Page 20 of The Mistletoe Promise

My fist clench as a surge of anger hits me at the mention of Aaron's name. The bastard who broke Amanda's heart and betrayed her in the worst way possible.

"How's Amanda handling it?" Derek asks, his eyes filled with concern as he glances over at his daughter, who's now helping a little girl write her letter to Santa.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "She's coping the best way she can. This project has been good for her, given her something to focus on."

Derek nods, a sad smile on his face. "She's always been strong, my girl. But this is a lot for anyone to handle."

We stand in silence for a moment, watching Amanda as she moves from child to child, her smile never faltering. She's in her element here, spreading joy and making Christmas wishes come true.

“I don’t know what’s going on between you and my daughter, Frankie, and I’m not going to ask. I just want to say that you’re a good man and I know you’ll do right by her?—”

“She’s scared, not that I can blame her. Her mom and Aaron did a number on her.”

His jaw clenches. “Fuck,” he says through gritted teeth. “I don’t know how the hell I can help her.”

I nod, understanding Derek's frustration. "You're already helping her by being here, supporting her. That means more than you know."

Derek's eyes soften as he looks at his daughter again. "I just wish I could take away her pain."

"We all do," I say quietly. "But Amanda's strong. She'll get through this."

Just then, Amanda catches our eye and waves us over. As we approach, I can see the excitement dancing in her eyes.

"Dad! Frankie! You've got to see this," she says, practically bouncing on her toes. She leads us to a small table where a little boy, no more than six or seven, is carefully writing on a piece of paper.

"This is Tommy," Amanda introduces us. "And he's just made the most wonderful wish."

Tommy looks up at us shyly, his small hands clutching the paper. "Can I read it to them, Miss Amanda?" he asks softly.

Amanda nods encouragingly. "Of course, sweetie. Go ahead."

Tommy clears his throat and begins to read in a small, clear voice. "Dear Santa, I don't want any toys this year. Instead, can you please make sure all the other kids at the shelter I’m in get presents? And maybe bring my mom a job so we can have our own place again. Thank you. Love, Tommy."

I feel a lump form in my throat as I look at the little boy's earnest face. Beside me, Derek clears his throat. Both of us watching the little boy with Amanda.

Amanda kneels down next to Tommy, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "That's such a beautiful wish, Tommy. You have a very kind heart."

The little boy beams at her praise, his chest puffing out slightly. "My mom always says it's important to think of others."

I exchange a glance with Derek, seeing my own emotions reflected in his eyes. I know for certain that Tommy will have a lot of presents this Christmas, along with all the kids at the shelter.

"Hey, buddy," I say, crouching down to Tommy's level. "How about we make sure Santa gets this wish right away? Would you like to hang it on the Wishing Tree yourself?"

Tommy's eyes widen with excitement. "Really? Can I?"

Amanda helps him slip the paper into a clear bauble, and we all walk over to the massive tree together. I lift Tommy up so he can reach a branch, and he carefully hangs his wish.

As I set him down, Derek pulls Amanda aside, speaking to her in a low voice. I see her nod, her eyes filling with tears again as she hugs her father tightly. Derek moves away and within minutes he’s back with Lincoln Miles, Derek’s best friend, also the husband of one of Amanda’s friends.

"You must be Tommy," Lincoln says as he crouches down in front of the boy. "I heard that your mom's looking for a job? Well, I'm looking for a receptionist, do you think your mom would like that?"

Tommy nods enthusiastically. "Mommy," he yells as he rushes toward a petite brunette, who's been watching us with a small smile. "The man has a job for you."

I chuckle as Lincoln moves toward the woman, Derek right behind him. I use this time to pull Amanda into my arms. "You're amazing, Kitten, you know that?"

She slides her arm around my back and looks up at me. "Not as amazing as you are. I really appreciate you allowing me to do this."

"Why haven't you set up your own business?" I ask, it's a question that's been on my mind for a while.

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