A Billionaire's Christmas (The Carolina Series Book 4)

by Jill Downey

  Giselle laughed. “Oui, this must be special. It’s not every day that I have a grandson turn twenty-one.”

  “Maman, when Ty gets here tell him Malena is looking for him. Don’t let him near the kitchen.”

  “I will make sure. I don’t want his surprise ruined.”

  Faye’s heart soared. This was everything she’d been praying for. Who would have thought that Tyler would be the one to help heal old family wounds? Life was like that…you just never knew what was around the corner. She smiled and went to get in on the party plans.

  30

  Malena

  Malena sat on the floor with Quinn and Everly, re-stacking the blocks that had come tumbling down.

  “Finn, do you want to play outside with your sisters?” Kyle asked.

  “Sure! Could we build another snowman?”

  “Yes. Then after the twins go down for their nap, I thought we could go ice skating. How’s that sound?”

  “Dope!”

  “Do you want me to take them outside?” Malena asked.

  “No, I don’t have anything to do. The women kicked me out of the kitchen.”

  “Women rule,” Malena said, smiling.

  “You've got that right. Let’s go get our coats on and get some fresh air,” Kyle said, as he picked up Everly.

  “Come on Quinn, we’re going to build a snowman,” Finn said, reaching for his sister. The dogs jumped up from their snooze, ready for action.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll pick up the toys,” Malena said.

  “Thanks, Mal,” Kyle said, as he walked by.

  “You’re most welcome.”

  She slowly picked up the toys and stowed them in the toy box, so deep in thought that she didn’t hear Tyler enter the room.

  “Malena!” He came up and hugged her from behind as she deposited a huge teddy bear in the receptacle.

  His breath smelled minty and fresh as he whispered in her ear. “I’m sure you heard.”

  “Si. Congratulations Tyler.”

  “I still can’t believe it. I won’t be called on until early February but sounds like the first shoot will be in California and in the spring, Constance mentioned Capri, Italy!”

  He nuzzled her neck and she allowed herself a moment to relax against his body. Fighting back the tears she didn’t want Tyler to see, she said, “That is such exciting news. Muy Buena.”

  “I’m ready. It’s like a dream. I want to see the world, taste the food, experience different cultures, visit France where Grandmère grew up.”

  Malena pulled herself together and plastered a smile on her face before turning in his arms to face him. “Mi querido, you deserve this and so much more. I am happy.”

  Ty tipped her chin up, “You don’t sound very happy.”

  “I am. Truly. I feel sad that our time together is so short lived but eso es vida.”

  “To hell with that. ‘That is life?’ Gee thanks a lot. Do I really mean so little to you?”

  Malena’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Don’t be cruel. I know what this means and I would never hold you back from pursuing your dreams. You can’t do both. Now is the time to focus on yourself. I will be returning to my studies after the holidays as well. We shared a beautiful moment in time that I will never forget.”

  “Don’t say that! We can have both.”

  “Tyler, be realistic, you’ll be meeting all sorts of people. Your world is about to expand beyond what you’re even capable of imagining right now. You need to be open and free to explore.”

  “I know what I want and it’s you.”

  “You say that now, you’re infatuated, but you’re going to meet beautiful women from all over the world. This is your time to shine. I won’t let you limit yourself. You mean too much to me.”

  “You won’t let me? I guess you don’t know me as well as I thought you did. Quit being a martyr. If you want to end this because you don’t have the courage to see this through that’s on you. But it won’t be because of me. We’re in too deep already. If you think you’re protecting my heart or yours with this preemptive strike you’re way too late for that. I am already falling in love with you.”

  Malena’s jaw dropped. She whispered, “Te estas enamorando de mi?”

  “Yes, I’m falling hard. I’ve never felt like this before…ever. Malena, none of this means shit if I can’t share it with you. Malena please, take it back, don’t give up on me.”

  He sounded anguished and it made Malena’s heart ache. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to spoil your joy. Please forgive me.”

  Tyler’s voice was thick when he replied, “I need you Malena. Do you understand?”

  “Si.”

  He exhaled. “Thank you.” He squeezed her tightly to his chest, as she breathed in his heady scent. She couldn’t know what the future held, but for now, they had each other. Fate had brought them together…it would be up to them to carve out their destiny.

  31

  Penelope

  “Griff you have to leave now or Justine is going to be sitting at the airport waiting all alone!”

  “I’m heading out the door now. I love you. Give me a kiss.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and pecked his lips. “Now go!” she said, pointing at the door.

  “Come on Kyle…Jess, before I get yelled at again.”

  They bundled up and headed out to collect Tyler’s mom for the big surprise. Malena had the job of keeping Tyler away from the ranch until she got the text that everything was ready. Constance had left before most everyone had even gotten out of bed, with a promise to let Penelope know the minute she heard any news about the casting decision.

  It was Christmas Eve day, late afternoon to be exact, and there was added magic in the air. The kids were excited about Santa’s visit; the adults had taken turns reading a Christmas story almost every night since they’d arrived, stimulating their imaginations. Last night had been her father-in-law’s turn and it had been a very sweet moment for all of them. He seemed to be softening before their very eyes. Astounding…Holiday fairy dust…had to be.

  Giselle, for that matter seemed to be warming up to Penelope, her snippy comments having gone by the wayside since they’d arrived. She couldn’t put her finger on just when or why but the shift had occurred and she was grateful.

  While Ella hung the birthday banner, Faye tasked Finn with blowing up balloons with her. The grandparents supervised the kids in the den. She turned on some Christmas jazz and brought out the wrapped packages to set them on the bar counter. She couldn’t wait to see Tyler’s face when he saw his mom.

  When they returned from the airport, they were laughing merrily with Justine. Faye was the first to run and greet her; they’d met briefly a few times over the last several years. “Justine, you made it! How was your flight?”

  “Fun! I’ve never flown before.”

  “That was brave of you to do it by yourself.”

  “It was exciting. And Tyler! I’m so happy for him.”

  “One of the first things he said was ‘Now Mom can quit her job. I can take care of her.’” Faye said.

  Justine’s eyes welled up. “My beautiful son. It was always just the two of us. I’m so glad he has y’all now. Thank you for your kindness.”

  “Are you kidding me? We’re the lucky ones. And you’re stuck with us, too.”

  Penelope touched Justine’s arm. “We’re going to hide you behind the tree when they get here. A few of us will be here in the open and the rest are going to pop up out of nowhere and shout surprise…followed by the requisite happy birthday song.”

  “Sounds like fun. I’m along for the ride.”

  Penelope was surprised at how young Ty’s mom was… probably only a couple years older than herself. She must have been a teenager when she had him. She seemed really nice and Penelope liked her immediately. Another story…

  Everyone was introduced to Justine and Penelope said, “Are we ready then?”

  At the chorus of yeses, she texted Malena.


  Penelope: All set.

  Several minutes went by then:

  Malena: Be there in twenty.

  Finn was practically climbing the walls in his excitement. Tyler was his hero and Finn was the one designated to hand him the huge wrapped present with the tiny bank book and statement inside after dinner. He couldn’t wait. They had debated on the best way to inform Ty of his inheritance and had settled on this. Penelope had her fingers crossed that the shock wouldn’t kill him.

  Walt was the lookout man and would text Penelope when he saw the car turn onto the lane. Ping. “They’re here! Places everyone,” Penny called out, ready to burst with excitement herself.

  Kyle had scooted to the den with the twins until the last possible second. James and Giselle sat on the couch with Jesse and Faye and everyone else was hidden.

  They heard Tyler talking to Malena as he opened the front door.

  “Surprise!” A cacophony of well wishes and cheers filled the room.

  As everyone sang the birthday song to Griffin’s piano accompaniment, Justine stepped from behind the tree to join in. Tyler spotted his mom and took several steps back in surprise. He rushed to pick her up in a bear hug. The kids were squealing with excited chatter and the dogs were barking and running around exuberantly.

  After releasing his mom, he sank down onto a chair and buried his face in his hands and sobbed. Finn was the first to rush over and throw his arms around Ty. “It’s okay, Ty. We love you. Ella says it’s okay for boys to cry.”

  Everyone laughed and Tyler pulled Finn to his chest and hugged him tight. “I love you little buddy.”

  “I love you too,” Finn said, rubbing his own eyes with his small fists.

  “I can’t believe you did all of this and kept Mom a secret too. I’m speechless.”

  “There’s no way,” Jesse said, laughing. “Tyler speechless?”

  Ty’s eyes scanned the room until he found Malena. Standing, he said, “Mom there is someone special I’d like you to meet.” He walked over to Malena and took her hand, leading her back to his mother.

  “Malena, this is my first love, my mom Justine. Mom, this is Malena, my girl.”

  Penelope thought her heart was going to burst. She felt like weeping. This moment alone was worth all of the worry and anxiety she’d experienced while preparing for this Christmas gathering.

  “Hello Ms. Anderson. I’ve heard so much about you. You’ve raised an incredible son.”

  “Justine, please. I’m a hugger, may I?” She opened her arms and Malena stepped into them as Tyler looked on… humble, handsome, and his deep blue eyes still decidedly glassy.

  The next hour was total chaos. Holiday music streaming, Christmas lights twinkling, fireplace roaring, children playing, adults imbibing …Josie had returned to the kitchen and with Malena’s help was now setting the table for the birthday feast. Walt and his date Emma had arrived and were enjoying the festivities as well.

  At Tyler’s request, Josie had made a traditional Mexican Christmas dinner: beef and chicken tamales, cilantro rice, black bean soup, pumpkin empanadas and jicama slaw. For dessert besides birthday cake she’d made Mexican bunuelos, a fried dough covered in cinnamon and sugar. She’d made several large casseroles of tamales, one with spicy green chili sauce, one with red sauce and one less spicy version with green chile and cheese.

  “Everything is ready,” Josie said, calling everyone to the dinner table. It was set beautifully with a Christmas centerpiece and long tapered candles.

  When they were all seated Griffin stood up and clinked a spoon against his wine glass. “I’d like to make a toast. Here’s to Tyler. Happy twenty-first birthday… but more importantly, here’s to me winning the competition tomorrow. I hope you all bet well! Cheers.”

  “No one has ever accused my little brother of modesty,” Kyle said.

  “Waste of time,” Griffins said.

  They’d decided to keep the last contest simple. Since Ella had won the last one, a race each across the pond on ice skates, they were now tied. Tomorrow, they would see who could stand on one leg the longest without toppling over. Finn had come up with the idea and it cracked Penelope up.

  Walt and Emma left soon after dinner and most everyone else lazed around, too full to move. They’d wait until their food was digested for Ty to open his gifts and light the candles on the cake. Penelope checked in to make sure everyone was settled.

  Frosty the Snowman was playing on the big screen TV and Finn had stretched out on the floor with a twin on each side and the two labs flanking them. On the sectional, Archie snored in James’ lap and baby Savannah babbled, snug between him and Giselle.

  “Mon doux bébé, récité maman, maman,” Giselle said encouragingly.

  With a big toothless grin Savannah said, “Da da da da da.” Giselle laughed.

  Kyle and Ella, who were curled up together at the other end of the sofa, chuckled. “I think it’s a hopeless cause,” Ella said.

  Tyler had brought out the guitar and sat off in the corner with Malena, strumming and singing to her. Justine and Faye played a game of checkers. Satisfied, Penelope joined the rest of the gang in the kitchen for cleanup duty.

  Frosty had just melted down when the kitchen crew appeared with Ty’s cake ablaze with twenty-one candles. Jesse set it down at the bar counter. “Happy birthday to you…” Everyone stopped what they were doing to gather around the cake and sing along. Ty made a wish and, inhaling deeply, blew them all out in one breath.

  “I’ll bet I know what you wished for,” Finn said, eyes sparkling mischievously.

  “Ya think so?” Ty said.

  “Starts with an M.”

  Ty looked at Malena from the corner of his eye and winked at Finn. “Good guess, dude.”

  Tyler looked curiously at the large square box Malena handed him. Shaking it he said, “Hm…I have no clue.” He unwrapped it and lifted the lid, pulling out a black cowboy hat with a silver studded band.

  “Thanks Malena. This is great!” He put it on top of his head and struck a pose.

  “Getting in some practice,” Griffin said, and they all laughed.

  Finn was jumping up and down with excitement. “This one next!”

  Tyler ripped open the card on top, it was from James and Giselle. He shook the package. “Hmm, pretty light.” He held his ear to it and said, “A watch maybe?”

  Finn snickered. “Just open it.”

  He removed the bow and shiny red paper and hesitated before opening the box. Penelope thought that he looked nervous. Did he know?

  He reached into the tissue paper and pulled out a small passport sized booklet, his forehead furrowed. “What’s this?”

  “Look inside!” Finn said.

  Tyler opened it and gasped, his eyes widening in shock. “I don’t understand.” He looked around the circle at all the expectant faces. “Am I the only one that doesn’t know what’s going on?”

  James cleared his throat. “We were waiting for your twenty-first birthday to turn over a trust that has been set up in your name. You’re now a very rich young man. Happy Birthday.”

  “I…don’t know what to say.” Tyler’s cheeks were flushed and he looked like he’d like the floor to open up and swallow him.

  “No need to say anything,” James said.

  Faye went to Ty’s side and hugged him. “Happy Birthday. You deserve this more than anyone. We’ve been planning this since you were eighteen. I’m so happy for you!”

  Tyler pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate this, but it’s a lot to take in, I’m sorry if I’m handling it poorly.”

  His mom, who was standing behind Tyler, wrapped her arms around him and rested her cheek on his head. “It’s okay, we know you’re in shock. It’s completely understandable.”

  “You were in on this?” He asked her. She nodded.

  “This is a wonderful opportunity for you. You can afford college now, buy a house…” she trailed off seeing his jaw tighten. Quickly
changing topics, she said, “I can’t believe my baby is twenty-one! Where has the time gone.”

  Tyler was quiet as he finished unwrapping the other presents, and then they cut the cake. Penelope could tell that Tyler’s smiles were forced and underneath he remained subdued.

  Tonight, she and Griffin along with Ella and Kyle were playing Santa and had to get everything under the tree after the kids were tucked into bed. Penelope wasn’t going to let worry dampen this momentous occasion. She was going to savor every last moment.

  32

  Faye

  “Want to talk about it?” Faye aske Ty. He had put on his coat and stepped outside. Faye had followed.

  “Not really.”

  “Hey it’s me, remember, we stick together.”

  “Faye, I can’t accept it. I feel terrible, I know how excited everyone is and I don’t want to disappoint them, but I just can’t.”

  “Give it time. Let the dust settle before you decide.”

  “Look, it’s not about a grudge or anything…I’m not sure if I can even explain it…but…I need to make it on my own.”

  “And you will…with a safety net. Imagine how it will feel to not have to waste energy on worrying about money. You can still pursue your dreams…just with financial security.”

  “No. I won’t take it. I’m sorry Faye. I hope you’ll understand. When I looked you up, I wasn’t looking to cash in…” He held up his hand as Faye tried to interrupt. “I just wanted a family. I wanted to learn my history. It had always been just Mom and me. Yes, we struggled financially, Mom worked her ass off to put a roof over our heads and feed us…but Mom and me grew up together. We were always close and I was loved. But I didn’t have brothers or sisters and I longed for them. I used to fantasize about having a big family. That’s why I found you.”

  “I know that Ty and despite father’s initial distrust, he believes it too. We really want you to have this.”