Free This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet Page A

good to have you back. So, tell me, how’s my stepdad?” Janelle’s expression instantly changed. “What’s wrong? Is Ben okay?”
    Janelle sighed heavily, shaking her head. “He’s fine, but to tell you the truth, I don’t know what to think.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œMy dad had a heart attack and a mild stroke.”
    â€œWhat? When?” Nya asked quickly.
    â€œAbout six months ago. I didn’t even know about it. He didn’t tell me. Apparently, I had just left for Tanzania when it happened.”
    â€œOh, my God. And he’s just telling you this now?”
    â€œNo, that’s just it. He didn’t tell me. Tyson told me. Dad called him instead of me after it happened.”
    â€œWhoa, wait a minute. Tyson, as in Tyson Croft—
your
Tyson Croft?” Nya asked. Janelle nodded. “Okay, wait, I don’t get it. Why did Ben call him and not you—or me, for that matter?”
    â€œHe told me that he hadn’t wanted to worry me and have me rush home to be with him. If Tyson hadn’t told me, I never would have known what happened.”
    â€œOkay, start from the beginning. What does Tyson have to do with this and when did he come back into the picture?”
    Brad brought their lunch. After a brief conversation, the two began eating as Janelle told Nya about her homecoming and seeing Tyson again and meeting his daughter.
    â€œA four-year-old daughter,” Nya exclaimed.
    â€œWait, there’s more.” Janelle continued the story.
    By the time the meal was done Janelle had told Nya everything about her father’s business problem and Tyson living in her home with his daughter.
    Nya shook her head. “This is too unreal. I can’t believe it. I had no idea. I spoke with Ben a couple of weeks ago and he never mentioned anything to me.”
    â€œI know the feeling,” Janelle said sarcastically.
    â€œOkay, so Tyson is working with Ben now. You talked to him. He told you about what’s been going on, but what about the two of you?” she asked.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Janelle asked.
    â€œYou know exactly what I mean. Two and a half years ago you and Tyson were headed down the aisle. Then all of a sudden he’s gone and you leave for Africa. Now you’re back and he’s back. What happens now?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Janelle said, taking a deep breath and shaking her head. She looked at her sister and sighed. “I kissed him.” Nya smiled without responding. “Nya, you don’t understand. I mean I
really
kissed him,” Janelle reiterated.
    â€œYes, I do understand. You’re my sister. Yeah, maybe not by blood, but with us, that doesn’t really matter. I know you, and deep down in your heart you still have feelings for Tyson, and I know that he has some pretty strong feelings for you, too.” Janelle shook her head as Nya nodded. “You’re gonna have to relent, Janelle. You two had the romance of the century, and fine, things fell apart at the end, but you and I both know that wasn’t the end—not really. My advice—grab all the love and happiness you can and, in this case, it’s with Tyson.”
    â€œSince when did you become a romance guru?”
    â€œApparently since now,” Nya said, smiling.
    â€œIt’s not that easy, Nya. I wish it was. He’s leaving again.”
    Nya reached across the table to hold her sister’s hand. She squeezed gently. “Actually, sis, it
is
that easy. Love is the easiest thing in the world. Just follow your heart.”
    â€œOkay, now you’re starting to scare me.”
    â€œIf I learned nothing else from watching Mia and Stephen come together, it’s that love will always find a way. So, tell me, how did he look?” Nya asked.
    â€œHe was still as handsome as ever. The instant he looked up at me, I swear my heart skipped a beat. It was as if time had