Free A Christmas Worth Billions (Countdown to Christmas Book 4) by Jaclyn Weist Page A

of her office.
    “Hey, let’s go. I’m done.” She helped them up and got their coats on before locking up.
    “I came to see if you needed any help,” David said from behind her.
    Lily jumped and turned. “I was just finishing a few things up. Thank you for offering.”
    “Why don’t I at least give you a ride home?” David walked over to Lily. “I wanted to come by tonight, but we had last-minute things to clear up for Saturday night. How was your day?”
    Lily shrugged. “It was slow until tonight. Then it was a madhouse, but I survived.”
    “Ever the survivor.” His crooked smile sent a thrill through her.
    Thoughts of the letter and wanting to give up ran through her mind, but she pushed them away. “I only survive because I have no other choice.”
    David reached up and brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Even more amazing.”
    Lily’s breath caught as he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his. The cold was forgotten as his closeness warmed her. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him. They stood there in the headlights of his truck for a few more moments before they pulled away.
    He touched her nose with his before stepping back. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
    Lily could feel her face burning as she tried to catch her breath. “It’s okay. I mean, if it was okay with you. I just—let’s get in the truck.”
    Lily climbed in and ignored the giggles from her kids as David pulled away in silence. Neither of them said anything until the kids were in their rooms getting ready for bed. Lily put a pot of hot water on the stove and turned to find David staring at her.
    “Are you okay?” he asked.
    “I’m fine. Just exhausted. I sent Ann to get some stuff, and there was a rush of customers. It was rather chaotic for a while there.” Lily dumped some hot chocolate powder into four mugs and poured the hot water over it, then handed one to David.
    David laughed. “That would have been an adventure. I wish I could have been there to help you.”
    “That would have been great, actually.” She paused while Patrick and Mary sat at the table. She handed each of them a mug. “These two were very good helpers. They helped me get through all of it until Ann showed up.”
    “I’ve seen them at work. They’re pretty amazing.” David winked. He set his mug in the sink and rinsed it out. “I’d better get going.”
    “Thanks for stopping by. I wasn’t looking forward to the walk home.” Lily handed him his scarf.
    David leaned down and kissed her softly. “You’re welcome.”
    “Bye, David!” Mary called, and Patrick followed suit.
    “You two get to bed so your mom can sleep.” He waved and left the house.
    Lily watched him drive away and turned to find Mary giggling. “What?”
    “You kissed him. I didn’t think it would ever happen.” Mary stood and put her mug in the sink. “I’m glad you did. ‘Night, Mom.”
    Lily kissed her on the cheek. “I am too. Goodnight, sweetie. Brush your teeth and go straight to bed. No reading under the covers.”
    Patrick dropped his mug in the sink and wrapped his arms around Lily’s neck. “David would be a good daddy.”
    “You think so?” Lily’s heart melted.
    “He makes you happy. I like seeing you happy. Plus, he throws the best snowballs.” He kissed Lily on the cheek and ran out of the kitchen.
    Lily stood in the kitchen, still feeling David's kiss on her lips. It had been unexpected, but had given her something she hadn’t felt in a long time—faith that everything would be okay.
     
    * * *
     
    The next morning, Lily sent Mary and Patrick off to school with a group of their friends with a promise that they’d go right there. She made her way to the diner and smiled at the decorations she’d put all over the windows. It looked better than she’d remembered.
    Ann came in not long after and set her coat in the corner of the office. “It smells great in here. I may eat all the roast