Page 32 of Almost Christmas in Paradise

Priya sees and starts to bounce. Langley gets her pink dragon, and he flies it around for her while she claps her hands.

“I can’t believe your brother made those himself,” I whisper to Drake.

“He doesn’t always act like it, but he’s super smart. He can make anything. He can fix anything too. He’s like some kind of savant,” he whispers.

Maggie, who is smiling wistfully while she watches the kids play, looks away and smiles at me. She joins me and Drake on the couch and squeezes between us.

“I have something to say,” Maggie says. She gestures for Hannah and Langley to come over, and they sit on the ottoman in front of us. “I have one more present to give, and it’s for Nia.”

That surprises me. Drake’s mom is very generous. At first, I thought it was out of guilt, but that’s how she is. One time I complimented an emerald brooch she was wearing, and she gave it to me. When I told her I don’t wear brooches, she said I should start.

“You’ve already given me so much,” I say. It’s true. I’ll be getting massages and mani-pedis weekly for the duration of my pregnancy. She also gave me shares of Paradise Construction.

“Do I get anything else?” Langley asks, and Hannah rolls her eyes at her brother.

“I’m just going to go ahead and say it,” Mom says. “I’m giving Nia your father’s seat on the board of directors.” Unsure if I heard right, I look around past Maggie and stare at my husband.

“The what?” I ask, and Maggie repeats herself. “Oh, no. I can’t take that.” I shake my head and try to stand. “I don’t know anything about being on a board of directors, and I can’t take your husband’s place.”

“You’ll learn, Nia. That’s what I’m here for. I want you to have it,” Maggie insists. “We’re all on the board.” She gestures to herself and her three kids. “You’re the odd man out, and I want to bring you in.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Drake says.

“I’m happy working for the foundation and HR. I don’t need—”

“Listen, we need you on the board. You’re smart and you make decisions that make sense. You’re not a stuffed shirt like most of those guys.”

“But don’t I have to be voted in?” I ask. “Drake, say something.”

“I already did,” he says.

“Don’t worry about the vote. I have already talked to the other members, and it won’t be a problem. I want you to have this.” She pats my lap as if it’s decided. “It’s done.”

“Welcome to the board,” Langley says.

Hannah gets up and hugs me.

“Auntie, come here,” Carter says, and Hannah runs over to him.

“You know you don’t have to make anything up to me, right?” I ask Maggie. “I don’t want you to think—”

“I know that, Nia. I want to keep the seat in the family, and you’re the family.” She takes both of my hands in hers. “Please accept this.” She stares into my eyes, and I can tell she’s holding her breath. I look at my husband, and he smiles at me. I don’t need this, and I’m not sure if I want it, but I realize this is something Maggie feels she must do. As many times as I’ve told her she doesn’t need to make up for her husband’s sins, she continues to do just that.

“Thanks, Mom,” I say to Maggie. She relaxes and smiles. “You do understand I’m going to need you to help me through this. I have no idea what I’m doing and—”

“You have me.” She hugs and kisses my cheek. “Enough about business. I’m going to make some hot chocolate for us and warm milk for you.”

Chapter 28

Drake

After a wild Christmas morning at home, we finally make it to Nia’s old house around one in the afternoon. It’s been a busy week. From the letter from Scarlett to the visit from my mom, and my talk with Nia later that afternoon, I’m exhausted.

Scarlett’s letter was a long ramble. She went from apologizing about the kidnapping and fire to blaming me for her situation in life. She ended the letter begging me to visit her and declared her undying love for me.

Nia was not impressed, but instead of being afraid, she promised to give Scarlett the beat down of her life if she ever tries to come near any one of us.

The following day, I talked with Wyatt about getting a restraining order. He contacted Scarlett’s family and sent them a copy of the letter. Her father managed to call me and promised he would get her help but can’t do that unless she’s released. Heasked that I not contest his petition to release her under house arrest. I promised him that I would, and had Wyatt start the proceedings for the restraining order.

---