“What is going on?” she asked, bewildered.
“Oh good,” her dad said. “You finally got your invitation. We’ve been waiting all day for that to come!”
“For what to come!”
Her mom stepped forward and patted her on the shoulder. “Well sweetie, about a month ago, Mrs. Watson invited us all to their house for Christmas. She wanted it to be kept a surprise for you, though.”
“I can’t believe you guys agreed to go to London!”
Marcy chimed in. “Are you kidding? After Paris, mom was dying to get out again!”
Kali smiled. They had the most wonderful time in Paris, even though at first her mother refused to go. Her initial argument was that there was nothing for her to do in Paris and it was for young people. Marcy and Ella Googled “things for old people to do in Paris,” and found quite a hilarious list of activities. Her next argument was that she didn’t have anything to wear – which Kali offered to help with because she too needed a wardrobe update. And finally, she said that their father simply couldn’t survive without her. He stepped in and quashed that one quite quickly. By the end of the trip, she didn’t want to leave and made them promise that they would make it a tradition.
“Well then…I guess I better grab my bag.”
They all cheered in response. She ran upstairs, hastily repacking her bag before coming back down to join them in the limousine. She was surprised to see that the two family dogs also piled in with them.
“Craig said to bring them,” her mom said sheepishly.
Kali laughed. Craig had such a soft spot for all of the family pets. He arranged for all of them to get pet passports so they could travel freely. Kali had no idea that was a thing until he showed up with them one day.
They settled into their flight, everyone abuzz with excitement. The flight crew handed out blankets and pillows before putting on a movie of their choice – Ella insisted on watching Elf. When the movie was over, Kali looked around to see that everyone else was sound asleep. All the excitement must’ve tired them out. She settled into her own reclining seat and slipped into a deep sleep.
When they landed, Craig was standing on the runway with a Santa hat on top of his head.
“Happy Christmas!” he said, hugging each person as they stepped down.
Kali was last to get off of the plane. She wanted to jump into his arms and kiss him all over his face, but she thought it might make her family feel a bit awkward. She settled on kissing him on the cheek and whispering in his ear, “I don’t know how you managed to get them all here.”
He pulled back, “You’re not upset, are you?”
“No! I’m impressed. And excited. This is really nice, Craig.”
“Good,” he said, beaming. “Well then, onwards with the festivities!”
They split up into three cars. Craig opening the door for Kali to sit with him in the Ferrari. She mentioned once that she saw one on TV and thought it looked pretty. That was enough for him to ensure that he always had “a pretty one” whenever they went out. It made Kali laugh – she was still driving her Honda Civic at home so it was quite a stark difference.
It was nice to have a few minutes alone with him on the way to his parents’ house. She got her chance to kiss him when no one was looking. He smelled heavenly – he was wearing her favorite cologne.
The drive went by much too fast and they arrived to find his parents standing outside, waving excitedly. Craig groaned. “I told them to stop doing that, it makes them look like loons.”
“I’m sure they just want to make a good first impression. I hope they all get along,” Kali added nervously. Though their parents had talked over video calls occasionally when she was visiting, they’d never met in person.
“How much do you want to bet that your dad puts on those fake teeth again?”
“He won’t be able to. I hid them from him. Mum said he was looking for them all morning.”
Kali let out a hearty laugh and got out of the car. Craig introduced everyone and then rushed them inside. “We don’t need to be standing out here in the cold when there’s a perfectly good fire going inside!”
Kali was in awe of the house again. It was fully dressed for Christmas – garland, wreathes, lighting, and some serious looking fake icicles that adorned various corners. It looked absolutely magical.
As soon as they walked in, Craig’s mom rushed everyone over to the fireplace to warm up. After handing out mugs of hot cocoa with marshmallows, she wheeled out several food carts. One was stacked with cookies, the others with tea sandwiches and savory snacks.
“A proper dinner will be served in an hour, but I didn’t want you to go hungry!”
Immediately, Kali’s mom asked about the recipes of the various dishes, which Craig’s mom was extremely excited to share. Kali and her mom insisted on helping Maggie prepare dinner, so they spent the next hour chatting in the kitchen. Kali couldn’t believe how well they were all getting along – it was like Craig bribed them or something. Even her sisters hadn’t argued since they got there, and her brother was fully immersed in conversation with Phillip.
Dinner was delicious, and afterwards, they gathered around the fireplace to tell stories. Kali felt full, warm, and happy. At first she was just relieved that everyone was getting along so well, and after a while, she even started to relax. It was exactly like she’d pictured it for all those years – a trip with her family where everyone could just be together. Craig, except for his one bout of amnesia, seemed to forget nothing – he planned the perfect trip, just like she told him that she wanted all those months ago.
Midway through her dad’s story about the paper mill burning down, Craig asked Kali if she’d like to get her present early.
“I don’t think that’s allowed,” she whispered.
“But if we didn’t tell anyone? I can’t wait any longer.”
Craig was terrible with waiting to give her presents. He never managed to wait until the actual occasion, be it her birthday or an anniversary. “Alright, I guess no one has to know.”
They snuck out of the room and Craig led her up the stairs. He made her cover her eyes before he opened a door to one of the many guest rooms. She couldn’t help but giggle as she stood there, hands covering her face.
“Okay, you can open your eyes,” he said.
What she saw took her breath away. The room was decorated from top to bottom with fresh flowers. The smell was incredible. A fire burned merrily behind her, warming her back. There were rose petals scattered on the floor. And also on the floor was Craig, down on one knee.
“Kali – each day that I’m with you is the best day of my life, and somehow better than the last. Every day with you is summer. You are my absolute favorite person on this earth, and I can’t imagine my life without you. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
For the first time, Kali looked away from his eyes to see the ring. It was a beautiful, but simple, design. A single stone, sparkling in the firelight.
“Oh Craig…it’s beautiful!”
He took it out of the box and slipped it onto her finger. “Is that a yes?”
Kali laughed. “Of course it is! Yes, yes yes!”
A smile broke across his face and he leapt up, kissing her. After a second, they heard a sound at the doorway. Craig gave it a weary look before pulling it open.
Behind the door stood both of their families, hushing each other.
Kali burst into laughter. “Huh, what are you all doing up here?”
“We got lost,” her dad replied. “Looking for the bathroom.”
Her mom gasped. “Is that what I think it is?”
Kali grinned, outstretching her hand.
“Son!” Craig’s mom yelled from the back, “You’ve surprised us all with this one! And we couldn’t be happier.”
“I learned from the best,” he said with a wink.
“I couldn’t be happier, either,” Kali said, enjoying the full feeling in her heart. “Alright, shall we a
ll go and find the bathroom together?”
Everyone laughed and they headed back downstairs, Kali and Craig hand in hand.
Author’s Note
Thanks for reading! I’d love to know what you thought, and reader reviews are one of the most influential factors in whether someone will give a book a chance. So, if you’ve enjoyed this book, would you please consider reviewing it?
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Introduction to Doctor’s Date with a Billionaire
by Amelia Addler
In love, there are no coincidences.
When Alex spots a choking stranger, she doesn’t hesitate to save him. She’s a doctor, after all, and saving is what she does best. Unfortunately, the man was a crook, and helping him plunges her into danger. When the FBI offers her a spot in the witness protection program, Alex decides it’s the perfect opportunity to jumpstart her boring, boyfriend-less life.
Jason doesn’t share Alex’s excitement. He spent years running from his father’s crimes, and now Alex’s big mouth threatens to blow his new identity. Yet despite yearning for a fresh start, Jason is unable to resist Alex’s troublemaking.
After sparks fly, fate rips them apart. Will they find the courage to swallow their pride and listen to their hearts, or will they be separated forever?
Excerpt below:
Chapter 1
He looked at his watch and sighed. His dad was late, as usual. He tried to focus on the menu and decide on lunch, but he kept looking around the restaurant; he was worried he’d been followed.
Nobody looked suspicious, and truth be told, he didn't know what he would do if there was someone suspicious. It made him nervous nevertheless.
After what felt like an eternity, his dad Marty “Make it Happen” Brash finally arrived.
“Sorry I'm late,” he said in a low voice. “I have to be extra careful these days.”
Marty was out on bail, and in six short weeks he would stand trial to answer for decades of financial crimes and fraud.
“It's okay.” Jason wasn't sure how to feel. Part of him wished that his dad wouldn't show up to lunch. It would get him out of telling his dad the truth about why he wanted to meet.
“What's new with you?” Marty asked, sitting back casually.
What an absurd question. They hadn’t seen one another in three years, yet he acted like they were just catching up.
Jason decided that it was best not to drag it out. “There are some things I need to tell you.”
Marty peered down at his menu. “How's work?”
“It's fine,” Jason said, crossing him arms. “Nothing exciting.” He couldn't stand to have pleasant conversation with his dad, pretending that everything was okay.
Marty continued. “What's good here? Do you think the turkey burgers are decent? I’m supposed to watch my cholesterol.”
“I'm not really sure. I need to talk to you, though.”
“How do they even make a turkey burger?” his dad mused.
Now Jason knew that he was stalling on purpose. “There's something I think you deserve to know. You’ve hurt a lot of people. And I've agreed to testify against you at trial.”
Marty didn't react right away. He kept looking at the choices in front of him, eyes scanning back and forth. After a moment, he set the menu down. “I know, son.”
Jason sat back, surprised. He’d dreaded having to say that out loud for the past few weeks – no, the past few years.
When he was younger, he didn't understand that what his father did for a living was straight out fraud. At first, Jason was even unwittingly involved himself.
It started when he was in high school. His dad needed help with the computer.
“Always with these computers,” he’d say. “How am I supposed to get anything done?”
Jason showed him how to use programs like Word and Excel to keep documentation of his work; he taught him how to keep track of expenses and employees. Jason had no idea what any of it meant. He didn’t know what fraud was. He didn’t know that his dad was the go-to guy for white collar crime. All he knew was that his dad refused to use the computer, so he had to keep track of everything for him.
As he got older, Jason learned that none of his dad’s businesses or banking deals were legitimate. He quickly removed himself from anything to do with the “family business.” He was ashamed that he was ever involved, but he never truly understood exactly what his dad did. He didn’t want to understand. After dropping out of college, Jason got an apprenticeship. He never looked back.
It wasn’t until those FBI agents showed up at his door that he really understood the seriousness of it all. Jason wasn’t in trouble, and the agents thought it was a long shot that he’d say anything against his father at all. But when they showed him how much money his father stole, and how much it hurt innocent people who were too trusting with their savings, Jason was disgusted. He agreed to cooperate and offer any information he had. He couldn’t live with himself otherwise.
Yet, he didn't expect his father to be so calm about it.
Jason broke the silence. “You're not…angry?”
His father set down his menu. “No. I'm not angry. Not with you.”
Jason didn't know what to say. Did his dad understand the seriousness of the accusations against him? Did he understand that with the evidence the FBI had, he would probably be in jail for years?
His father continued. “Things got out of control – out of hand. When you were little, you don't remember this, but I was just like any other guy working at a bank. And when I saw that there were chances to make more money – I couldn't resist. I figured that we weren’t hurting anybody – just a few suckers. I know it's hard to believe now, but everything I did, I did because I wanted a better life for you.”
Jason gritted his teeth. Was his dad trying to guilt him now? They certainly didn’t have the healthiest father and son relationship.
In his younger years, part of the reason that Jason offered to help was because he wanted to spend more time with his dad. He was always working. And Jason wanted to learn from his father, he wanted to follow in his footsteps. He wanted to make him proud.
He cleared his mind. He was an adult now, and he couldn’t let his dad play mind games with him. “Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”
“No, no,” his father replied hurriedly. “That's not what I'm saying at all. I’ve had a lot of time to think about everything. How I ended up here. Why I ended up here. I lost sight of what’s important. I have a lot to be ashamed of.” He paused to rub his forehead. “Long story short, I'm not angry at you at all. I'm only angry at myself."
Jason took a deep breath and sat back. Though his father was a charming man, it really didn't seem like he was spinning a tale this time. It seemed genuine. Jason studied his face. For the first time in his life, his dad looked tired. He had bags under his eyes. His posture was slumped. He’d always been full of life, full of schemes. Today though, he looked defeated.
How long had he been like this? For the past few years, Jason pulled away from his dad. He only spoke to him occasionally, for holidays and birthdays. For years he tried to convince his dad to stop with all the schemes, but he never listened. Eventually, Jason decided to leave it all behind. It meant leaving his dad behind, too.
“Okay then,” Jason finally replied. He had no choice but to believe him.
A waitress stopped at their table. Jason put in an order for coffee and his father ordered a soda. She asked if they were ready to order and they looked at each other, wide eyed, doing that universal shrug as if to say “I am if you are!”
The exchange seemed so normal, so casual, that Jason couldn't help but note the absurdity of it all. No one from the outside would be able to see the cracks in their relationship. They looked like two guys having a relaxing lun
ch, ordering a pair of bacon burgers.
“So much for your cholesterol,” said Jason.
His dad shrugged. “I'll do better next time.”
As they waited for their food to come out, Jason answered what felt like a barrage of questions about his work and his life. It was like his dad was trying to make up for the last few years when all he seemed to care about was making more money. It pained Jason a bit – when he was twenty, he would have loved for his dad to be so interested in his life. But his dad was about thirteen years too late. He gave up on getting his father’s approval years ago.
After twenty minutes, their burgers arrived, stacked high and crowded with french fries. Jason looked around the restaurant – it didn’t seem like anyone was watching them. The FBI agents warned him that there was some danger, but now he felt silly to be so paranoid.
“Now Jason,” his dad said, squirting some ketchup onto his plate. “I know that I'll probably be going away for a bit. Could be the rest of my life, who knows how many years I have left.”
Jason cringed. It was one thing to think about his dad dying in prison, but it was entirely different thing to hear it said out loud. He cleared his throat. “Yeah. That's what I heard.”
Marty dipped a french fry in ketchup. “And I know that you don't agree with how I did it, but like I said, everything I did was for you. I don't want you to have to wait until I croak to get the money I’ve saved.”
Jason set his coffee cup down. “Dad – ”
“Hear me out,” he said, cutting him off. “There's nothing shady about this. I talked to my lawyer and I can leave you everything. You won't have to work as a carpenter anymore.”
“I love being a carpenter,” Jason replied. “And I don't need the money.”
Marty, dipping four french fries in ketchup, continued. “Jason, I don't think you realize how much money I'm talking.” He dropped his voice. “Two billion dollars.”
Nurse's Date with a Billionaire Page 17
