Page 70 of Mail Order Christmas (Hawthorne Billionaire 5)

“I’ll be fine. My new Hummer arrived. I’m more concerned with how our guests are going to make it here for the ball,” I sighed. “Is the weather supposed to let up by then?”

“Yes. So as long as they can get the roads plowed, it should be alright,” Nicole added. “I can look into renting a bunch of Hummers to transport guests from their hotels and the airport.”

“Great idea, Nicole. Can you come in early to make sure everything is running smooth?” I almost begged. “I’ll send my plane for you Saturday morning.”

“Of course, sir,” Nicole replied. “Do you have your tux there with you?”

“You think of everything. Please arrange for it to be picked up from my penthouse.”

“Already on it. See you tomorrow.”

I need to give her a raise. I wonder if she wants to bring a guest.

I sent her a text letting her know to bring a guest. She replied immediately.

“I’ll be working, but thank you. I’ll consider it.” She texted back. “Do you need me to arrange a special guest to attend with you?”

She texted back.“Do you need me to arrange a special guest to attend with you?”

“That sounds awful. Have I really been doing that?”I sent back.

“Do you want me to answer with the truth?”She sent a smile bitmoji.

“I believe you just did.”I sent back a crying bitmoji.

“By the way, don’t just consider it. Invite your guest and enjoy the party. Santa will be here.”

“Are you ordering me to enjoy a party?”

“You know me. I love a good party. So yes, it’s an order.”

Gunner was still hanging out at the workshop. I was curious what was up. Then I saw the tables and chairs being brought in. It occurred to me that we were in the same situation as before when the magical elves decorated the trees, except this time there were no more elves. I still wasn’t buying that kids decorated the tree, but I’d decided to let it go.

“Hey, can you meet me in the office and bring the guys?” I texted Gunner.

“Give me five.” Gunner replied.

I checked to see if Apple had messaged me. Nothing.

Gunner and the guys met me in my office. I filled them in on the weather, then asked if they could help out this afternoon and tonight setting up the party. They were big burly men who were scary to look at, but they were great people. They agreed to help without hesitation. I was going over the plans for where everything was to go with them when my cellphone buzzed.

“Are you still in the mall? My weather app tells me there’s a big storm tonight.”My cell textedme.

“Thanks for the update. I’m leaving soon.”

I looked up, smiling into four smirks.

Chapter 44

Paige

Gunner explained that the Hawthornes wanted the workshop to stay open and functioning for the ball. He said Mrs. Hawthorne thought it would be a good opportunity for me to see the family together and possibly observe my husband-to-be.

Can I do this bride thing? Should I do this?

The mall started emptying as people learned of the snowstorm. Tonight I didn’t have to worry about hiding. Gunner already let me know I would be staying in the office again. He had no idea how happy that made me, since I saw there was a shower in there. I sat on the couch by the fireplace, watching men bring tables and chairs and other assorted fixtures into the middle of the mall.

I can’t wait to open those boxes when everyone leaves. And, this time, I don’t have to sneak.

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