Stopping in the middle of the hallway, she turns to face me with kind eyes. “Look, I know this is a little weird for you, but this would mean a whole lot to Mark. And considering everything he did for me while Connor and I were dating, I owe him.”
I stumble at first, trying to think of a retort. My heart feels torn in two. I want to see Mark more than anything, and the work we did with Cypress and Townsend means so much to me, but how can I leave my mother?
“Mama. She can’t be alone tonight.”
Resha shakes her head. “Alone? We wouldn’t think of leaving her by herself. Connor will take you to the party and then come back here where my little man and I will hang out with your mother. Trust me, I have an aunt who’s like my own mother, and I’d never want her to be alone while she was going through anything. Besides, I remember your mother took to Colin at Thanksgiving. I think she’ll enjoy our company.”
Remembering back to Thanksgiving, I recall how my mother’s eyes lit up as she held Colin briefly that night. That was before she’d gotten drunk.
“Less thinking and more getting ready,” Resha insists. “I’ll lay your dress out on the bed while you shower.”
It must’ve been my desire to see Mark after so many days of not seeing him, especially during the holidays. Also, a piece of me feels guilty. The 23rd of December is the anniversary of his accident. I planned on doing something special for him to create a good memory for us both. Obviously, that got utterly upended when I got home that morning.
Thus, with the primary focus of seeing Mark and somehow trying to make things up to him, I found myself getting into Connor’s vehicle, heading toward Townsend Industries.
“I didn’t like you at first.”
Blinking, I turn to face Connor, who’s staring straight ahead as he drives. His profile looks hard.
“Excuse me?”
He turns and stares at me with those hazel eyes that remind me of his brother. Unlike Mark’s, however, Connor’s don’t appear as inviting when he looks me over. My stomach drops a little because as much as Mark has always wanted to be out from under his older brother’s shadow, I know how much Connor’s opinion and approval mean to him.
“At first, I said. When you showed up on Thanksgiving, I realized who you were.”
I listen as he continues.
“Mark never knew it, but I read that letter he got in the hospital. The one signed with your name on it.”
“I never sent that letter. I’d never do something like that to anyone, let alone to Mark. I-I loved him. I still do.”
“Don’t cut me off. I was pissed as hell that some chick thought she could write that shit to my brother and then leave him broken like that. He changed after that. Yeah, the accident took his legs, but it was that note that broke his spirit for a long time after. So, when I saw you on Thanksgiving, it all came back.”
Fidgeting with my hands in my lap, I wonder what I’m supposed to say.
“He told me what happened after that night.” He turns to me as we come to a red light. “The kid’s wanted to be, or maybe he was made to be like me most of his young life, but he’s better than me. Smarter. And he’s got better instincts. So, if he’s willing to stick his neck out for you, then you must be worth it.”
Nodding, I say, “Thank you.”
He shakes his head as the light turns green. “Don’t thank me. He’s the one that spent the last week busting his ass over the holidays to make this happen.”
Scrunching my face, I start to ask what he’s referring to. The holiday party for Townsend has been in the works for weeks, and Mark didn’t have a hand in it. His focus was on the merger. But I’m never able to get the question out because we soon pull up to the main entrance of Townsend Industries, which has been transformed into a mini red carpet event.
As we pull up to the sidewalk in front of the entrance, Connor quickly unlocks the door, and the passenger door is pulled open. My gaze falls on a sharply dressed Mark as he holds the door open.
My heart stutters in my chest at seeing him in a black and white tuxedo, looking even more handsome than I remember.
“You look hot,” he says, grinning from ear to ear.
I run my hand along the red, sequined dress that he must’ve picked out for me to wear.
“You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Think so?” he asks before doing a 360 in his wheelchair. “Had to give you the whole picture.”
I let out a laugh before taking his hand to exit. Once I get out, I turn to Connor. “Thank you.”
He nods. “You kids have fun.”
Mark chuckles. “You just make sure to get your ass back to the house and take care of my future mother-in-law.”
Stunned, I turn to Mark to see how serious his face is. He gives me a wink, smiling as he nods.
“Shall we?”
I don’t hesitate to take his arm to stroll into the party.
It’s been a long ass week, but the best part of it is yet to come. Things are already looking up as Jackie and I stroll into the Townsend Industries building for the New Year’s Eve party.
“Wow, they outdid themselves, huh?” she asks, staring all around at the holiday decor surrounding us.
The lobby has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with lights and trees, fake snow, and giant screens that display the words Happy New Year. I know that later in the evening, those screens will display the ball drop to welcome in the New Year.
“Yeah, it's pretty decent.”
She laughs. “Pretty decent.”
“As great as it looks in here, the scene doesn’t compare to how you look in that dress. Turn around for me.”
She grins but does a little twirl for me. I allow my eyes to linger on the hump behind her, smiling broadly, recalling the feel of palming her as she rides me.
“You’re terrible,” she whispers, bending low so only I can hear her.
Chuckling, I respond, “You love me anyway.”
“I do.” Her face sobers, and within a second or two, there are a million questions I see running through her eyes.
“You want to know where I’ve been for the past eight days.”
She rubs her lips together and hesitates, but eventually nods.
Taking her hand into mine, I bring it to my lips. “I’ll tell you everything before the night is over. For now, my only desire is for you to dance with me.”
She glances up as Michael Buble’s version of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” starts playing.
“I’d love to.”
With one hand wrapped around hers and the other guiding my chair, I move us to the middle of the lobby, amongst the numerous other couples already dancing. We move in sync, my gaze firmly held on Jackie as she sways easily to the music. I have to shove aside the regret I feel for not having been able to spend the actual holiday with her. I was more than three states away trying to get shit tied down before tonight.
We end up dancing for three more songs before we’re interrupted by the sound of my boss’ voice through the microphone.
A few of Jackie’s coworkers have waved to us and given us the thumbs-up. All of them are anticipating what Aaron is about to say.
“Some of you may know that Townsend has been looking to expand our reach into the healthcare field. We’ve taken many strides throughout the years to break into this field. However, this year we have taken our biggest leap yet. I am proud to announce our merger with Cypress Mental Health and Addiction Corp.”
The applause that breaks out around the room is almost thunderous. Jackie and I turn to one another with shit-eating grins on both of our faces. I wasn’t aware until this very moment of just how invested the both of us were in this project. It feels good as hell to have worked on something so hard and finally get to share it with the world.
She leans down and kisses me. I take her face into mine, unwilling to let the kiss end too soon. “We did it,” I say against her lips.
“I’m so proud of you
,” she whispers.
“Mark, if you’ll come join us.”
I nearly miss Aaron calling my name from the front of the crowd because I’m too busy staring into Jackie’s eyes.
“He’s calling you,” she says, moving from in front of me.
Aaron’s staring directly at me, expectantly. Sighing, I release Jackie’s hand and roll up to the front of the crowd and up the ramp to get onto the makeshift stage where Aaron is.
“You all may know Mark O’Brien as my executive assistant. However, he’s been instrumental in overseeing this project and ensuring things run smoothly. He’s done a hell of a job and continues to impress me, which is not easy to do.”
I chuckle, as do most of the other people in the room, knowing Aaron’s temperament.
“Which is why I’m pissed I have to let him go as my assistant.”
Lifting my eyebrows, I stare up at Aaron.
“As of today, Mark no longer works as my assistant.” He pauses, looking to the crowd. “As the announcement of this merger is just the beginning of this endeavor, we will need someone with hands-on experience to bring these two organizations together, as one.”
He peers down at me.
“As of today, Mark O’Brien is Townsend Industries’ new Director of Oversight for this merger, and syncing Cypress into the Townsend way of doing things.”
I nod to the crowd, who is applauding their congratulations. I’m not stunned. Aaron and I spoke days ago about his decision. I’m thrilled at receiving this promotion. It’s what I worked diligently for. Yet, whereas a few short weeks ago, this announcement would’ve made my entire year, now it’s merely the cherry on top.
As I look out into the crowd and see Jackie clapping in between wiping away tears as she smiles at me, I know the truth of what has made my entire year.
“Let’s bring up the rest of the team that worked on this merger,” Aaron says.
One by one, both Cypress and Townsend employees make their way to the stage. As soon as Jackie steps onto the stage, I take her hand in mine.
Our gazes linger on one another as Jase and another Cypress employee make their speeches to the crowd. I’m sure they talk about how excited they are for Cypress’ future and how great it is to be a part of the Townsend team or whatever, but I give my full attention to Jackie. Even as Jase points her out for the work she’s done on the merger, I can’t take my eyes off her.
It must take minutes but feels like hours before we all descend from that stage. Once we do, Jase stops Jackie and me.
“I hear your mother is feeling better,” he says.
Jackie hesitates but nods. “A little.”
“That’s great news. But,” he pauses, his eyes flickering to me before he looks at Jackie again, “we at Cypress should’ve been more attentive during your family’s hour of need. I recognize our shortcomings, and while I’m certain a monetary benefit can only go so far, I’d like to notify you that we’ve signed off on tripling the bonus promised to you at the beginning of your tenure with Cypress.”
Jackie gasps, covering her mouth with her free hand. Again, Jase looks at me, and I nod.
“Are you serious?”
He nods. “Yes, of course. Also, I’m not aware if Mark has told you by now, but we’re promoting you as well. To the director of our project management team. You will essentially be in the lead throughout this entire merger process and after that.”
“Thank you,” she says, her voice still sounding in disbelief.
“Thank you for the effort and work you’ve put in in such a short time with Cypress. We’re all looking forward to great things in the future. Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year.”
I dip my head at Jase as he leaves us.
“I can’t believe it. I wasn’t even sure I still had a job. Did you hear him?” She looks excited.
“I did. Congratulations.”
“You too.” She bends, kissing me, but before long, pulls back, gasping. “Do you know what this means?”
Shaking my head, I say, “No, what?”
“It means I can buy the house. Or, I can buy a new house for Mama and I. Probably not as big as the one we live in now, but so what. We’ll be free from under my father’s thumb.”
“Why would you want to buy a house for your mother that she already owns?” I ask.
She looks at me, confused. “Mark, I told you …”
Her voice peters off as she watches me pull out a folded paper from the inside of my tuxedo jacket.
“What’s that?” Her eyes lock on the thick, manila paper in my hands.
“Open it and see.”
She takes it from my hand, staring at me as she unfolds. Slowly her eyes travel from mine to the paper in her hands. I see the moment she realizes what she’s holding. Her eyes begin to water as she shakes her head.
“How?” she whispers. “How did you get the deed switched to Mama’s name?”
“A little Christmas magic.”
“Is this real?” she asks, looking at me.
I nod. “Your mother owns that house outright. She can keep it, sell it, or tear the whole thing down brick by brick. It’s hers along with the investments your father left behind.”
“Really?”
I nod. “It seems your Uncle Will received more money than he led you to believe. Around 1.4 million from your father’s estate. He signed that over to your mother.”
Again, she wears a confused expression. “Why would he sign that over?”
“Another Christmas miracle, baby.” Smiling, I wiggle my eyebrows.
“How did you get all of this done? Seriously.”
I pull her onto my lap. “I have a few connections. Being Connor O’Brien’s little brother comes with its perks.” I chuckle, knowing eventually I’ll have to tell Jackie of the many investments my brother put my name on; investments that come with connections all over the city.
“Either way, you no longer have to worry about providing for your mom. She’s taken care of, and your uncle will never darken our doorstep again.”
She looks at me with her mouth wide open. “He’s not dead, is he?”
Shaking my head, I say, “No, he’s still alive minus the money and property he and your father tried to hold over your head.”
He may never walk normally again once he gets out of the hospital, but Jackie doesn’t need those specific details right now.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” she says into my neck as she tightens her arms around me.
She holds on for impossibly long.
“Um, baby?”
“Yes?” she asks but doesn’t move.
“You know I have a broken spine, right?”
“Wha— Oh my god! Am I hurting you? Hugging you too tight?” She pulls back, looking horrified.
I can’t even keep a straight face as I burst out into laughter.
“Mark, that’s so not funny!”
“I know. I know. But you were squeezing my neck hard.”
“Jerk.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, well, I couldn’t give you this one last gift with you squeezing me so damn tight.”
“Another gift? You can’t be serious.”
Shrugging, I say, “I have to make up for missing our first Christmas together.”
“Speaking of, where were you?”
“Had to take multiple trips to get these forms signed in person. Two of my lawyers are traveling with their families for the holidays. I had to track down many people over the past few days to get all of this done. Including my jeweler.”
I pull out the black, velvet ring box from my pants’ pocket.
“You have a jeweler?”
Nodding, I say, “I do,” before opening the box that bears the rose gold band with a pear-shaped diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds on either side.
“And he’s good enough to fit this ring for me in a few short days’ notice.”
“Mark.” Her voice quivers.
“Ten
!”
I glance around the room to realize the New Year’s countdown has begun. Everyone around us is staring up at the screens, watching the ball fall.
“I thought you hated me.”
“I thought so, too. But even when I thought I hated you, you were always my greatest temptation. The same way I’m yours. Will you marry me?”
“Five!” the crowd yells.
“I love you,” she whispers.
“Two!”
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Happy New Year!” the crowd yells around us as streamers and confetti fall from the ceiling.
And as the clock strikes midnight, ushering in 2021, I cup my hands around my fiancée’s face, bringing her lips to mine. This is how I plan to spend every New Year for the rest of my life.
The End
Looking for updates on future releases? I can be found around the web at the following locations:
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Newsletter: Tiffany Patterson Writes Newsletter
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FaceBook private group: Tiffany’s Passions Between the Pages
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Website: TiffanyPattersonWrites.com
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Email: [email protected]
Also By Tiffany Patterson
The Black Burlesque Series
Black Pearl
Black Dahlia
Black Butterfly
Forever Series
7 Degrees of Alpha (Collection)
Forever
Safe Space Series
Safe Space (Book 1)
Safe Space (Book 2)
Rescue Four Series
* * *
Eric’s Inferno
Carter’s Flame
Emanuel’s Heat
A Holiday Temptation: A Holiday Novella Page 15
