Page 17 of The Holidays with Mr. Mitchell
“I’m beyond surprised,” I pulled Avery in closer. “You know, I really wanted to be pissed off,” I chuckled while Avery’s eyes glistened, “but our daughter just reminded me of the true definition of the holiday that I rushed home to celebrate.”
“She shocked me when she came up with the idea out of nowhere.”
“Hey, that was a great speech,” I said, seeing Addy approach. “I believe I’m looking at the next CEO of Mitchell and Associates.” I let Avery go and bent down to hug Addy.
“Thanks, Dad, but that’s not a road you’ll ever catch me going down,” she laughed. “Do you love it?”
“I loveyou,” I said with certainty. “What made you think of this?”
“I was just scrolling on my phone one night, and I saw a bunch of videos showing people going to homeless shelters. It just made me feel bad that I had more than they did. So, I asked Mom if we could do something on Thanksgiving that would help them have a place to go that’s as nice as what we have.”
“A true heart of a queen,” I said, smiling and pulling Avery into my side. “Even though she has more than others, she uses her privilege to share with those less fortunate. Perhaps, royalty is in your blood,” I teased.
“Ihighlydoubt it,” she chuckled. “But I think after tonight, we might raise enough for new shelters to be built.”
“And I will gladly match the donations raised tonight,” I confirmed, as Izzy ran up to my side, gripping me in her usual bear hug.
“Thanks, Dad,” Addy beamed, hugging her mom as if their ideas worked to kick off the holidays in the best way possible.
I turned and hugged my youngest, having missed all my girls even more than before. “And I’ll sweeten the pot, but only if my Izzy Bear shares the delicious apple pie at home that Mommade for me.” I glanced at Avery, “I’m still getting my apple pie, right?”
Avery laughed, “Of course. We couldn’t take away theonlything you love about Thanksgiving.”
“And I’m going to share with you, but only if we do the ice cream trick,” Izzy said, bouncing with the excitement that only the promise of pie and ice cream could give.
“Duh,” I said, wrapping my arm around Izzy’s shoulders as I turned my attention back to Addy. “Then I’ll be working with Titus, and he’ll also gladly match donations when we bring in Breanne to design the new shelters just like she did for Mom’s.”
“No way!” Addy practically screamed.
“Seriously? Do you think Titus will go in?” Avery asked.
I grinned. “Titus wants to keep me as a business partner, so, of course, he will. Now,” I looked at all three of my beautiful ladies, “if you’ll excuse me. I need to soften up our guests, so they’re more eager and delighted to donate generously on this lovely day of giving.”
“Now you’re being corny,” Addy said, “but I still love you.”
“You better,” I said. I leaned into Avery and discreetly kissed the side of her neck, “I’ll make up for my absence here tonight, lover.”
Avery’s cheeks flushed the perfect tint of pink, and I knew our time together later would complement what I’d witnessed here tonight—my fifteen-year-old daughter caring more about those less fortunate and using the position she’d been blessed with to help give them something close to what she has.
It was a relief to know that, despite working so hard and often, Avery and I were somehow making a lasting, positive impact on our children. They both had beautiful hearts and souls, and though they were surrounded by luxuries few would ever be lucky enough to experience, they were growing up to be grateful, humble, and charitable.
I couldn’t possibly have been any prouder.
SEVEN
Jim
After the whirlwindkickoff to the fall season—traveling, galas, events, and every other seasonal obligation thrown into overdrive—I was honestly thankful I’d rejected the Special Events department’s follow-up email requesting approvals for the Christmas charity balls. We already had charity events coming out of our asses these days, so keeping Christmas low-key this year for me and the entire company was exactly the balance we needed.
We’d been buried in so many events this year that it felt like I was spending more time celebrating than looking at margins, so sitting down with the hospital board to go over numbers gave me the peace of mind I needed. After the meeting, where we’d approved another expansion in the pediatric wing, Dr. Brandt, head of pediatrics and a friend of mine, fell into step beside me.
“It’s interesting that you approved another expansion for peds,” he said.
After checking for any important texts I may have missed while I was in meetings, I said, “Is it really a surprise? You know I’ll always back that wing to make sure the kids feel at home while they’re here at Saint John’s.”
“Well, my friend,” he said, clapping me on my shoulder, “I am grateful, and regardless of the hell you may get for it, I see you as no Ebenezer Scrooge at all.”
The rest of the board members stepped past us after I stopped, confused by what Brandt had just said.
