A Billionaire's Christmas (The Carolina Series Book 4)

by Jill Downey

  A Billionaire’s Christmas

  The Carolina Series Book Four

  Jill Downey

  ...

  A Novella

  Contents

  Families

  1. Penelope

  2. Penelope

  3. Malena

  4. Penelope

  5. Ella

  6. Penelope

  7. Faye

  8. Penelope

  9. Faye

  10. Penelope

  11. Malena

  12. Ella

  13. Penelope

  14. Ella

  15. Penelope

  16. Malena

  17. Malena

  18. Malena

  19. Penelope

  20. Ella

  21. Faye

  22. Penelope

  23. Malena

  24. Penelope

  25. Malena

  26. Faye

  27. Malena

  28. Penelope

  29. Faye

  30. Malena

  31. Penelope

  32. Faye

  33. Penelope

  34. Penelope

  35. Penelope

  36. Malena

  37. Penelope

  38. Malena

  39. Author’s Note

  40. Books By Jill Downey

  A Billionaire’s Christmas

  The Carolina Series Book Four

  A Novella

  by

  Jill Downey

  Copyright © 2020 Jill Downey

  All rights reserved.

  Published by Jill Downey

  Cover Design Copyright © 2020

  Maria @ Steamy Designs

  Editor April Bennett @ TheEditingSoprano.com

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, copied, shared, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author. The only exception is brief quotations to be used in book reviews. All places and locations are used factiously. The names of characters and places are figments of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to real people or real places are purely a coincidence and unintended.

  Dedication

  Dedicated to all of the first responders…nurses, doctors, and health care providers who risk their health and lives everyday trying to save ours!

  Thank you!

  Families

  James and Giselle Bennett

  Kyle, Ella, Finn and twins Everly

  and Quinn Bennett

  Faye Bennett, Jesse Carlisle and Tyler Anderson

  Griffin Bennett, Penelope Winters

  and baby Savannah

  Josie Hernandez and Malena Sanchez

  Walt Hardy

  1

  Penelope

  Penelope Winters poured over her mental list of the thousand and one things she needed to get done before the Bennett clan descended upon them next week. She nervously chewed on a fingernail as she went over the details. In a moment of sentimentality, they’d decided to extend an invitation to Griffin’s family to spend Christmas with them in Montana and surprisingly they’d all accepted. Even his parents. What had she been thinking? She’d never been around his family for any length of time and now they’d be in close quarters for an entire week. Yikes! It was nerve racking.

  She had to go into town today to finish up some Christmas shopping and she was going to drag Griffin along whether he wanted to go or not. Josie Hernandez, her house manager, cook, friend, nanny and everything in between, had promised to watch Savannah while they were out. Thank God for Josie.

  Penelope still had presents to buy, and one in particular was giving her heartburn. She’d drawn Griffin’s mother for the family exchange. Why me Lord? She didn’t have a clue what to buy for Giselle.

  She pressed her lips softly against her baby’s forehead, who was now fast asleep in her arms.

  This was her first Christmas with Griffin. Their daughter Savannah was five-and-a-half months old now and loved the decorations and lights. She’d happily sat on Santa’s lap for a photo. Penelope glanced down at her sleeping child her heart filled with love. After the whirlwind of the last year and a half, with the pressures of filming, releasing and promoting their blockbuster movie, hanging out at Winter Land Ranch was a much-needed respite. She peered out the front windows which covered the entire façade of the log chalet. The glass ran all the way up the entire two levels. After last night’s flurries, a foot of snow blanketed the ground, and everything looked white and pristine.

  She looked towards the barn and her heart flip-flopped seeing Griffin standing there, looking incredibly sexy and rugged, dark mussed up hair, designer stubble, bundled up in his distressed sheepskin coat. Behind him was the mountain backdrop and snow-covered peaks…well it was right out of a magazine. He was talking to their ranch manager Walt and they were laughing together, Griffin animated as he gesticulated endearingly to make his point.

  Her husband…just over five months now. How was that possible? How was it possible that she could love two people so much that it actually made her chest ache? She had surprised him with an early Christmas present, a baby grand piano. Ultimately, it had been a gift to herself and Savannah, because he played for them almost every night.

  Griffin looked up and saw her standing at the window. He stilled as if mesmerized. Walt turned to see what had caught her husband’s attention and a huge smile spread across his weathered face. Penelope’s eyes devoured Griffin as he made his way back to the house. He bounded up the front porch steps as if he couldn’t wait to see her.

  “How are my girls? Looks like peanut fell asleep,” Griffin said, taking off his coat and hanging it in the closet.

  “Yes, she’s sound asleep,” Penelope said. “She’s getting to be quite the chunk.”

  “Here give her to me. I’ll put her in her crib, then take a shower.” He gently lifted Savannah into his arms and buried his nose against the soft blanket. “I love that smell.”

  “I know. It’s the best.”

  “You know there’s only one thing that smells even better.”

  Penelope smiled sweetly, “Oh yeah, and what is that?”

  “Wait for me. I’ll tell you when I get back.”

  Her body tingled as she watched him walk away. Her sexy man. She sighed. She would wait all day long if she had to.

  Penelope was equal parts excited and anxious about hosting Christmas. It wasn’t as if they didn’t have enough space to get away from one another if they needed to. Their home was certainly big enough. The house was built from logs and architecturally it was more along the lines of a Swiss chalet. Three of the four bedrooms were upstairs with their own en-suites and terraces. Penelope and Griffin’s master suite was on the main floor with a connecting nursery and they had their own private bath.

  The living room was massive and open, and the heart of the home. It had loads of windows, cathedral ceilings, and an incredible view. The gorgeous stone fireplace was a focal point to gather round with a sizable U-shaped sectional sofa and club chairs that could easily accommodate large groups. Luxurious by any standards, yet the exposed beams and wooden floors provided a rustic feel keeping true to the nature of Montana and the outdoors.

  When Penelope had purchased the property, it had been a family-owned dude ranch and B&B, so there were employees’ quarters at the back of the house off of the kitchen, where Josie and her niece Malena resided as well as a separate building for the staff that managed the ranch.

  Nestled amongst the aspens, pines and fir trees were three luxurious guest cabins, all scattered within walking distance from the main house. Each one
had the same spectacular mountain views and a stream running behind. There were walking trails they could step onto right outside their doors and inviting front porches her staff had framed with colorful twinkle lights and a wreath on each entryway.

  Penelope had made sure that every cabin had been decorated and had even added a Christmas tree in Ella and Kyle’s cottage for the kids. They were all equipped with hot tubs and fireplaces, and the spas’ water temperatures were turned up ready to receive guests.

  It was just a short jaunt to the small pond, now frozen over and ready for ice skaters. She’d even purchased ice skates for everyone, after gathering the guests’ shoe sizes. It went without saying that Montana was truly a winter wonderland during the holiday season.

  Penelope was going over menus with Josie, discussing what provisions they’d have for their guests in each of the cabins when Griffin returned. Fresh from the shower, he smelled delicious, like soap and aftershave.

  “Mm, you smell good,” Penelope said, as Griffin slipped his arm around her waist. He peered over her shoulder at the long list they’d come up with.

  “Whoa! Remind me again…how long are they going to be here?” Griffin said.

  “Ten days is a long time… and if you can’t be part of the solution then stay quiet,” Penelope said.

  Josie’s eyes twinkled. “Mr. Griffin, this is a very special occasion. Your first Christmas together and your whole family here! You can’t skimp on the details.”

  “I see whose side you’re on Josie. I’ll remember this.”

  Her smile lit up her gentle face. “Now Mr. Griffin, you know I took your side on the last disagreement.”

  Griffin scratched his head looking heavenward, “Hmm, I can’t recall…when was this?”

  Josie swatted at him, “That will be the last time.”

  Griffin slung his other arm across her shoulders and kissed her on her cheek. Josie’s face turned rosy beneath her gorgeous caramel skin.

  “Your charm will get you nowhere with me young man,” she said.

  Penelope rolled her eyes. “Don’t I wish. It gets him everything. Even you aren’t immune to his charms.”

  “I’m back. Aunt Josie are you blushing?”

  They all turned to greet Josie’s niece Malena as she entered the kitchen. She’d moved here from California the previous year and was assisting her aunt in housekeeping, working part time for Penelope and Griff. She was currently on holiday break from her studies, aiming for a master’s of science in nursing.

  At twenty-three, she was close to the same age as their nephew Ty, who would be turning twenty-one while they were here visiting. Malena was full of joy and she loved Savannah, happily babysitting every chance she got. Since Tyler and his ex-girlfriend Addison had decided to call it quits, Penelope had a feeling he was going to be taken with Malena. How could he not be? She was smart and as sweet as could be, not to mention stunning with her coal black eyes and long dark hair. Could get interesting.

  “Where’s Savannah?” Malena asked, her voice soft and gentle.

  “She just went down for her nap,” Penelope said. “Griffin and I are going to town. Now that you’re here maybe you can help keep an eye on her. She’ll probably be asleep for about an hour.”

  “What? Wait a minute. Who said anything about me going to town?” Griffin said.

  “I did. No arguments. We have shopping to do. I still need to get a present for your mom, and you haven’t bought Ella’s gift yet. I want to get some stuff for the kids as well. While we’re at it, I want to grab some more outdoor lights.”

  “For what? The barn? There isn’t anything more you could possibly decorate.”

  Penelope’s face scrunched up. “The barn, now why didn’t I think of that?”

  “You’re kidding right?”

  “No, it would look fabulous. Just the front of the barn. And the fence along the lane leading in.” She threw her arms around Griffin’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Great idea! You and Walt can put them up tomorrow.”

  Penelope smiled, pleased as she glanced around at all the decorations. Personally, she didn’t think you could ever have too many. She and Griff had hung twinkle lights everywhere. Fresh garland framed the fireplace mantel and wound its way up the open staircase rail. The smell of piñon scented the air. Mistletoe hung from the large central beam in the great room. Wreaths on the doors, Santa and his reindeer in the yard, you name it she had it. But the crowning glory was their massive Christmas tree. It was over twenty feet tall and loaded with lights and ornaments. That had been quite the ordeal. It had taken their two ranch hands and Walt as well as Griffin to wrangle that tree up and decorate it. She didn’t even want to think about the scene when they placed the star on top. But it had been worth it.

  Griffin pinched the bridge of his nose. Penelope winked at Josie and Melena as they suppressed their grins.

  “Let’s go!”

  He glared playfully at the three women. “This is not fair, you guys do realize that don’t you? Three against one, how do you live with yourselves?”

  “Easily, now quit procrastinating, we’ve got hours of shopping to do.”

  The three women burst out laughing at his hangdog expression. “But I was going to help Walt with the barn chores today since he’s down a man with Buddy quitting.”

  “He’s still got two strapping young ranch hands. He’ll be fine. Now let’s go.”

  “You are a real dictator Ms. Winters.”

  “Only when I have to be. March.”

  Josie and Malena giggled at Griffin’s pout as Penelope grabbed his hand and pulled him to the front door. Their pug Archie followed, hopeful that he’d get to go along. “Not this time Arch. I’ll take you for a walk later,” Penny said.

  They held hands as Griffin drove; Penelope insisted on blasting Christmas music through the car stereo as she marveled at the storefront shop windows; they were like scenes from a fairy tale. The whole town looked like a holiday movie set, perfect for the Christmas parade the day after Griffin’s family arrived.

  “I’m still shocked that your parents are coming,” Penelope said.

  “Tell me about it. I just got a call from Mom. She said they’ll be arriving from Palm Springs the same day as the rest of the group. Only a couple hours apart. I figured they’d only be coming for a day or two. Turns out they’re coming for the entire ten days.”

  Penelope grimaced. “Griffin, I need you to be there for me. The closer it gets the more nervous I’m getting. Your parents for a whole week? Yikes!”

  “Penny, just relax. It’s not like it’s all going to be on you. There’s nothing to worry about. I promise you that your imagination is much more colorful than my family.”

  She frowned. It was perfectly normal to be nervous about hosting the entire family, and Griffin was not very comforting. Her free-spirited husband wasn’t the least bit worried. In fact, he didn’t care. They could take it or leave it as far as he was concerned. Penelope was worried enough for the both of them. She wanted everything to be perfect. “I’m going to harness up Daisy and Pete and attach the wagon while they’re here. If we get more snow, I’ll use the sleigh.” The draft horses were comfortable being harnessed to pull a wagon or sleigh behind them and she wanted to take everyone on a ride together.

  “I thought maybe one day while they’re here we’d hit the slopes for some downhill skiing. Anyone who wants to go,” Griffin said. There was a ski resort with some challenging slopes a short drive from home.

  The parade and town festivities were on top of the list of activities they had planned for their guests. The Chamber of Commerce truly outdid themselves each year. There would be carolers and horse drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and Santa himself. She couldn’t wait to share it with someone after spending the last several Christmases alone.

  “I think they’ll love the parade, especially the kids,” Griffin said. “Ty’s mom is coming on the actual day of his birthday, right?”

  “Yes, the twenty-fou
rth. She couldn’t get time off work before that. You’d better double check with Kyle about the arrangements he made for Justine. He said he was going to have someone pick her up from home and drive her to the airport. She’ll return home on the family’s jet with the rest of the gang.”

  “You know my brother, Mr. OCD, he won’t forget any details. I just hope nobody slips up and ruins the surprise. Faye said Ty feels terrible about leaving his mom alone for Christmas,” Griffin said.

  “He’s going to be so shocked. I hope we can pull it off,” Penelope said.

  Penelope felt the tension in her neck ease up and found herself relaxing a bit. The kids would love it here. She smiled. Especially the big kids. At night they could shoot pool or play games, cards, charades, poker…they’d make it fun. She was being silly. There was nothing to worry about.

  2

  Penelope

  Penelope jumped out of the SUV, her boots crunching in the plowed snow drift along the curbside. Griffin had parallel parked the Range Rover on the main street right in front of the hardware store. The tall lampposts lining the thoroughfare were wrapped like candy canes with colorful lights reaching all the way to the top, where decorated pine swags draped down.