Page 84 of Scrooge

“That is the end of question time, folks. Please go and enjoy the Jackson Enterprises holiday party,” he announces. Some people clap while cameras flash, and I step down, walking straight over to the Santa tent.

There’s only one thing on my mind, and it’s getting to my girl.

40

HAYLEE

My heart is stuck in my throat. I had been in bed for days, Alex not allowing me to move too much, do too much, or even feed myself. He remained by my side through it all, and my heart swells even now, thinking about everything.

“You look like you are about to vomit,” Jillian says, looking at me.

“Probably because I am,” I tell her honestly.

“It seems like your fiancé has redeemed himself?” she asks, watching me closely.

“He never needed to. Not with me.”

I am still fearful of Logan. I haven’t turned on my social media for days. I have ignored all television and newspapers. I have no idea what is going on, effectively burying my head in the sand, but I know Alex has it handled, and I trust him to keep us both safe.

“Haylee’s House has a nice ring to it. Almost as nice as that ring you still haven’t taken off your finger,” Jillian remarks, and I look down at my hand. She is right, I haven’t.

“I can’t believe he started a foundation,” I say, in awe. This Scrooge of a man has completely changed since I first met him.

“I wonder if he will name the next one after me?” Jillian asks, tapping her chin playfully.

“The next one is called Deloris’ Digs,” Alex says as he walks into the tent. I haven’t seen him for a few hours, and I suck in a breath. He is so handsome, eyes glistening as they look right at me.

“Typical. I’ll just be over here, playing elf,” Jillian murmurs, stepping around us to go help Mom and Dad some more.

“Are you ready?” he asks, and my brow furrows with confusion.

“For what?”

“I have a Christmas gift for you.”

“But it isn’t Christmas for a few more days?” Looking at my family quickly, all of them are now watching us.

“Go, dear. We’ve got this under control,” my mom says, and I tilt my head, looking at her. Even Jillian is smiling.

“Why do I feel like everyone knows something I don’t?” I ask, giving him a questioning look.

“That’s because we do. Now unclip those ears, change your shoes, and go,” Jillian says, bossy as ever, walking my bag over to me. I have to swallow my gasp, catching her looking at Alex with a wide smile.She approves of him.

I rush then, doing as she says and taking off my elf ears. I change my shoes, then shrug on a coat and my scarf before Alex grabs my hand, and I release a sigh.

“Alex, what about Logan?” I ask, looking around at the people, wondering if he is here.

“He is no longer a problem,” he says, and I feel instant relief. “Logan is done in this town. His family business closed, his bank accounts wiped. His reputation is in tatters, and I believe he’s currently on a train to Pittsburgh to go stay with a friend, since his parents kicked him out of their lives and out of New York.”

I feel a little bad, I can’t help it. What a fall from grace.

“Don’t ever fall on your sword for me again,” he says, voice low, and I swallow roughly but say nothing. We have talked, of course, but it’s a heavy subject, and with me recovering, Alex working, and getting this party organized, there has been a lot going on.

“Promise me you will always put us first,” he continues, and I know he needs my words.

“I will always putyoufirst,” I tell him, because it’s just my nature. I love him. I only want what is best for him.

“And I will always putyoufirst,” he says, pressing a kiss to my forehead before turning and pulling me along. When I see Tucker Toys up ahead, it looks different.

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