Page 19 of The Mistletoe Promise

“He wants to see me for Christmas,” I whisper. “I’m not sure if I should.” I want to spend it with him, he’s become really important to me, and I’d love to be with him, but I don’t know if it’ll cause more harm than good.

Cherry’s hand tightens around mine. “Sweetie, that’s something you need to decide, but no matter what, we’re all supporting you. We love you.”

Should I spend the day with him? I’d really like to, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for that step. Because it would mean I’m ready to take that plunge.

TEN

FRANKIE

“So,” Amanda says with a bright smile. “What do you think?”

We’re on the countdown for Christmas, with just days to go and The Wishing Tree is a huge success. The tree is a hundred foot and is practically filled with baubles that contain wishes. Today, the children of Hope for the Holiday are here and having a great time.

Amanda went all out, she’s really great at this and there’s so many activities for the kids. They're decorating gingerbread houses, making reindeer food, and writing letters to Santa. The air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine, and cheerful holiday music plays softly in the background.

I look around at the sea of smiling faces and feel a warmth spread through my chest. "It's amazing, Amanda. You've done an amazing job."

She beams at the praise, her cheeks flushed with excitement and the cold. "I'm so glad you think so. It was amazing to do this and for such an amazing cause. So did you make a wish?"

I nod. I did. I wrote my wish on one of the baubles this morning. My wish was simple.I want Amanda to be free from her past and to be able to heal.

"I wonder what you wished for," Amanda whispers.

I shrug, smiling, there’s no way I’m going to tell her. "Who knows? But whatever it is, I hope it comes true. What about you? Have you made a wish?”

She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. “I did, I think everyone has, which is amazing. I’m so happy that the entire town came out to support the cause.”

“Kitten,” I say, pulling her close. “You went all out, you’ve made this park a Christmas wonderland for everyone, of course they were going to come out.”

Amanda leans into me, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Thank you," she murmurs, glancing up at me. "I just wanted to give these kids a magical Christmas, you know? After everything they've been through..."

I nod, understanding all too well. The children have been through so much at such a young age. They deserve happiness and Amanda’s done everything she can to ensure that they have a fantastic Christmas.

"Look," she tells me, pointing towards a group of children gathered around Santa's chair. "I think it's time for the big guy to make his appearance." Amanda's eyes are wide with excitement. "Oh! I almost forgot!" She gives my hand a quick squeeze before darting off towards the small stage we've set up.

I watch as she speaks with one of the many volunteers she managed to get to help. I watch as she takes out her cell and begins to record on her cell.

I realize why when the jingling of bells fills the air, and a booming "Ho, ho, ho!" echoes across the park. The kids erupt in cheers as Santa, in his red suit, makes his way through the crowd, ringing his bell and ho, ho, ho’ing his way toward the throne that’s waiting for him.

I can't help but smile, recognising the twinkle in Santa's eye. It's Jaxon. She got her brother to be Santa. She’s able to wrap anyone around her finger. Damn, she’s fucking perfect.

“Frankie,” I hear a deep voice say from behind me. I turn to see Derek, Amanda’s father. “It’s good to see you, man. My daughter hasn’t stopped singing your praises.”

I grin. “That’s good. I think I have you to thank for helping her bypass a lot of the red tape she needed to get through while setting this up.”

He merely shrugs. “She’s my daughter and this was the only thing I’d seen her so passionate about in a long time. She did a great job, and she needed this. Thank you.”

I nod, understanding exactly what he means. Amanda's journey hasn't been easy, and seeing her throw herself into this project with such enthusiasm, has shown that she’s being brought down by her past.

"Have you heard from her mom," I ask, knowing that she’s blocked her. Not that I can blame her, the woman is a fucking bitch.

Derek’s gaze darkens. “Angie tries to contact me, but she’s not successful. The only reason we ever stayed in contact was down to our kids. She has burned every bridge with them and in turn me. I’m happy, have been since the day I divorced her conniving ass, I’ve found the woman I love and my life is blissful. I won’t allow Angie to try and come between Cherry and I again.”

I know his ex-wife made out that she and Derek were getting back together to Cherry, but Angie was conniving, and Cherry and Derek broke up for a while, but on the day of Amanda’s wedding the truth came out. Derek didn’t hesitate in ensuring to win Cherry back, and they’ve been together ever since and are now married and happy.

“I can’t believe she’s pregnant,” I grind out, still beyond fucking pissed that she slept with her daughter’s fiancé and is pregnant by him. “Has Aaron resurfaced?”

Derek shakes his head, his jaw clenching. "No, that coward hasn't shown his face since the news broke. Last I heard, he'd lefttown. Good riddance, if you ask me. It’s probably why Angie’s been trying to contact me. The boys have her blocked now, she’s too much."

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