Page 58 of My Secret Santa Dallas

“What? No,” the man shook his head. “He might have been able to con a lower-level banker, but not me.”

“Regardless,” Mister Cullen snapped, “I do not take lightly to threats, Wentworth, and even less so on the flimsy basis that you’ve been slighted. If she had taken this to the police, I would not have fought it. How selfish and spiteful are you, Wentworth? Effective immediately, you will be suspended from your position and have no access to any file or account we have in play.”

“For how long?”

“Until I say so,” the man said. “Blair, I am starting to see what you’ve been telling me for years. I am sorry you had to go through this.”

She stood. “Our time here is done, Dad.”

“Please stay a moment, Blair,” her mother said. “Even for half an hour? I would like to get to know your new beau.”

She was a real Southern lady, wasn’t she? Who else used the word beau? I shared a look with Blair, and she lifted a single shoulder, “I suppose. We got what we came here for anyway.”

“Wonderful,” the lady smiled, “Now, let's go to the dining room.”

Epilogue

Dallas

We made it back in time for Christmas morning and got a few hours of relieved sleep, the worry of her asshole brother off our back. The jet lag had hit us hard, and we had a story to tell Warrick later, but for now, I just wanted to hold her until it was time for us to go to the Secret Santa drawing.

I woke up with her hair teasing my nose until I had to spin over and sneeze the other way. Slumping back, I rubbed my eyes. “Damn.”

Snickering, Blair said, “Well, at least we’re awake. It’s almost one.”

“Fuck,” I groaned. “I want to go back to bed.”

“Me too, hot stuff, but we have to be at the community center for the drawing,” Blair said, pillowing her arms on my chest and smiling down at me. “If there is any incentive, let’s share a shower.”

I peeked an eye open. “You know that never really conserves water, right?”

“I do,” she replied, sitting up and raking her hand through her tangled hair. “But we can try.”

Laughing, I swung my legs over the bed and swept her up in my arms, carrying her to the bathroom, fireman style. “Let’s shower and then get out of here.”

Blair

Stepping into the Silver Ridge Community Center, I was met with the buzz of excitement for the big reveal. The main hall was transformed into a winter wonderland, with fake snow in the corners and twinkling fairy lights draped over the walls. A Christmas tree, not as grand as the one in the square, stood tall in a corner with shimmering ornaments and glowing lights.

There was a buffet table with finger foods and glasses of punch, and the tables were covered with red and green tablecloths. Festive centerpieces featuring scented candles, holly, and pinecones were dotted throughout the room.

I’d never seen something so simple and kitschy, yet so damned perfect. Honestly, I preferred this over the overdone shit my family pulled off every Christmas. This at least touched people directly, not by proxy.

“This is so pretty,” Dallas said while looking around.

“Prettier than me?” I craned my head towards him, “I am insulted.”

He laughed while the room was filled with laughter and cheerful conversation as townsfolk greeted each other with warm hugs and exchanged holiday wishes.

“Attention, attention, guests,” Mayor Gregory Treeve took the stage. “Good evening, everyone!” he greeted, hisvoice booming with cheer. “Welcome to our annual Secret Santa reveal! Let’s spread some holiday magic tonight. We’ll exchange the gifts before we dine, so please...”

While holding my gift bag, I smiled up at Dallas as Betty Thompson stepped forward, her warm smile as welcoming and warm as the light scattered around the room.

“Alright, everyone, it's time for the big reveal!” she announced. “If you haven't guessed your Secret Santa yet, now's the moment to find out! Let’s start with the Mayor!”

It all went by in a blur. The mayor’s Secret Santa was Laura Bennett, who handed her a beautifully handcrafted wooden jewelry box. “I hope you like it, Laura,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

I pressed my back against Dallas’ chest as Jake O'Hara gave Ranger Lisa Morales a custom-made hiking backpack. “For all your adventures in the Whispering Pines Forest,” he said with a grin.

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