Keri laughs. “This is perfect.”
All the tightness in me shatters in surprise. “Pardon?”
“Kenz. You’re the epitome of a people-pleaser. You don’t argue with anyone. Ever. The fact that you’re disagreeing with Jeremy about whatever it is ... hon, that’s huge.”
Jeremy’s fingers tighten. I look up at him. He’s staring down at me like he understands exactly what Keri is saying and is happy I’m not agreeing with him.
Sofiya claps to get everyone’s attention. “Before we move on to the Secret Santa gifts, I want to thank each of you for making this Christmas party the best Limitless Designs has ever seen. Coming to the United States opened up a new world of traditions and customs for me, and I feel closer to each of you for having shared in a small part of your own family celebrations.” She lifts her hand to indicate Jeremy. “A special thanks to Jeremy Fletcher for organizing the event. I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to see my little holiday matchmaking scheme was a success.” Her smile could light the Griswold family decorations for years to come.
A buzz travels the room like the wave at a sporting event.
“What’s she talking about?” I ask Jeremy. But he seems just as confused as I am.
Sofiya turns so she’s facing us. “I never got to have children of my own, a family of my own, so this company became like a husband to me and all my employees like my children. Or brothers, if they’re old fogies like me.” She shoots Frank a wink.
He chuckles in response.
“I knew some of my children would find their way on their own.” She smiles at Derek and Annabelle. Derek’s arm is around Annabelle’s shoulders, hers around his waist.
Sofiya turns back to Jeremy and me. “But others would need a nudge. Either to give love a chance to grow.” She looks at Jeremy. “Or to find the courage to let the heart lead.” Her gaze is warm as it falls on me. “So I devised a plan that would force you both to overcome the obstacles that stood in your way.” Her smile turns satisfied. “I must say, the outcome is even better than I could’ve imagined.”
Jeremy presses a kiss to the top of my head. I lean against his arm and rest my temple on his shoulder. I can’t even be mad at Sofiya for overstepping and meddling in my life. If she hadn’t, I’d probably still be stealing glances at Jeremy from across the room, too nervous to say three words to him.
“Now on to my announcement. I’m retiring.”
“What?” The question darts from so many people it’s hard to pinpoint who said it first.
She tries to quiet the ruckus by patting the air with her hands. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave you all work orphans.” The joke does little to erase the worried looks on our faces.
“Is that what the competition was about? The ultimate promotion of taking over the firm?” Lincoln’s voice can be heard over the low din of whispers.
Sofiya cocks her head. “Competition? What competition?”
Keri clears her throat. “You, uh, have a history of promotingthe person with the most Christmas cheer. The Clark Griswold of the office, if you will.”
Sofiya’s already thin eyebrows nearly disappear in surprise. “I do?”
A number of heads nod.
She looks at me. “Is that why you brought in the tree? And organized building snowmen and gingerbread houses? The traveling Mary and Joseph?”
I nod, shake my head, and shrug all at the same time. It’s too complicated to paint an accurate picture.
Jeremy’s hand slides down my arm. He interlocks his fingers with mine. “No. Mackenzie did all those things because they were meaningful memories for each individual here. However, my desire to win was the motivation behind the pomander balls, the hot chocolate bar, and the Christmas cookies.”
Sofiya regards us both. “I see.”
Is this when she decides neither of us deserves the promotion? Which we are both being too stubborn to accept anyway. And whatisthe promotion exactly, now that she’s stepping down? The new head of the company?
“I’ve decided no one is going to take over Limitless Designs,” Sofiya announces.
“So you’re not leaving after all?” Rosa asks.
“I didn’t say that.” Sofiya holds up a finger. “I said nooneis taking over.” She raises another finger. “Instead, I’ll be passing the reins to two people.”
My heart skips a beat. Jeremy tenses beside me.
Laughter rings from the lines creasing the corners of Sofiya’s eyes. She’s enjoying her theatrical display. Meanwhile, I think I’ve had at least three mini–heart attacks in the last ten minutes.
