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“I’m a gift?” I asked, surprised. “What you’re saying is, he doesn’t know about me. Is that correct?”
“Correct. It may seem confusing, I know. You see, I bought a wife for my other sons and Asher has mentioned it a few times.” Victoria stood and paced. “You did understand last night which son it is? I assumed you approved, since you signed.”
“I didn’t know which one it was, but I said yes because of you and Gunner.” I sat on the edge of the couch.
“Well, if you didn’t know which son it was, maybe I’ll let it be a present for you tomorrow, too.”
“You wanna give me as his gift and him as my gift?” I thought for a second. “That’s okay with me. I just hope he isn’t upset about it.”
“I can’t promise he won’t be. He’s a little high-maintenance.” Victoria smiled and stopped pacing. “I’m going to have you brought to my home to prepare you for tonight.”
“What about the charity event?” I asked. “I don’t want to lose my job.”
“You won’t need your job. You can work if you want to, but you won’t have to, after you marry Asher.”
“Asher? The one with the long hair and big dimples?” I covered my mouth. “We have a little bit of background. I’m the elf that’s been hiding from him in the mall. He may not want me.”
“I assure you he does.” Victoria pointed to the cell phone lying next to my purse. “That phone is his that he lost.”
“Are you certain?” I held the phone up to show her the whole thing.
“It has the Hawthorne logo on it in the lower corner,” Victoria pointed. “I saw it the other day, so I asked him if he lost his cell.”
The cute guy with the long hair is also the mystery guy that has been texting me and the guy I’m supposed to marry? This is some serious serendipity.
“This is all happening really fast. I’m not so sure he even likes me,” I frowned.
“Paige, he more than likes you and you more than like him.” Victoria grabbed my hands. “On the drive to the manor, read your thread of texts again.”
“I’m so confused. What do I do now? What’s going to happen?” I chewed my lip. “I asked him to come meet me last night and he didn’t come. I think he changed his mind.”
“He was in the security office trying to find you on the monitors.” She picked up her cell and sent a text, then looked back to me. “Trust me. Trust your feelings.”
“I want to, Victoria.”
“Grab your stuff and let’s get you out of here. My driver is waiting to bring you to Hawthorne Manor, where you can get cleaned up and rest until the family gets there tonight.”
“Is this manor where you live?” I asked. “Where will I hide until it’s time?”
“You’ll be a gift this evening, so you won’t have to hide for long.” Victoria leaned on the desk. “It’ll be perfect. We have a tradition for all of us to open our stockings on Christmas Eve.”
“I’ve never had a Christmas tradition,” I smiled.
“You will from now on, dear,” Victoria smiled. “Okay, Gunner is about to open the door to escort you out to the car.”
“Thank you, Victoria. I don’t know how you figured this out, but thank you for thinking I’m worthy to be part of your family.” I hugged her and she hugged me back.
I walked along with Gunner to the limo. “Will you be coming, too?”
“Not today, Red, but I’ll see you tomorrow for Christmas dinner at the manor.” He opened the limo door. “It’s all gonna be great. You’ll see.”
“Thank you.” I kissed his cheek.
I entered a long limo, like something out of a movie. It had enough seating for at least six more people. I sat there wondering who else was coming, but the limo pulled away, so I guessed I was the only person traveling. The driver put the middle window down and welcomed me.
“Mrs. Hawthorne had food and drinks put in the frig. The drive will be about an hour and a half. Please get comfortable and buzz me if you need anything.” Then he closed the window.
I held tightly to the cell phone like a lifeline. I’d fallen in love with my mystery man, but what if he rejects me like every foster family I ever had? Victoria said to trust her, and Gunner said it was going to be great.
