Page 54 of A Billionaire's Holiday Love

“We didn’t hear from him on Christmas day. I called a thousand times. Charley, one of his employees was in Florida for the holiday. I told my mom I’d check on granddad. I flew out Christmas night.”

I gripped my chin. “He wasn’t working on the car at the shop. Turns out he worked on it in his private garage at home. He promised my mother he wouldn’t do it anymore. We had keys to his house and the business. I walked into the house and called his name. He didn’t answer. The TV and a lamp were on in the living room. I walked through the entire house. He was nowhere to be found. I stalked past the first garage toward his mechanic’s workshop. I continued to call out to him. The pandora station was set on fifty’s classics. The music eased the eerie feeling I had in the pit of my stomach.

The hood of the car was raised. I thought goodness he’s still working on the car. Granddad, I called out. He didn’t answer. I ran to the front of the car. My eyes widened and my mouth fell open as I dropped to my knees. He laid on the ground, eyes open. Felt like he was staring at me. His tongue hung out the corner of his mouth like he just couldn’t go on anymore. Granddad had a heart attack and died on fucking Christmas. Alone,” I roared.

“This month stole two people I loved. So yes. I hate this holiday.”

She wrapped her arms around me. “It’s ok. I understand. We can get rid of the tree.” Her head shook against my face. “I’m so sorry,” she cried.

“I had no idea.” Clutching her body tight, I inhaled her.

“I apologize for not telling you sooner. Thought I’d find closure up here alone.”

“Instead, you found me.”

I pulled back and caressed her face. “Hope, you awakened a tiny bit of my Christmas spirit.”

She sat back and peered into my eyes. “It’s ok. You don’t have to decorate my house or any tree. I can hire someone to install the lights.”

“Not a chance. I’ll carry on my grandparents’ tradition with you. It may take me a little extra time to come around.”

She fell into my arms again. “Take as much time as you need.”

Hope caressed my hand. “You hated Christmas and shoved it aside after losing your grandfather. Me on the other hand, I embraced this holiday after losing my mother. Viola was a vibrant woman. Every year we decorated our Christmas tree more elaborate than the last.

She passed away five years ago. A drunk driver crossed the median on the highway and crashed into our family car. She...” Her lips rose and fell. “...died instantly.”

I was so selfish and bitter I hadn’t asked Hope how she was coping after her mother passed away.

I pulled her against my chest and her body quaked.

“Baby, I’m so sorry.”

“My mother would want me to live my best life. And that’s what I try to do every day. The vacation home is a tribute to her. I know she’s there with me in spirit.” She sniffled.

Hope sat up and met my gaze. I swiped the padding of my thumbs across her face, removing the tears.

“We both lost people we love, Noah.”

“Hope, we’ll celebrate those we lost this Christmas.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’d love that.”

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