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ece of furniture looked clean and unused. Every smooth surface and countertop gleamed with newness. I knew it was because he seldom spent time here. That he worked so much, and so often, he barely used his place, except to sleep.
“Who wants to go first?”
I glanced up at the clock. It was almost midnight. Almost Christmas. So far though, Christmas Eve had been the most magical night of all.
“I will,” said Brody.
We’d gotten together not long ago, and eaten a late dinner. My cooking was interrupted only twice; once by Lincoln carrying me into his bedroom before the guys even got there, and again by Donovan and Brody while I was making dessert.
I didn’t mind that dessert came out very late.
“Here you go,” said Lincoln, handing over an envelope. “Merry Christmas, brother.”
It was cute, watching the guys give each other gifts. Brody and Donovan had exchanged sports memorabilia. They’d given Lincoln gag gifts at first — old-man joke stuff of course — before finally giving him a set of Ranger tickets, center ice. And then the gifts they’d given me… well, they’d all melted my heart.
“What the heck is it?” Brody asked, tearing open the envelope. He pulled out a sheet of paper, unfolded it and squinted.
“It’s your tuition for next year,” said Lincoln. “All paid up.”
Brody blinked three times, then swallowed hard. “Bro… I can’t. No way I can accep—”
“Yes you can,” said Lincoln simply. “I’m happy to do it. I’m in position to do it. Plus, you deserve it.” He smiled and glanced at me. “Not to mention it’s another good write-off. Right?”
Seeing the awe and excitement on Brody’s face filled me with happiness. “Yes,” I smiled, just as Lincoln was practically decked by Brody’s man-hug. “Yes it is.”
We took a minute to calm down, and then Lincoln pulled out two tiny boxes. Each was wrapped with ribbon, each had a bow.
“Who’s next?”
I looked at Donovan. He nodded, giving me the go-ahead.
“I— I guess I will,” I said.
I couldn’t imagine what was in the box! After what Brody just got…
My hand trembled as I opened it.
Inside was a single key. Attached to it was a sleek grey key-fob.
“This… This is a car key…” I choked.
“Sure is. For an Audi Q7.” He paused for a moment. “Now it’s not new, it’s actually a company car. It was Kathy’s car, up until a few days ago.”
Lincoln took my hand in his. With the other, he tilted my chin up to look at him.
“The key comes with a job offer,” he said. “I want you to work with me, Holly. Come be my CFO.”
All of a sudden there was a lump in my throat. It felt like a bowling ball.
“W—Work for you?”
“No,” said Lincoln. “Not for me, Holly. Come work with me. Help me take things with my company to the next level. As my girlfriend, as my financial officer… as my business partner.” He smiled and caressed my cheek. “I can’t do this alone anymore. And I can’t do the long hours by myself, while neglecting the people I love.”
My arm was shaking now too. No, that wasn’t right. My whole body was shaking.
“Of course, it’s a lot easier to work late when your girlfriend’s office is right next to yours,” grinned Lincoln. “Makes the whole ‘got stuck at work’ thing a lot more manageable.”
Off to one side, I heard Brody laugh. “And fun,” he added.
