AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you having a good time, Paige?” Victoria walked up to me and took my hands in hers. “I saw you speaking with Imogen. Did she help you?”
“Yes, she actually did. She said you saved her life in more ways than one.” I squeezed Victoria’s hands. “You, and someone named Bond.”
“You know Bond.” She turned me and pointed to Gunner. “That is our resident James Bond.”
“Gunner?” I smiled. “That makes so much sense now.”
“You can still answer me tomorrow. I just wanted to see how you were feeling about it.” Victoria released my hands. “You’re about to find out who your husband will be if you say yes.”
The band stopped playing and called for Victoria. “That’s my cue. Let’s talk after.”
I watched her walk up onto the stage and take the microphone. Then my cell buzzed with a text.
“I don’t see you by the fireplace.”He said.
“I left already. People like to move me around. Where are you and what are you wearing?”
“I’m wearing a suit. What about you?”
“That’s not a good clue. Half of the people here are wearing suits.”
“lol, you caught me. Do you have the sparkly case on?”
I took a picture of the tree I was standing next to.“I’m right here. Now you send me a location.”
He sent back a picture of the fireplace.“I’m here.”
I stood up on my tippy toes, trying to see over people. I didn’t see anyone with a cell phone out by the fireplace. I walked a few feet from the tree to get a better look. I still didn’t see anyone.
“Good evening everyone. It’s so wonderful to see you all here for the annual Christmas Charity Ball. What an unusual place for it, right?” Victoria chuckled. “When my son suggested it, I was at a loss for words, until I saw the transformation of this place. Who can resist a fireplace like that on a cold winter night?”
The guests were all laughing and nodding in agreement. I was amazed that these fancy people in their expensive outfits were okay with a party in an old mall.
“Thank you all for your gifts and generous donations for the toy drive. The Hawthorne family will be giving them out at the children’s event here tomorrow afternoon.” She paused and waved to someone to join her, then went on. “Anyone wanting to participate, we’d love to have you.”
“Hey, I’d like to meet you now, if possible. I’ll be busy pretty soon.”He texted.
“I’m kinda sad to think after we meet I have to give myself back to you. We won’t be able to text each other anymore.”
“I agree, but what if we meet, then we can still text? I don’t want to lose you either.”
“Silly, you already lost me. Lol. That’s how we got to this.”
“Without further ado, let’s get the Hawthorne family up here for the annual caroling,” Victoria smiled. “Unfortunately, I can’t promise we’ve gotten any better.”
The guests were laughing and moving closer to the stage. I saw Gunner off to the side and joined him.
“What’s this all about?” I asked. “Who are all those people getting onstage?”
“That is the Hawthorne family. They sing a Christmas song every year at these parties.” Gunner turned to me. “What are you thinking?”
“I think I’d be crazy to say no to this unbelievable opportunity, Bond.” I kissed his cheek. “I like that name better.”
“Then will you be wanting a nickname, too?” Bond asked.
“She already has one. It’s Red,” Charlie walked up next to us, “or is it Apple?”
I turned in shock to face Charlie. “How did you know?”
