Page 187 of Holiday Hire

Shawna takes them. "Thank you."

Her assistant leaves and shuts the door.

I blurt out, "How did you get these so quickly?"

"We know how to do things pretty thoroughly around here," she says with a wink.

I stare at her, still unable to believe I'm having this conversation and that my mom and sister might be right down the road from me.

She takes a while reviewing their charts.

I sit on pins and needles, hoping nothing will prevent my mom and sister from moving to this facility. It's beyond nice, and there's no doubt in my mind they would get better care here.

Alexander holds my hand. His other arm is firm around my shoulders. He kisses the top of my head.

I glance at him.

He orders, "Stop worrying."

Shawna glances at us and puts the file folder down. She declares, "It doesn't seem like there's anything here that we wouldn't be able to handle."

"Really?" I question.

"Yes. Would you like your mom and your sister to live here? Mr. Cartwright has assured me that you can pay for an expedited transfer."

I glance over at him once again, gaping. It's like he's thought of everything.

He chuckles. "Pheebs, you have to answer."

I ask him, "Are you sure about this? Because once we do this, I don't know if I'll be able to get them back into the facility they're in."

His face turns serious. "Yes. As long as your mom and sister need medical care, we will take care of it. They will be here near us if that's what you want. They will have the best care available. Now, is this what you want?"

Tears escape and roll down my face. I can barely answer. I'm overcome with emotions—mostly gratitude and shock.

"You just have to say yes, baby girl."

"Y-yes. Please," I choke out, crying harder.

He pulls me into him and holds me, telling Shawna, "Please start the process."

Shawna smiles. "Great. I'm going to give you two a moment." She rises and leaves her office, shutting the door behind her.

I'm hit with a wave of relief. I sob against his chest, wondering how I got so lucky. Years of guilt and frustration swirl inside me.

He lets me cry for a while, and I finally retreat from his hold. He grabs tissues off the director's desk, dabs my cheeks, then teases, "Don't worry. This isn't your Christmas present." He winks, and mischief lights up his expression.

"Don't be crazy. This is more than a Christmas gift. You never have to get me another gift again," I quickly proclaim, meaning it.

He laughs. "Don't be silly."

"Alexander, I don't know how I'll ever repay you for this. This is beyond generous," I declare.

"Pheebs, you're going to be my wife. There's no paying me back. Our families are each other's, and we're going to take care of our families. Understand?"

More emotions hit me. He swipes a fresh tear that escapes my eye. "No more tears. Come on. I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm sorry."

"You're not doing a good job not making me cry," I tease, then wipe another one. I blink hard until they stop, then I take a deep breath.

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