Christmas in the City II
Page 48
“My father and I were close, at least where work was concerned. I respected the hell out of him. I learned so much from him, but there was so much more I didn’t know. I had no idea he spent so much time at those charities. I knew he supported them, but I didn’t know he was present and gave so much of himself. It was eye-opening, but not until after I’d been so harsh with you did I get to that point.”
“Why were you so angry at the hospital?” She sipped her coffee, nervous to hear what his answer might be.
“I was scared and angry. Scared for those kids who are facing their own mortality and angry that they are. It gutted me. I’ve never experienced anything like it. I didn’t know how to handle it. Money has always solved everything for me, Mia. I didn’t know what to do, so I took it out on you.”
“You’re talking about Jenny, aren’t you?” She reached across the table and touched his hands.
His expression was pained. “That little girl possesses more maturity than I could ever hope to have.” He paused, myriad emotions playing across his face.
“I talked to her doctor with her mother’s permission. I authorized payment for whatever she needs. She’s going to get that trial. I just hope it helps her.”
“Ah, Noah. That’s wonderful.”
“No, what’s wonderful is you. Watching you this week, I was amazed at the selfless way you give of your time and your love. I’ve never seen anything like it. It forced me to look at my own life in ways I never thought I needed to. I want to thank you for challenging me to participate this week. It’s changed me.”
Mia felt fresh tears slide down her cheeks. “I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say that. You’re welcome…so very welcome.”
He swiped at her tears. “Don’t cry, Mia. Please don’t cry. I didn’t mean to make you cry again.”
“They’re happy tears, Noah. I’m happy for you. You’ve received the gift I wanted to give you most of all.”
“What gift is that?”
“Love.”
CHAPTER 9
“You look beautiful tonight, dear,” Noah’s mother said as she reached Mia in the crowded ballroom.
“Thank you. So do you, Mrs. Westbrook.”
“Now, Mia. What have I told you? It’s Nancy. After all, we’re going to be family soon. It feels as if we already are.”
Mia blushed. “Sorry. Old habits.”
She looked down at the sparkling emerald on her left ringfinger and smiled. Two weeks had passed since Noah had proposed to her. She still pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t just dreaming.
“Where is our man of the hour? Surely he isn’t missing his own company Christmas party?” His mother looked around the room, searching for him.
“He’s gone up front. It’s just about time for his speech.”
“Ah. Very good. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you back at our table. There are a few people I want to try to catch up with.”
Mia nodded and watched walk away. The ballroom sparkled with red, gold, and green Christmas decorations. White lights were hung everywhere. It was beautiful. The band was playing everything from Sinatra to Maroon 5.
The band stopped playing and Melanie from Human Resources took the stage. “May I have everyone’s attention, please?”
The ballroom gradually quieted.
“We want to thank you all for coming tonight. It’s wonderful to spend time with each other outside of work and with our families. It’s my privilege and pleasure to introduce to you our president, Mr. Noah Westbrook.”
Noah took the stage to applause from around the room.
“Good evening. As I look out around this room, I’m amazed at the growth our company has seen over the past three years. None of our successes would have been possible without each and every one of you here tonight. I thank you for your commitment and hard work at Westbrook. Our people are our greatest asset.” He paused.
“Some of you may think those are just pretty words, and a year ago, they would have been quite frankly, but recently I learned a valuable lesson that I am forever grateful for. It’s something my father didn’t have time to drive home to me, but this individual helped me to see that Westbrook Logistics is so much more than just a transportation company. It’s about more than the bottom line.”
He looked out at the crowd and pinned his eyes on Mia.
“This person helped me see that my father’s legacy was not about how much money we could make, but how we used that success to help others. My life and my perspective have been changed for the better. Mia Benedetti opened not only my eyes but my heart to what my father’s true legacy is. It’s love. I’m proud to be continuing his legacy with all of you as part of it.”
The room erupted with applause. Mia couldn’t stop grinning like a fool.
Noah held up his hands for the room to quiet down.
“Please. I have one more thing to share with you. In this journey, I met some incredible people. One of them is here with us tonight. I’d like to introduce her. Please help me welcome my friend Jenny to the stage.”
What? Jenny was here? How was that possible. Mia couldn’t believe it.
Sure enough, the same little girl with a bright pink hat in a pretty pink dress walked on stage with the help of her mother. She was walking!
Jenny hugged Noah, as did her mother.
“Jenny has leukemia. We met at the children’s hospital Christmas party. She was very sick. Since then, she has been the recipient of a new trial that is, so far, working wonders. Because of Jenny’s courage and compassion, and so many others like her, Westbrook Logistics has created a new fund at the hospital to help any child receive the treatment they need. Every child deserves the chance to live without being turned away from treatment due to their parents’ finances. We are also building a hotel near the hospital to assist with housing, for parents to use when their child has to stay long-term at the hospital.”
Mia thought her heart was going to burst with joy. This man was truly amazing. He’d opened his heart and given of himself. He not only understood her gift, but was now giving it in return.
Noah walked off stage to a standing ovation from the crowd. As he headed to the back of the room where Mia stood waiting, several people gave him a celebratory smack on the back. He couldn’t stop smiling.
“Feels pretty good, doesn’t it?” she asked him when he stopped just in front of her.
He didn’t say anything. He surprised her by pulling her into his embrace and passionately kissing her. She ignored the whistles and shouts but couldn’t help the blush that spread down her face and neck.
“I love you, soon-to-be Mia Westbrook.”
“And I you, Noah Westbrook.” She was giddy with happiness.
“Now what am I possibly going to give you for Christmas that will top this evening? Answer me that?” she asked.
Noah spun her around to the dance floor as the band began playing. Holding her tightly, he answered.
“I have all I want for Christmas right here, right now.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Savanna Grey is married to the love of her life and is the mother to three daughters and one son. Life is never dull. She fell in love with the written word as a young girl. Her enchantment with the act of falling in love was cemented after reading Pride and Prejudice in the 10th grade.
“I love being able to crawl inside a book, as if I am a bystander watching it all unfold live. Now that's a good book!”
Her desire is to share her fictional friends with you so that they become your friends, too!
“When you read my books, if you don't end it by saying ‘Best Imaginary Friends EVER!’, then I haven't done what I set out to do.”
To my readers, thank you for your support. I love to hear from you. Please visit me at:
Website: www.authorsavannagrey.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsavannagrey
Twitter: @AuthorGrey
Email: authorsavannagr
ey@gmail.com
Other books by Savanna Grey include:
The Morgan Brothers
Garrett’s Point Series
Stand Alone
Coming Home
Captured Heart
Taking Care of Business
Playing For Keeps
Conflicted Hearts
Stirring Up Troubl
The Choices We Make