed.

“A little closer,” the photographer suggested. Max took a step towards Billie, their shoulders brushing, and lifted the gift again. The camera flashed. “Now a silly one.”

Billie stuck out her tongue, and Max pulled a face. When the camera flashed, they both began to laugh, which the photographer captured with another flash. Billie and Max thanked him on the way out.

“That was great.” Billie was beaming. “What’s next?”

“Max!” A tall, tuxedo-clad man threaded through the crowd towards them. “I heard you brought a date, so I had to come over and see for myself.”

“Not a date,” Max said quickly. “Billie, this is Bradley Anderson, my head of sales. Bradley, this is Billie Stone. She runs a charity for underprivileged children here in Denver, and she’s allowed me to volunteer with her this holiday season.”

“Volunteer?” Bradley’s eyes widened. “That’s almost more surprising than a date.” He held out a hand to Billie. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too.”

“Tell me, what was it like having Max here volunteer for you?” Bradley leaned forward. “I can’t imagine he was very excited to take time away from work.”

“Maybe not, but he did a wonderful job.” Billie smiled. “It was a pleasure to work with him.”

“Really?” Bradley looked as surprised as Max felt. He’d half-expected Billie to complain, at least jokingly, about him, but she’d praised him instead.

“Really.” Billie nodded. “He worked hard, he was great with the kids, and he really helped my organization. Maybe you’d like to try volunteering with us next.”

Bradley chuckled. “Volunteering isn’t for me, but thanks. Max, it was great to see you.”

“You too, Bradley.” They shook hands before Bradley melted back into the crowd. Max turned to Billie.

“You didn’t have to be so complimentary.”

“I meant it. You really did do a wonderful job.” She leaned closer. “Except for the whole tree fiasco.”

“Right. Except for that. Can I interest you in something to eat?”

“Please.”

They wove towards the food, which was laid out on a buffet table. Nearby, several tables had been set up where people could sit and eat. Max and Billie each loaded a plate before finding a pair of free seats. Max was pleased to see that Billie chose mostly food from the diner.

“Billie?”

They both turned to see Janet, now wearing a flattering black dress and sparkly earrings, sitting across the table from them.

“Janet!” Billie smiled. “How are you doing? How are the kids?”

“They’re great. The things you brought over have been an absolute lifesaver. I got to spend the first few days bondingwith the kids instead of running around trying to cook and buy clothes and supplies.”

“That’s wonderful.” Billie exchanged a grin with Max. “I’m so glad we could help.”

“You really did. I’m glad I ran into you. I can’t stay long tonight — my husband is at home looking after the kids and I’m excited to get back to them, but I wanted to drop by.”

“I’m glad we ran into each other, too.”

Another woman from the programming team leaned over. “What’s this you’re talking about?”

“Well, Max here had the idea to help Janet get a few supplies for her foster kids,” Billie told her.

“More than a few supplies,” Janet put in.

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