Page 68 of A Colby Christmas Rescue

Victoria’s heart skipped a beat. So many times she had wanted to ask Jamie that question, but she’d always satisfied her desperate hopes with simply letting Jamie know that she was welcome at the agency if she ever wanted to be there. Not once had Victoria come right out and asked.

“How did she react?”

Lucas inclined his head and considered the question for a moment. “She seemed surprised but not offended in any way. She asked me if the suggestion was only coming on the heels of the fright we had with Luke’s kidnapping.”

“What did you tell her?” Victoria couldn’t wait to hear this.

“I told her that of course any and all things of that nature impacts our feelings, but this latest event wasn’t the reason I asked.”

Victoria’s eyebrows went up. “I’m sure she was surprised by that claim.”

Lucas shrugged one shoulder. “Perhaps, but it was true. I asked because I think we need her. The agency needs her. I’ve stayed on top of what she’s doing for IOA. Like all these suitors, they don’t deserve our granddaughter. She belongs at the Colby Agency.”

Victoria struggled not to allow the sting in her eyes to become evident. “She is the one who should fill my shoes one day.” Her voice wobbled a little, but it was the best she could do.

“Just a few weeks ago,” Lucas went on, “Jim said the same thing.”

Victoria felt taken aback by the news. “I wasn’t suggesting Jim shouldn’t run this agency. He has every right.”

“He is aware of how you feel. You’ve asked him to do this before, but he always defers to your choices regarding agency matters.”

This was true. She’d tried to retire, to turn the reins over to Jim, but he’d always come up with a reason that she should return.

“Do you think he feels as if I don’t trust him or that anyone here doesn’t trust his ability?” The notion twisted inside her like barbed wire. She loved her son. She wanted him to have what she and his father and Lucas had built. Jamie should be working with him and one day she absolutely should step into Victoria’s shoes. But first, Jim would have his time.

“I think he doesn’t trust himself to sit at the top. He loves this agency, and he loves being a part of it, but he does not want to bethe one.”

Victoria nodded. “I see. I’m sorry I didn’t realize how he felt.”

Lucas touched her cheek with a fingertip. “Jim doesn’t make that easy.”

This was true. She moistened her lips and asked, “What did Jamie say?”

“She wanted to think about it for a bit, but she promised to give us an answer soon.”

At least it wasn’t an immediate no. Victoria finished off her champagne. “That’s all we can ask for.”

“Indeed,” Lucas agreed.

The doorbell rang and they put their glasses on a nearby tray and hurried to answer. Forget Paris. There was nothing like family and friends at Christmas.

Ian and Nicole were the first to arrive. In the next half hour, everyone from the agency who was available had arrived. It was a houseful for sure.

Victoria was so very thankful to see Tasha and Jim. Luke arrived with his parents, looking very handsome in a white suit, shirt and tie. Before she could grab Luke in a hug, he kissed her on the cheek.

“You look ravishing, Grandmother.”

Victoria grinned. “Thank you, Luke. You look pretty amazing yourself.” She hugged him and he kissed her temple and whispered, “I love you.” She peered up at him. “Love you too.” Then he hurried off to say hello to Lucas.

“Luke is right. You look great.” Jim hugged her. “Merry Christmas, Mom.”

Victoria hugged him fiercely. How she loved this man. “Merry Christmas to you and Tasha.” She drew back, reached for her daughter-in-law and hugged her a bit more gently. “You two look incredible.” How very strong this woman was. Victoria was so proud that she was the mother of her grandchildren.

“Thank you, Victoria.” Tasha smiled. “And thank you for having this beautiful party.”

Victoria barely restrained her tears, but she refused to cry considering all the blessings they had received in the past forty-eight hours. Lucas rescued her by coming for hugs of his own.

Lastly, Jamie and Kenny arrived. Victoria lost her breath when she saw the two of them. Jamie wore a pale blue sheath, and she looked stunning. She and her mother were nearly the same size and Victoria suspected the dress was Tasha’s. Kenny looked quite dapper himself in a black formfitting suit, crisp white shirt and black tie. As a couple they were quite spectacular. The perfect power couple with their whole futures ahead of them. She hoped their relationship worked out.

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