by Candace Shaw
Blythe listened to him, but there was something still nagging at her heart. She’d gone through this before. She’d believed and forgiven her ex over something very similar, only to find out he’d lied, and it wasn’t just once. She thought she’d left all of that in her twenties. Now, at thirty, this crap was resurfacing, and she blamed no one but herself.
“I need time to think,” she whispered. “And I can’t do it here.”
“Fine, you want to leave?” He stepped out of her way and pointed to the elevator. “Go, because I’m not going to argue with you over something so petty.”
Taken aback, she almost had a half a mind to curse him out for talking to her like that. Arguments were never her forte, and she didn’t want to end up saying the wrong thing and make matters worse.
“Good night,” she said.
He strolled over to the elevator and pushed the button to open the doors. “Good night.”
* * *
After Blythe left, Preston plopped on his chaise lounge and stared up at the painting. Letting out a deep sigh, he rehashed their argument in his head. He truly didn’t understand why she was upset with him. He had told the freaking truth. Isn’t that what every woman wanted? The truth? True, he didn’t disclose the information upfront but he honestly didn’t see the need to. He thought he was doing the honorable thing by making sure Marissa got home safely. He’d figured withholding what happened from Blythe would be best because he didn’t want her upset or to think he was seeing Marissa.
Glancing at pouting Hope on her mat in front of him, he let out a nervous chuckle as the dog stood and nudged his hand. “Girl, I think I’ve messed up.”
Sliding off the chaise, he made his way to the game room with Hope by his side. Grabbing a pool stick from the wall, he trekked over to the pool table, lifted the rack that contained the balls and broke them. Watching them go in different directions, only one landed in the pocket. He tossed the stick on the table and ran his hands down his face. Preston couldn’t believe this was happening. He had finally found the one woman he’d searched for all his life only to let her walk out the door and possibly out of his life because his scandalous past had finally caught up with him.
Preston hated the sad and hurt expression on her face. He hated that he’d caused it and didn’t do anything to comfort her. Even if she did believe him the fact that he’d withheld something that she’d deemed important hadn’t sat well with her. He’d been a total jerk to Blythe, and she didn’t deserve to be treated that way.
He knew some of it had to do with her ex that had cheated and while she said she wasn’t heartbroken, he could understand why she didn’t exactly trust him either. But Blythe was different from every other woman he’d dated and the difference was he’d fallen in love with her. This wasn’t the first time he argued with a woman over another woman. In those instances, he shrugged it off because he simply didn’t care. However, this time he did and now he felt like crap. His heart clenched at the thought of this being the end all because of his male ego standing in the way. All because he couldn’t admit to her at that moment he was wrong. Instead, he let her walk out. Perhaps he should’ve chased after her, but she was too upset and he’d learned from his father that sometimes it’s best to give a woman her space to cool down or it could make matters worse.
Plopping on the leather sectional, Hope joined him and stared up at him with sad eyes. He ruffled the dog’s head and then closed his eyes as he reminisced on the good times he’d shared with Blythe. She had been a breath of fresh air in his life, and he wasn’t about to let her get away.
Chapter 10
“Everything is perfect. Just how Preston wanted it,” Sasha said to Blythe and Tiffani as the ladies strolled around the Winter Wonderland event.
The overly excited children played arcade games, waited in line to see Santa Claus, played with the animals in the petting zoo and rode the train and the merry-go-round. There were more children outside at the ice-skating rink and the Ferris wheel or sledding on the fake snow hills. Songs from the cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas, performed by Braxton and his jazz band, lent a festive atmosphere. Children and their parents lined up for carnival-type foods and took pictures in one of the four photo booths. Blythe tried to tear her eyes away from the third booth as images of Preston and her filled her head.
“I’m so glad you all were available to help him make it come alive,” Tiffani said with pride. “The children are having a blast. I don’t think I’ve seen so many overjoyed faces.”
Blythe nodded her head. “Indeed, they are. It’s truly a joyous occasion.”
Sasha beamed bright as Devin approached. “Ready for the Ferris wheel, babe?” she asked as he grabbed her to him and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I guess that’s a yes. Bye, ladies.” Giggling, she skipped off hand in hand with her husband.
Tiffani followed Blythe to her art station, where her session was to begin in a few moments. She knew her best friend wanted to say something. It was written all over her face. For the past two days, Blythe had managed to avoid Preston except for a group conference call with the committee members about last-minute changes for the event. He’d sent a bouquet of yellow roses to her studio and another one to her home with a note that simply read, “I’m not going anywhere. Let me know when you’re ready to talk.” However, she wasn’t sure she was ready to talk or to see Preston. It took every ounce of strength to attend the event tonight, but she wasn’t there for him. She was there for the children.
Blythe had played the scenario over and over in her mind, and while she had probably overreacted, she could admit to herself that she was scared. Maybe she’d gone into their relationship too soon. Maybe she shouldn’t have slept with him so soon, even though she still didn’t regret it. The feelings she had for Preston were real, but she felt the need to protect her heart. She missed him and was nervous as hell about seeing him tonight. Luckily he was so busy with the event and greeting the children, he’d managed to stay out of her sight except once, but she ducked out of his vision before he saw her.
When she arrived at the art station, on her table was another bouquet of yellow roses that hadn’t been there twenty minutes ago. Sighing, she slid the card from its holder and read it. “I miss you, baby girl. Still here.”
“I see my brother isn’t giving up,” Tiffani said, running her fingers along the roses and smelling them. “This is the third bunch, right?”
Blythe breathed out and slipped on her smock. “It’s not that I don’t believe him. It’s that I just wish he’d told me up front. We’re adults. There’s no reason to hide anything from me. It makes me think otherwise. That’s all.”
Tiffani pressed her lips together and tapped her fingers on the table.
Blythe laughed at her friend’s determination for the past few days to stay mum on the matter even though she could sense it was hard to do. “Go ahead. You have the floor,” she said, bowing her head toward Tiffani.
Tiffani exhaled and wiped her hand across her forehead. “Whew, thank you. Well, I’ve promised you both I’d stay out of it. I will say I’ve never witnessed Preston this upset over possibly losing a woman. Sean and Cannon stopped by the bakery earlier today. Sean said that they took Marissa home and there was no hanky-panky. But I know that’s not your issue. It’s a trust thing and I understand. I know my brother and his past. I know all of his dirt. I’ve met a lot of his women and I know he hasn’t always been honest, faithful or trustworthy. He’s no saint. Heck, you knew half of his dirt thanks to me, but you trusted in your soul that he was a good guy and he had a heart.”
Blythe nodded her head in silence. He definitely had a heart. Just observing all of the children and their parents’ smiling faces signified that.
“Thank you, Tiffani, and I know you’re trying your best to stay out of it, but I appreciate the information and all of the chocolate goodies you
gave me yesterday. Chocolate will make anything seem halfway better.”
Tiffani hugged her tight. “You’re my best friend and sister regardless of whether or not you’re with my brother. I just want you happy either way,” she said sincerely, squeezing Blythe’s hands. “You’re still family.”
“Thank you.”
“Alright, I see you have some kiddies showing up to paint. I’m going to go check on KJ. He’s probably still outside snow sledding with his friends, and my cupcake decorating class starts soon. He volunteered since he loves to claim he’s part owner of Sweet Treats.”
“Girl, he is not leaving snow sledding anytime soon. It rarely snows here in Atlanta.”
“I know, right? I’ll let him stay out there. See you in a bit.”
Once her paint session was underway, Blythe was so engrossed and having so much fun with the children painting winter scenes that she didn’t realize Preston was standing in the back, chatting with some of the parents. When she glanced up, their eyes met briefly before she placed her attention on a little girl who needed her assistance. However, every now and then her gaze would strain toward him and her heartbeat would speed up. Even though his focus was on the conversation, his stare was on her. He seemed tired but refreshed at the same time. He was in his element with the children he cared so much about. She had to admit she was proud of him and everything he’d done to make the event magical. Despite not knowing which direction she was headed with him, Blythe couldn’t deny the fact that he was an exemplary human being who had brightened so many little lives that evening. It was one of the reasons she fell for him in the first place. She prayed they could move past this.
After the session ended and the children left, Preston strolled over to her.
“Need some help cleaning up?” he asked, placing the paintbrushes in a huge can of clean water that sat in the middle of the supply table. “I know your next session begins in a few.”
“Sure.” She left him with the paintbrushes and began to strip the tables of the butcher paper to replace it with more. They worked in heavy, annoying silence until she had everything set up again. He was so close in the small space allotted for her station. His sultry, woodsy cologne outweighed the paint fumes and she tried not to breathe it in. The notes from his cologne mixed in with his own scent always set her body on rage, and the nearness of him swept a storm of desire through her veins. But this was not the time or place to discuss anything or to be hot and bothered.
“The kids are enjoying themselves. You’ve done an outstanding job,” she complimented him.
Tilting his head, he looked at her as if he was shocked she’d spoken to him. “Thank you, but all of this couldn’t have been done without you and the committee’s hard work. The entire team stepped up to the plate. I came in here this afternoon alone before any of you arrived, and I was in awe. I was speechless. It’s beautiful, and even more beautiful now that the children are here having the best time of their lives, so thank you for helping me make it possible.”
“You’re very welcome, but this is all you. Your vision. Your kind heart loving and giving back so unselfishly. Most people want to be at home with their loved ones drinking hot chocolate and wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve, not doing this. Not sacrificing so much of your time and money. I know you don’t care about the money part because at the end of the day you just want to give the children some joy and hope for Christmas. You’ve been in their shoes. You’ve experienced the pain they’ve suffered at such a young age. You have shown these children so much love, and I know their parents are truly grateful for everything you’ve done and will continue to do. I spoke to a mother earlier and she went on and on about so many things you’ve done for the children’s hospital and for her family. She mentioned how she’d quit her job because she refused to leave her daughter in the hospital and while her husband works, they could barely make ends meet. She said you paid their mortgage for a year until they got back on their feet. Another lady told me how her son’s wish was to meet his favorite football player and you had set it up the very next day. So, no, I can’t take credit for any of this. It is a wonderful experience, and I’m thankful to be a part of it. However, this is your vision, and I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am now.”
Her voice cracked and tears welled in her eyes, but she pushed them back when he stepped toward her.
“Blythe... I...”
She shook her head and looked past him to see two boys skip over to Preston.
“Mr. Preston,” they both shouted at the same time.
Preston’s face lit up even more as he turned around to the boys who bombarded him.
“Hey, Lionel and Scott.” He scooped them up for a big hug. “You just got here?”
“Yeah, our mom got stuck in traffic,” Lionel explained. “This is awesome. Thank you so much, Mr. Preston.”
“No problem, son,” Preston said. “What do you want to do first? Arcade games? See Santa Claus? The petting zoo?”
“Snow sledding and then the petting zoo,” Lionel answered. “Oh, and the Ferris wheel.”
“Are you coming with us?” Scott asked.
“For sure,” Preston answered matter-of-factly. “Let’s get some hot apple cider first.”
“Cool, with whipped cream?” Lionel grabbed Preston’s hand, followed by Scott, who held the other one.
“You bet. Lots of it, and with cinnamon,” Preston said, glancing at Blythe over his shoulder. He mouthed “I love you” before the boys pulled him away. Two more boys approached them and joined the group, as well.
Blythe wiped her eyes and put on a happy face as her next group began to form, and for the following thirty minutes, they worked on their winter scenes. She was glad for the interruption because it kept her from focusing on what Preston said before he jetted off with the boys. However, once her session ended, the words “I love you” played in her head over and over like a broken record. He’d told her he was falling for her, but never with those three words. Her eyes perused the yellow roses once more, and she read the card again.
Afterward she joined Tiffani, who was finishing up her cupcake decorating session. For the next few hours until the event ended at midnight, the ladies walked around the venue, assisting where they were needed. She ran into Preston a couple more times. He was having fun with the children, playing games and taking pictures with them.
Once the last child left, Preston gathered all the committee members at the entrance of Santa’s Village. He stood next to the mural of Hope as his assistants passed out glasses filled with champagne. Preston’s eyes roamed over everyone and lingered on Blythe a little longer before clearing his throat.
“I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I’ll start from the beginning. When I first thought of doing the Winter Wonderful project, it was this summer, and I’d just found out that one of the children...” He stopped as his voice lowered and cracked. Breathing out, Preston started again. “This summer...um... Haley, one of the children at the hospital, had been out of remission for a year. She was rediagnosed with cancer, but this time it came back more aggressive, spreading to other organs, and unfortunately she died. Haley was only seven, and Christmas was her favorite holiday. The doctors pretty much said she had only a few more weeks, maybe months, but probably not. So we moved Christmas up for her and had a celebration in her hospital room because she was too weak to go to the playroom.” He stopped again as tears rushed down his cheeks.
“She died a few days later, and it broke my heart and those of the children she’d befriended at the hospital. I knew then I wanted to do something special for them, and the wheels in my head began to turn with ideas. I wanted it to be memorable and extraordinary, out of this world, and thanks to all of you, it was. Someone told me earlier this evening that it was all me, but the truth is I couldn’t have done this without all of you pitching in, sacrificing your time
with your families and loved ones over the past month, putting this all together. On New Year’s Eve, you know I’m having a big thank-you party in your honor, but I also have something else for each of you.” He turned toward Linda.
Linda wiped her tears and patted Preston’s face. “You know you’re like a son to me and my husband. We’re so proud of you.” Then she turned to face the audience. “To show his appreciation, Preston is giving everyone an all-expenses-paid trip for you, significant others and your children to Hawaii for one week. It doesn’t matter when you want to go. You’ll just need to contact me so I can make the arrangements. I’ll start the day after Christmas. You all have my contact information at work.”
The committee members, including Blythe, clapped and cheered and thanked Preston, who was overwhelmed with emotion. They all raised their champagne glasses and toasted him.
Smiling, Preston raised his glass. “Thank you, and I’m raising my glass to toast all of you. You just don’t know how much tonight meant to me, and I hope we can all do this again next year and the year after that.”
Everyone clinked their glasses with the people they were standing next to. Blythe toasted hers with Tiffani and was surprised when the next glass she clinked was Preston’s. She hadn’t realized he’d made his way to her. Afterward everyone began to disperse and leave. Blythe walked with Tiffani as KJ went on and on about his evening and how his Uncle Preston said he could return the day after Christmas with his best friends to play once more before everything was taken down. Blythe hadn’t realized how tired she was until she yawned and fumbled around in her purse for her keys.
