Page 21 of The Mistletoe Promise

She shrugs. "I never really thought about it."

I can tell that she's lying. I raise an eyebrow at her, not buying it for a second. "Come on, Kitten. I know you better than that. What's really holding you back?"

Amanda bites her lip, her eyes darting away from mine. She's quiet for a moment before she speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mom always told me I wasn’t good enough. Now? I guess I'm afraid of failing. After everything that happened with Aaron and my mom, I just... I don't know if I can handle another disappointment."

My heart aches at her words. I pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Hey, look at me," I say gently. She meets my gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "You are one of the most capable, creative, and determined people I know. This event? It's proof of that. You've made something amazing happen here, Amanda. And you could do it again, and again."

She smiles softly, but I can still see the doubt lingering in her eyes. "But what if?—"

"No 'what ifs,'" I interrupt. "You can do this. And you won't be alone. You've got your dad, your brothers, your friends... and you've got me. We'll all be here to support you every step of the way."

Amanda's eyes widen slightly at my words, a flicker of hope igniting in them. "You really think I could do it?"

"I know you can," I say firmly. "And I'll tell you what," I continue, an idea forming in my mind. "I'll help you get started. My company has connections with event planners all over the city. I can introduce you to some key people, maybe even set up a few meetings. We could even partner on some projects if you'd like."

Amanda's eyes light up, a mix of excitement and apprehension dancing across her face. "You'd do that for me?"

I cup her cheek gently, my thumb brushing across her soft skin. "Of course I would, Kitten. I believe in you, and I want to see you succeed."

She leans into my touch, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

Just then, we hear Tommy's excited squeal from across the room. We turn to see him jumping up and down next to his mother, who's shaking Lincoln's hand with a look of disbelief and joy on her face.

"Looks like your Christmas miracle is already working its magic," I murmur, smiling down at Amanda.

She beams back at me, her earlier doubts seemingly forgotten in the face of the happiness unfolding before us. "It's not just my miracle," she says softly. "It's ours."

This woman in my arms, has the biggest heart I’ve ever known. I want her, I want her more than I’ve ever wanted, and I’m willing to wait until she’s ready to give me everything.

ELEVEN

AMANDA

The Christmas Wishing Tree was a huge success and today we finished the last of the Christmas Wishes from the children from the Hope for the Holidays charity. I’ve never felt so fulfilled in my life and I’m so very thankful to Frankie for allowing me to be the one to organize the Christmas Wishing Tree this year. I’m hoping it’s something I’ll be able to do each year as it’s for such an amazing cause.

I slide out of my car, my entire body trembling. I’m not sure if this is the right idea, but it’s what I want. I’m not over what happened with my mom and Aaron and I’m not sure I ever will be, but I won’t allow them to dictate how my life is. I won’t put my life on hold due to their actions.

I ring the doorbell and wait. My nerves are kicking in.

The door swings open, and there he stands, his eyes widening in surprise. "Amanda? I wasn't expecting you tonight."

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. "I know, Frankie. I... I hope it's okay that I'm here."

His expression softens, and he steps aside, gesturing for me to come in. "Of course it is. You're always welcome here."

As I step inside, the warmth of his home envelops me, chasing away the chill of the night. I turn to face him, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. "About us, about everything that's happened."

Frankie's gaze is intense, focused solely on me. He doesn't interrupt, giving me the space to continue.

"I know I said I needed time, and I still do. But I... I don't want to wait anymore. Not for this." I step closer to him, close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. "I want you, Frankie. All of you."

His breath catches, and I see a flicker of desire in his eyes. "Amanda," he says, his voice low and husky. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel pressured-"

I silence him with a finger to his lips. "I'm sure. I'm scared, and I'm still healing, but I know what I want. And it's you. You’ve been patient, you’ve waited. Is your Mistletoe Promise still there?"

His eyes darken, he knows what I’m talking about. “I told you, Kitten, I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

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