The Billionaire’s Christmas Miracle: The Billionaires’ Christmas Gifts Romance

by Hale, Chelsea

  “This is a good start,” Edna said slowly. “Unfortunately, it’s not enough.” She slid the paper back toward Hailey.

  “We’ve only had a week,” Hailey said.

  Edna nodded. “But the Festival is now in seven weeks. I know this is something you’ve put your heart into, but most of these are places that donate regardless. There’s nothing new that’s substantial enough to get this running. I’m sorry. We’re finally in the black as a foundation, and we need to keep it that way to close out our fiscal year, or we lose our endowments that have been granted to us.”

  Hailey felt like she’d been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of her. They’d worked hard, spending every business hour soliciting all of the local businesses, trying to make this work. Troy had been a good sport about it, but this was his vacation time he’d used, and for what? All for nothing. Her heart sank. She closed her eyes, wishing there was some way she could get a Christmas miracle right about now.

  Was that even possible in a month that wasn’t December? She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Suddenly, warmth filled her. She looked down at where her left hand had gripped the armrest of the chair so hard it was turning white. She could barely see the whiteness underneath Troy’s hand that covered hers. She relaxed her grip on the armrest, and Troy kept his hand firmly on hers. She was about to thank Edna for her time when Troy spoke up first.

  “It’s obvious that this foundation is in the best of hands with you as the President.” He gave Edna a smile that practically sparkled. “You’re able to make tough decisions when it comes to time and resources, and that’s no small thing.”

  Hailey blinked. What was Troy up to?

  The beginnings of a smile started at the corners of Edna’s mouth. “Well, thank you,” Edna said, her voice breathier than before. Was that a blush under her makeup?

  Troy continued to smile. “Of course, you understand that this is only our local in-kind donations,” he said. His voice was authoritative, commanding the room like there were hundreds of people there, even though there was just the three of them. “So far we’ve raised $10,000 in cash.”

  Edna’s eyes widened at the dollar amount Troy had thrown around and so did Hailey’s. No business had given them money, and none of the single donations were anywhere close to that figure.

  Edna put a hand to her heart, playing with her necklace. “$10,000 is certainly a lot for this event,” she said. “It won’t get you everything. The building fee alone—”

  “What if the foundation could get the events center venue donated?” Troy asked. “Would that be possible? I’m sure it would help publicity for you.” Another winning smile from Troy, his eyes practically dancing.

  Edna smoothed down her hair, smiling widely. “I must say I’m impressed with you—with both of you. $10,000 is enough for me to approve this project, though I expect you’ll have more donations coming?”

  Troy nodded. “You can count on that, as long as the Forest Festival is on the calendar and advertising can start right away.”

  Hailey felt like she was watching a ping pong match the way her gaze bounced from Troy to Edna’s as they discussed the particulars.

  “Advertising will start next week. The foundation will cover the venue and the publicity. And you’re welcome to use any of the foundation’s Christmas decorations. They are in the back storage.”

  Hailey tilted her head, surprised by Edna’s sudden generosity. “I thought I already went through all of the Christmas decorations the foundation owns.”

  Edna shook her head. “You went through everything that was personally owned by your aunt. In good conscience I couldn’t absorb her stuff without you seeing it first.”

  Hailey nodded. That seemed fair. “So there’s more decorations?”

  “Much more,” Edna assured her. “I can’t offer you much help in the way of resources on staff for the actual night, but you’re welcome to ask individuals and see if they’re willing to volunteer.”

  “Thank you so much for your help, Edna. It’s clear that this foundation wouldn’t be the same without you,” Troy said. “We’re looking forward to making sure that this year’s Forest Festival is the most memorable you’ve ever had.”

  Edna raised both eyebrows, then smoothed her hair down again. “That’s a tall order, but either way, I’m sure it will be a wonderful event.”

  “Thank you,” Hailey said to Edna.

  “If you’re available tonight for the Red Oaks Carnival, it might be a good time to announce to the public that the Forest Festival is happening.”

  Hailey looked at Troy, wondering if he’d planned on going back to the City for the weekend. Either way, she’d be here. “I’ll be here.”

  “Me too,” Troy said.

  “I’ll let John know that you’d like a few minutes to share the announcement.”

  “Thanks,” Hailey said, and then they were dismissed. She wasn’t sure how it happened but she and Troy left Edna’s office and her hand was still attached to his. She savored the touch of her hand in his for a moment before she pulled away, reality of what he’d done setting into her. “How could you—” She couldn’t get the right words out. He’d promised Edna they’d raised $10,000 with more to come. That wasn’t even possible. Not this weekend, not next. They’d gone to almost every single business in just under a week, and none of them made monetary contributions in that size.

  Troy looked at her for a moment, an awkwardness crossing his features. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t mean to hold your hand—I just wanted to let you know I was here for you.” He shook his head.

  Heat raced into Hailey’s face. “Not that. That was actually sweet of you.” Hailey shook her head as they walked out the front doors. They didn’t have $10,000, not anywhere close to that figure.

  He raised an eyebrow. “Now I’m confused.”

  He opened the car door for her. She sat in the passenger seat, moving the dials for her seat heater.

  Troy came around to the driver’s side and slid into the car. He seemed completely unaffected by the lie.

  “$10,000. Troy. Edna only agreed because of the $10,000 and you turning Mr. Charming on her!”

  Troy’s features relaxed, grinning. “You think I’m charming?”

  “What? No! You’re missing the point!”

  He faced her, that charming smile filling his whole face and making her melt inside. “No, I’m paying very close attention.”

  “Stop! Be serious! I’m not going to lie to put on the Forest Festival. I can’t do it. We need to go and tell Edna that our paper list is accurate. That has to be enough to get us the approval and support, or we can’t do it.” She unbuckled her seatbelt, wanting to go and solve this problem right now.

  A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he moved the car into reverse and headed out of the parking lot. “We won’t tell Edna any such thing. I have the money.”

  Hailey wasn’t sure what to think. When he’d brought up the idea of going back to the City to get sponsors, she’d assumed that they’d be able to get what they needed from the town, and so a trip into the City seemed like a long drive for something that wasn’t needed. How had he raised that much money?

  “When did you have time to get that much for a donation?” Her mind reeled. They’d spent their days talking to businesses. They’d spent their evenings strategizing and flirting a little. It was a pleasant surprise that he’d secured such a big donation, but she was still confused by the timing.

  He stopped at the traffic light when it turned red and looked at her. His eyes seemed to be searching hers, before he finally said, “I didn’t find any time for it. It’s my personal donation to the Forest Festival.”

  “It’s yours?” She blinked, her heart speeding up by the revelation. She’d thought to donate to the Forest Festival, but all of her liquid cash had been tied up in expanding her own business. She thought through some of her investments. She’d already given her aunt’s money to the cause. Maybe once the exp
ansion took off, she’d be in a place to pull extra money out. “I can pay you back.”

  Pain flashed across his face, but he smoothed it out. “If you did that, it wouldn’t be a donation. I don’t want you to pay me back. I want to help.”

  “But that’s so much—”

  He cut her off, not allowing her to finish the sentence. “It’s the least I can do.” He winced, looking at her with piercing eyes that took her breath away. “I wish I could do more. I want to do more … I just can’t.” He ran a hand across his face, looking like he’d say more.

  “It’s enough though,” she said quietly. She put a hand on his shoulder, gratitude swelling inside of her at his generous donation. It felt like he’d personally given her a Christmas miracle. Like this whole event would be possible because of him. Solely because of him. “Thank you,” she said, wishing she could properly explain her feelings that those two words couldn’t quite convey.

  He nodded. Multiple car horns honked, and Troy looked in the rear-view mirror. “And that means we have a green light,” he said, laughing when he drove through the intersection.

  A green light. Exactly. That’s what this moment felt like. “You don’t have to stay though,” she said. “I mean, you’ve already done so much, taking a full week off of work, and now donating more than all of the other donations we’ve been able to get.”

  He pulled into the cafe’s parking lot and parked the car. “Are you kidding, I’m not going anywhere. You admitted you think I’m charming and now I must know what else you think in that beautiful mind of yours.”

  “Beautiful?”

  He nodded. “Beautiful.”

  “But using up all of your vacation—”

  “Don’t worry about my vacation time. I use it when I want to, and how I want to. And you’re not going to convince me that this is a waste of my vacation time.”

  “Now who’s telling secrets.” Her heart still erratic from his compliment.

  He smiled at her.

  “Are you sure?” She didn’t want him to feel obligated.

  He took her hand in both of his. “I’m 10,000 dollars sure.”

  She nodded, realizing that even with Edna’s close friendship with her aunt, there was no way that Hailey would have received the green light to proceed on this event without him. “I’d really like your help on this project,” she admitted. “I couldn’t have gotten this far without you.”

  He smiled. “I have a feeling you would have figured out a way.”

  She shook her head. “Nope, you’re the person I can’t live without right now.” Heat raced through her cheeks as she replayed the sentence in her head.

  Troy laughed. “Then I’m doubly glad to be here,” he said. He got out of the car, helping her out of her side and they walked into the cafe for lunch.

  Once they ordered their food, Troy sat back in the booth. “Tell me about this carnival tonight. What’s it like?”

  “What’s it like?” Hailey repeated his question. Hailey thought of the times growing up where she’d attended. Every tradition in Red Oaks brought back a flood of memories. “It’s the official start to winter. It’s the last outdoor event the town puts on before it snows. It’s cozy and builds the community. The whole town comes out for it, even in the bitter cold. It’s just … magical.”

  “It sounds magical,” he said.

  “When I was younger, I went with my family. We lived several hours away, but we always made the weekend trips in for aunt Helena. As I got older, I mostly hung out with friends or a boyfriend during the events.” Her aunt, in addition to running the Forest Festival, had been on several committees and volunteered in multiple ways for the different events. It was one of the reasons Hailey had become an event planner. It had always looked so glamorous in her mind. Now with a thriving event planning business, she knew it wasn’t all glamor, but it was still what she was passionate about. “It’s a great evening and makes for a great family event or even a great date night.”

  “It sounds like I need one then,” he said.

  She tilted her head, confused. “Need what?”

  “A date.”

  “Oh.” A wash of giddiness spread over her. “You’d think a Boy Scout would be more prepared than that.” She grinned at him.

  “Will you be my date for the evening?” he asked.

  She lifted one shoulder around. “Sure, I could show you around.”

  He smiled. “That’s not quite what I meant.”

  Thoughts fumbled inside her head. “Okay.”

  “Okay, you’ll be my date?”

  She nodded. “I’d love to.”

  Chapter 6

  Troy picked Hailey up, and they headed to the Red Oaks Carnival on Main Street. For the town being small, the entire area was packed. They weaved through the crowds, working their way to the center where apple bobbing and pie eating contests were already in full swing.

  “This is the Carnival,” she said.

  “It’s a happening place,” he said. They bought food and walked around. He kept hold of her hand as they navigated through the crowds, not letting go when the crowd dispersed.

  A man in a white and orange striped barbershop suit with a matching straw hat called to them. “Take your turn at the darts and win a prize.”

  “Friendly competition?” Hailey asked.

  “You’re on,” Troy said, giving a few of their brightly colored tickets to the man. They were each given three darts.

  Hailey threw the first one and it popped a green balloon. The man took the paper from the where the popped balloon had been and handed it to Hailey. “You can redeem this at the prize counter,” he said, smiling at her.

  Troy’s first dart bounced off a balloon.

  Hailey smiled, leaning against the counter next to Troy. “Looks like I’m winning so far in our friendly competition.”

  Troy laughed, knowing it was just a game, but still wanting to do his best. “Round one goes to you,” he conceded. “Your turn.”

  Hailey’s next two darts hit their mark, and only one of Troy’s popped a balloon. Troy shook his head. “Darts are apparently not my thing today,” he said.

  “You’re a good sport about it,” Hailey said, doing a victory dance. “I could give you a few pointers.” She pointed to the sharp part of the dart, laughing at her own joke.

  Troy gave another set of tickets, and they were each handed three more darts. “Okay, I’m ready for my lesson, oh wise teacher.”

  Hailey laughed. “I do know the secret.” She stepped aside. “You can go first.”

  “So your pointers?”

  Hailey smiled. “The pointy end goes into the balloon. They pop better that way.” She bumped into his shoulder, and he nudged her back.

  Troy chuckled and shook his head. “You’re so helpful,” he said, and threw a dart harder than he had the last round. A yellow balloon popped and the man in the striped suit handed him a paper with his prize code on it.

  “Look at that. I’m an excellent teacher.” She wiped a pretend tear from her eye. “I’m so proud.” She gave him an exaggerated hug, and his arms instinctively wrapped around her. The moment didn’t last long, but everything about the hug felt electrified.

  She threw her dart, popping another balloon. She stepped away with a smug smile on her lips.

  Troy popped two more balloons. “I really can’t believe that your strategy made a difference.” Or that he’d been able to focus on throwing darts when his brain was still wrapped up replaying the simple hug.

  “Aiming. It’s essential in carnival games,” Hailey said.

  They cashed in their prize codes for little stuffed animals and a plastic snake. “Want to do something even more fun?” she asked.

  Troy nodded. “What did you have in mind? Don’t tell me you’re a ring toss expert too.”

  “Let’s find some kids to give these prizes to,” she said. She walked up to a picnic table where a family was eating dinner. She gave one toy to each of the three children
sitting there, after asking their parents’ permission.

  Troy followed suit, heading to the next table.

  They met back on the other end of the tables, his hand finding hers again, now that they’d distributed their prizes. “You’re right, that was a lot of fun.” He was struck by Hailey’s generosity and observation of others around her. She was thoughtful and sweet.

  John came up to them. “Are you ready to make your announcement, Hailey? Red Oaks will be so excited to hear that the Forest Festival will be held this year.”

  Hailey nodded. “I’ll be right back.”

  Troy nodded, and then looked at his phone when it rang. “It’s work,” he said. “I better take this.”

  “I’ll meet you after my announcement.”

  He picked it up, wondering what the after-hours emergency was. “Hi Cara. What fire can I help you put out tonight?”

  She laughed. “That’s actually my line. And no, nothing is urgent, but Kyle left a message for you. I’m not sure why it didn’t go to your cell phone first though.”

  “Patch him through next time. I bet he wants you to know that I’m supposed to report every week.”

  “Will do, boss. How are things in Red Oaks?” Cara asked.

  Troy thought of all the time that he’d spent with Hailey. They’d laughed together and worked hard over the last week. “It’s been refreshing.”

  “The cool clear air will do that to you. You can breathe deeper outside of the City,” Cara said wistfully.

  Troy had definitely not been thinking of the air quality. Hailey was more the breath of fresh air. He’d never known anyone quite like her. Her passion and determination to see her aunt’s legacy live on in the small town was endearing. “Cara, I’m going to spend the next little while out here,” he said.

  “Can you define ‘the next little while’ for me with something that I can pinpoint on a calendar?”

  “I plan to stay here until the Forest Festival is completed.” Maybe longer, he thought, though he didn’t voice it. It was a passing thought, especially since it was silly. After all, Hailey wouldn’t be here after the Forest Festival was finished either.