Page 9 of Christmas Wishes

I can see in his features that he's definitely going to do it again.

"Connor."

"I need to help her."

"If you go to jail things will be worse for her. She doesn't need that."

"Stealing is wrong, Connor. No matter what the reason. What would mom and dad think of you stealing?" Lilah says.

"Don't do that. Don't bring them into this."

"I'll talk to the bank. We'll figure out a way, but I want you to never steal again. And take this punishment. I think its the best deal you're going to get."

The room goes silent and we all seem to be deep in thought.

"I agree with Lilah that the business owner is being very kind. You're also very lucky that they are not trying to link you to any other thefts, but everyone will be suspicious of you from now on."

"Connor, please." Lilah begs.

"Alright. But no more hiding your finances from me. We are family and need to stick together."

Lilah stands up and hugs him tight. He's tense but after a few moments puts his hands around her as well. We go back to the officer's desk and I tell him Connor is willing to meet the business owner's terms. Things move swiftly from that moment as the gentleman in question was in the waiting room of the station.

I put an arm around Lilah as if to protect her from the world. She seems to want to talk to the business owner as well, but I convince her that it's better he only deal with Connor. I look down at her and see her eyes and nose are red from all the crying.

I'd give anything to ease this woman's worries for the rest of her life. I should be so lucky. I've got to remind her that I'm the cause of most of her troubles and that at forty five I'm old enough to be her father. Once Connor has said his peace, we leave and go back to Lilah's flower shop. She lives on the top floor of the building with her brother.

I park in front of the building and both Lilah and her brother get out. Connor goes on up, but Lilah comes up to my window and taps it. I lower the window and see that she looks better now and maybe a little bit determined.

"I want you to stay with us during your visit. I've got a spare room with clean sheets."

"I couldn't impose."

"You are my friend and you've just done me a huge favor. Please accept my invitation."

Staying in the same place as Lilah could be torture for me, but I've never been a coward. Besides, being near her makes me feel complete somehow. Her beauty, her kindness, her everything fill me with joy.

"Okay, thank you."

I step out of the car and get my bag from the trunk. We go up the stairs to the top floor and go inside the apartment after her. The place is small but tidy and has little touches that I'm certain Lilah has added to make this place a home for her and her brother.

She shows me to the spare bedroom and I place my bag inside. She shows me where the bathroom is and I take the chance to clean up a bit. I wash my hands and look at myself in the mirror. I know I'm good looking as the ladies have always been drawn to me.

Lilah is at another level, though. Completely out of my league. I've never met someone as amazing as her. I leave the bathroom and go to the kitchen to see Lilah moving around.

"What are you doing?"

"Making dinner for Connor."

"Did he tell you he was hungry?"

"No, but I needed to do something with my hands, so a sandwich it is."

"You're a good sister."

"I don't know about that. He's been getting in trouble a lot this year. I thought that would happen after our parents died, but that first year was okay. We leaned into each other a lot."

"Do you think it's those kids he's hanging out with?"

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