Page 52 of The Billionaire's Christmas Baby Surprise

First, Max had to buy something. Luckily, a few stores were still open on the twenty-third, though he made it just before closing time. Next, he put in a call to one of Billie’s employeesat Sweetest Surprise, then a few more calls to some people he hoped would help. Finally, he went home. If everything went well, by this time tomorrow, he and Billie would be together. And if not, at least Billie would know that he loved her — and at least he would have tried.

CHAPTER 22

BILLIE

Billie woke early on Christmas Eve, as always. She was filled with a mix of excitement and morning sickness that proved to be a less-than-fun combination, but after a cup of ginger tea and a plain bagel, she felt ready to face the day. A glance at her delivery list almost sent her running back to bed — it would take hours to drive all over Denver delivering each gift. Billie had sent out several emails asking for volunteers, but even her usual volunteers were always hesitant to work on Christmas Eve, and Billie couldn’t blame them. Most years, she’d rather do the work herself than make anyone else get up early on Christmas Eve.

Today, though, she wouldn’t have said no to a little help.

Yawning, she took a last sip of her ginger tea, put the cup in the dishwasher, and went to shower and dress. As long as she didn’t get too dizzy or nauseated and have to take a break, she could be done with all the deliveries by mid-evening and could crawl back into bed for an early night. Tomorrow, Jamie had insisted that she come over to spend Christmas morning with her, Stewart,and their parents. Billie wasn’t sure she wanted to go but had agreed anyway.

She picked out a red sweater and a pair of jeans, then added a red Santa hat at the last minute. She might be tired and sick, but this was still supposed to be a magical day of giving gifts to children who really deserved it. Billie wasn’t about to let them down.

The Sweetest Surprise car was waiting for her at the center, where she’d also be picking up the first load of gifts. Billie took the bus to the center, and she was one of only two people riding. The other was an elderly gentleman who smiled at her and wished her a merry Christmas when he disembarked, leaving Billie completely alone. Clearly, most of the city’s residents were home with the people they loved this early on Christmas Eve. Billie rested a hand lightly on her stomach. She had someone she loved right here with her.

At the center, she hurried to the door, shivering as she pulled out her key and put it in the lock. To her surprise, and worry, the door swung open before she was able to turn the key — it hadn’t been locked. Inside, the table where she’d laid out the gifts was nearly empty, with only one batch of gifts left to go. Billie’s heart sank. Had someone stolen all the presents? Who would do such a thing?

“Merry Christmas Eve, Billie.”

Billie turned to see Barbara, her accountant, with several bags of gifts in her arms.

“Barbara, what’s going on?”

“Well, a few last-minute volunteers signed on to help with deliveries,” Barbara said. “They got here at the break of dawn and have been delivering gifts all morning.”

Billie almost slumped to the floor in relief. Not only had the gifts not been stolen, but they’d already been delivered! If Billie took this last batch herself, she’d still be home before lunchtime.

“That’s wonderful. I had no idea.” Billie pressed a palm to her heart. “Who are these volunteers? I need to thank them.”

“Most of them are out on deliveries, but I’m sure they’ll be back soon.”

“All right. I’ll take the last batch of gifts and be back as soon as I can. Please, tell the volunteers to wait if they can. I want to thank them personally.”

“Oh, I’m certain at least one volunteer will wait for you,” Barbara said. She grinned, and Billie’s eyes narrowed.

“Do you know something?”

“Not at all. Enjoy the deliveries!”

Still suspicious, Billie loaded her arms with gifts and headed out to the car. Barbara followed with a second armload, which they packed into the trunk. Billie hurried back inside to make a huge batch of hot chocolate and set out some Christmas cookies, telling Barbara to make sure the volunteers enjoyed them when they got back. Then Billie bade Barbara goodbye and headed out on her rounds.

Now that almost all the gifts were delivered, Billie’s spirits were high. She sang along to Christmas songs on the radio as she drove to the first house, even dancing a little in her seat as she went. The day got even better when she realized that manyof the kids on the list were ones she knew. She delivered Mrs. Cowper and the donation certificate to Eloise’s mom, dropped off gifts with the foster family she had met with Max, and handed presents to Chloe’s dad for the older girl and her younger siblings.

The whole morning had a wonderfully festive air. Billie loved bringing a little magic to each home, and she loved the way the parents’ faces lit up when they saw the gifts, the food, and even the small presents Billie had made sure to include for the parents. After making the last delivery of a toy guitar to the home of a musically inclined three-year-old boy, Billie drove back to Sweetest Surprise with a light heart.

The mystery volunteers had really saved the day. Not only was Billie not stressed out of her mind, as she usually was on Christmas Eve, but she’d also been reminded of how good people really were. Sure, there were always people who cared only about themselves, but there were many others who were willing to get up early on December twenty-fourth to bring a little magic to children in need. Billie couldn’t wait to thank the volunteers. Hopefully, they’d stuck around and would still be there when she returned.

When she pulled into the parking lot, she saw that several cars were still parked outside. That was a good sign. Inside, volunteers were sipping hot cocoa from paper cups and enjoying Christmas cookies. Several of them looked familiar, although Billie was almost certain they hadn’t worked with her before.

“Thank you so much for helping with the deliveries this morning,” she told them.

“No problem,” one woman replied with a smile. “We’re happy to help, Billie.”

Billie wasn’t sure how this woman knew her name. Perhaps they had met before, even if she didn’t remember, which was embarrassing. Was it possible that pregnancy brain had started already?

“Do you mind if I ask what inspired you to sign up last-minute?” she asked.

“Well, when the boss asked if any of us were interested, we jumped on the opportunity,” the woman said. “If he wanted to help, we knew it must be special.”

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