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I might not like the man very much on a personal level, but I do trust him and his judgment, especially on something as personal and special as this.
By the time we got home yesterday, it was so late we both collapse from exhaustion, knowing we had an even bigger day ahead of us today.
Not that I ever doubted Holly is the one, but knowing she’s as supportive of the non-business work I do and all that the hospital and shelters too. It’s just added proof to me that she’s perfect in every way.
Nothing’s too much trouble, and she seems more comfortabledoingrather than just observing or watching me the whole time.
“We’ll have some time just for us later,” I promise her over breakfast.
“All this is time with you,” she replies with a sweet smile, shifting from her seat to peck my lips. Making my heart melt.
“God, I love you, Holly Winters,” I tell her. I regret the hundred times I should have told her how I felt. I’m always pleased when she repeats the same back to me. The truth and emotion in her eyes make me softer than a man my size should be inside.
Our new driver, Hank, is waiting downstairs once we’re ready to go. He’s officially employed by the company now and has way better conditions and a paycheck that would make any cab owner cry.
He’s in charge of the motor pool, not just ferrying Holly and me around. A job I know he’ll excel at because he’s been given the only thing he ever wanted: a chance.
I flipped on my idea of driving Holly everywhere. I much prefer sitting next to or opposite her, watching her, and having a proper conversation without watching the traffic all the time.
And this morning, more than ever, she’s got something on her mind, I can just tell.
When I press her about it, she tells me something. Something good. But it’s still not what she’s mulling over in her mind.
“I was thinking,” she starts to say, “About the whole apartment building thing.”
I raise my brows, encouraging her to go on.
“I’d like to lower the rents, fix the place up and the empty apartments, including the one I used to live in. Well… Theycouldbe a place for parents with sick kids in the hospital to stay,” she says innocently, perfectly.
“Y’know, parents from out of town who can’t afford a hotel.”
I feel myself choking up a little. My heart swells with pride.
Always thinking about someone else before herself.
That’s my girl.
“We can do that,” I manage to tell her, working hard not to show too much emotion.
She’s made you soft, Steve. Do you know that?
But honestly. I’ve never been prouder or more in love with anyone than I am right at this moment.
The Christmas Eve version of the day before is pretty much the same, just more carols, which a lot of staff, patients, and parents appreciate at this time of year.
Me and Holly? We’re put to work in the kitchens after doing another round of visiting the wards and spending some extra time with extra sick kids.
Santa even makes an appearance, handing out wrapped gifts,
I only tolerate that part of things because I know who’s in the suit, sworn to secrecy too by my personal assistant, who’d die if I told anyone.
There are big hugs from Sister O’Halloran for Holly once she outlines her ideas for the newly acquired apartment block.
The nail gun business gets a mention too. If we can rescue that, it’ll keep those already in a job employed, but also give us a chance to give the best kind of charity there is, a job with a future.
For the most part, though, as much as I might try and tell myself, I’d rather have Holly all to myself in front of a blazing fire, under our tree, and unwrapping her long before any presents. I can see the difference she’s gonna make in so many people’s lives.
Not just my own. Not even our own family. Holly’s the kind of girl who could change more than just a community too.
