This Billionaire's Christmas Parade: This Billionaire, #25

By Rachel Foster

Dean is a successful orthopedic surgeon with patient referrals all across the country. The one thing special about him is that he never wanted to leave his hometown. His Minnesota roots have stuck with him and he loves his job. He struggles finding love because of his devotion to his job and hometown. Jenna is an inspiring party planner in the fancy suburbs of Chicago. After the death of her parent's, it was too hard to go back to her hometown in Minnesota. Now her sister Lilly needs her to come home and help so she can have surgery on her back. Jenna is there in a heartbeat, but the last person she expected to see was Dean, her high school crush. Now it's Christmas and Lilly usually is in charge of the town Christmas parade. She volunteers Jenna to help instead and Jenna finds herself working next to Dean to pull of the Christmas party everyone's been looking forward to. Will Jenna risk her career to come home to the place where she holds so many memories or will the fear of love leave her running back to the suburbs?

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215951385

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This Billionaire's Christmas Parade

Rachel Foster

Copyright © 2018 by Rachel Foster

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Contents

1. Dean

2. Jenna

3. Dean

4. Jenna

5. Dean

6. Jenna

7. Dean

8. Jenna

9. Dean

10. Jenna

11. Dean

12. Jenna

13. Dean

14. Jenna

15. Dean

16. Jenna

17. Dean

18. Jenna

19. Dean

20. Jenna

21. Dean

22. Jenna

23. Dean

24. Jenna

25. Dean

26. Jenna

27. Dean

28. Jenna

29. Dean

30. Jenna

31. Dean

32. Jenna

33. Dean

34. Jenna

35. Dean

36. Jenna

37. Dean

38. Jenna

39. Dean

Epilogue – Jenna

1

Dean

I

looked at the name of my next patient and restrained a groan. Lilly Brown. I didn’t have anything against her. It was who she reminded me of. The feelings she brought were complex, a brew of bitterness and sadness and confusion and hurt. Not seeing her wasn’t an option, however.

Are you ready, Dean? Patty, my assistant, poked her head into my office. Lilly’s out in the waiting room. Or do you want to make her wait like a real doctor?

I forced a chuckle at her teasing. Go ahead and bring her into one of the rooms. Get her vitals. I’ll be right there.

Oh, her vitals. I never would have remembered that. It’s not like I haven’t been a nurse longer than you’ve been a doctor. Patty rolled her eyes at me.

I chuckled again, a little more genuinely this time. Her teasing always helped me relax in the middle of tense situations. She understood why I might be a little curt without my having to explain. You know, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be nearly the doctor I am. I have to do something to feel like I’m useful.

Oh, you’re far more useful than you give yourself credit for. She smirked. Well, a little, anyway.

I picked up Lilly Brown’s file and shooed her away. Get out of here before I decide to fire you.

Patty retreated to the doorway. If you’re going to fire me, at least hire someone new first so you aren’t stuck doing everything on your own.

I’d go crazy, I admitted. Being a doctor wasn’t a one-man-show affair. I could only do what I did because of the people around me, working for me, paving the way to success.

Patty left with a wave of her hand, leaving me sitting alone at my desk. I sighed and glanced at Lilly’s file. I already knew the contents well. I would go over it all with her instead of while I sat around to avoid redundancies. Unfortunately, that left me with several minutes of spare time on my hands that I didn’t know what to do with.

I picked up my phone and checked my social media. As I scrolled, nothing stuck out as particularly exciting. Nor did I see what I always wanted to see, what I knew couldn’t be. My timeline was mostly filled with posts of people getting excited for the holiday season, sharing their plans, their hopes.

I quickly grew tired of learning about the plans of other people and shut the screen off, though not before checking the time. A couple minutes had been taken up, at least. I could get going.

I got up, taking the file with me. Patty glanced up from her desk and gave me Lilly’s chart, and pointed me in the direction of the correct consultation room. I took a deep breath and headed inside.

Lilly?

Lilly looked up from her phone and smiled at me. Hi, Dean. She got up out of her seat and reached to me for a hug. I wrapped my arms around her and patted her on the back. I didn’t hug all my patients, though, I would if they asked more frequently. Lilly and I went way back. We weren’t incredibly close, but we were close enough that I considered her a friend.

I sat down in my chair and motioned for her to retake her own seat. I glided closer on the wheeled chair and opened her file, balancing the pages of the folder on my knees. First things first, according to your chart, blood pressure is good. Heartrate is a little elevated, though not out of the range of normality. You’re a little stressed about this, I imagine.

Yes. Her lips pressed into a grim line.

I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be. You’re managing it pretty well, though, since your rate is only slightly elevated. You’re still on those anxiety pills from Brock? Brock was her primary care doctor, an older gentleman who thankfully wasn’t one of those types who discounted mental health difficulties as being a woman’s fragile nature. There were more of those than I cared to remember.

Yes.

And they’re working okay? Right now?

Yes. Lilly nodded. I can think calmly and everything.

Good. Says here no new allergies, no smoking, no street drugs, and you drink socially. In other words, same old, same old.

Yes.

Good. Now we can get down to the meat of why you’re here. I sent her an apologetic look. I know you’ll have gone over this a dozen times by now, but let me go over it just once more to make sure I’ve got it all straight.

She smiled. Okay.

I flipped a page in her file. About six months ago, you were in a car accident. Other than whiplash and some bruising and a bloody nose from your airbag, you sustained no major injuries.

Right.

"Though your car was totaled. As you healed from your minor injuries, a new pain developed in your lower back. You took it as stiffness and treated it with aspirin. However, the pain became so great over a period of weeks that it was difficult for you to sit down properly. You were prescribed stronger pain medication, muscle relaxants, and sent to see a chiropractor. Massage and heating pads were recommended."

Lilly nodded. The corners of her eyes scrunched up slightly as she recalled the slow process she had gone through, dealing with greater and greater quantities of pain.

Your condition steadily worsened. You were sent for x-rays and it was determined you have spinal stenosis. This is what happens when certain spaces within your spine are compressed, pushing against the nerves and causing pain. I sat back a little. This can happen as a result of arthritis, genetic spinal deformity, tumors, or, in your case, injury. There are plenty of options on how to treat it. But you decided on going straight to surgery. I want to make sure you understand the risks, and your own reasonings behind your decision.

Lilly nodded again. I waited, and she got the hint that it was her turn to speak. She looked down at her hands and then back up at me. I don’t want to just treat the symptoms. We were already doing that while trying to figure out the cause, and it sucks. I’m not even sure that visit to the chiropractor did anything.

I restrained a smile.

I don’t want to be managing this pain all the time. I don’t want to deal with the pain at a bad time when I forget to take my pills, or always have to be careful of the way I move, or worry about further injury. I don’t want my life to wrap around this. She paused and looked at me as if searching for approval. I motioned for her to go on. I know it might seem extreme or like I’m jumping the gun to go straight to surgery, but I feel that’s what would be best for me. And that’s really all I’ve got. I just feel like I don’t want to mess around and draw this out. They injected me with steroids into my spine at the hospital and that helped with the pain. But to have to keep doing that, scheduling my life around that, dreading the return of that pain... She trailed off again and shook her head.

I waited a few moments to give her the chance to pick up her thoughts, but it seemed like she was finished. I am in the habit of trusting my patients when they talk about their lives, I said, leaning forward. You know what will work best for you. It won’t be easy, though. The surgery. Any surgery with the spine is no small matter. You’d have to follow strict directions to keep from reinjuring yourself, which might result in more surgery.

Okay...

And the pain might even be worse, at first.

Lilly looked startled. Why?

Your body doesn’t know intent, I explained. A cut you get from falling on a sharp rock and a surgical incision are the same thing to your body’s systems. Surgery will be invasive, and your body will react regardless of my intentions to help. There will be swelling around your spine. And as we know, swelling, tightening of the nerves, is what is causing your original pain. But this time, the swelling will go down, and you will never have to deal with it again.

I don’t care what I have to go through, Lilly said, clenching her hands into fists. I want my life to be back to normal.

This surgery I have planned will involve removing small parts of the back of the affected vertebra, to relieve the pressure on your nerves. It’s imperative that you understand the risk for potential complications.

Lilly scoffed. Potential complications, my butt. You have a perfect five out of five rating. Nothing has ever happened that you haven’t intended.

I smiled. I also like to think that I’m good at what I do. Unfortunately, sometimes things can happen. Invasive surgeries always carry a risk, however small, that the problem will worsen. There’s also the chance of infection, scarring, reduced range of motion.

But I would be able to move without pain.

Yes. Unless you pushed yourself. It would be like bending your wrist too far back. Your wrist can bend back just fine, but not past its limits. Basically, I’m saying you may have to make minor adjustments and come to terms with a new normal. But you wouldn’t be in pain any longer.

Then let’s do it, she declared. I would trust you to do it even right now with a pair of scissors and a pen.

How about we schedule it for a time when I can actually use proper equipment? I asked dryly.

If you insist.

How about Monday? Not this upcoming Monday, but the next one. I know that’s quite a bit of time to continue dealing with something you’ve already suffered through for so long, but that’s the time I would prefer.

Monday works.

8:00 a.m. sharp?

Sounds good, Lilly said, in a tone of voice that made it obvious she would have agreed to anything I said.

Let me write that down for you. I grabbed an appointment reminder slip and jotted down the details, and did the same on my schedule. One more thing. Is Emmit going to be helping you?

A pause. Too long of a pause. He can’t take off work so suddenly, she said.

I held the slip of paper in my fingers and looked at her. Someone needs to be helping you. You won’t recover from this right away, and you will injure yourself more by trying to act normally during the healing phase.

I’ll figure it out, she declared. I’m sure if I ask the neighbors about it, they can set up a rotation of people to watch out for me.

I think that’s true, I said, smiling. Our town was the best when it came to helping each other. Alright. Here’s your reminder. If you need to reschedule, call and let me know.

I will.

Then, that’s all. Unless you have questions? Comments? Concerns?

Lilly shook her head and stood up. I’m good.

Alright. I also stood and guided her over to the door. If you think of anything, don’t be afraid to call.

I won’t. Lilly put her hand on my arm and squeezed gently. Thanks, Dean.

All in a day’s work.

I walked her out to the front and waved goodbye. Another of my patients sat in the waiting room. They gave me a searching glance. I smiled and motioned to them. Why don’t you come on back? I’ll check you out, give Patty here a break. Her feet are liable to fall off from all the stomping around she does.

If I stomp, it’s because you’re the most unobservant man ever outside of your office, Patty called.

The patient smiled a little, comforted by the friendly banter. I guided them back to a room and set about to checking their vitals on my own. As I went about the work, I thought about how much of the day was left, how many patients still remained for me to tend to. I loved the work, though it could occasionally be overwhelming. At last I had something to look forward to tonight.

When the last patient had been seen, when Patty had gone for the day, I locked up the office. I texted Mom and Dad that I was on my way and drove out to their place. A hot pink convertible sat in the driveway behind their matching black truck and SUV, which meant my sister was also present. I parked next to Chloe’s eyesore of a vehicle and headed inside. Hey, I called out. I’m here.

Chloe came sprinting out from down the hall and threw her arms around me. It’s about time you showed up! You doctors, thinking everyone’s going to wait on you all the time.

I laughed and wriggled out of her arms. I was on time, thank you. It’s not my fault you’re an early bird. Anyway, I wasn’t told you were going to be here.

We thought we’d surprise you, Mom said, exiting from the kitchen with a towel in her hands. She tossed the towel over her shoulder and hugged me from the other side to keep from smooshing the wet cloth against me.

I’m certainly surprised. I didn’t know I, the favorite child, would have to be sharing a meal with the black sheep of the family.

Chloe took the towel from Mom’s shoulder and swatted me with it. Actually, you should be thankful for me letting them invite you.

Kids, Dad scolded, joining us in the foyer. He hugged me and patted me on the back. Settle down, both of you, or you’ll be sent to your rooms without dinner.

I laughed. Try it, I told Dad, shaking my head. My old room got turned into Mom’s hobby room. So, you’d be sending me to a fun place.

Dad glanced at Mom and lifted up his hands. I guess there’s nothing to do for it, Brenda.

Mom shook her head at all of us. Go wash up, all of you. Then come to the table before I eat everything myself.

As if you could, Chloe said. She headed down the hallway and flipped on the light in the bathroom. You eat like a bird.

Yes, Dad said, under his breath. A pelican.

All three of us huddled in the bathroom, trying to conceal our snickers behind our hands. Dad picked up the soap pump and squirted liberal amounts into mine and Chloe’s hands. As we all lathered up, the bathroom filled with the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon.

For real, though, I’m glad you’re here, I told Chloe. I had no idea when to expect you back.

Me, neither, she admitted. She stuck her hands under the faucet and scrubbed, rinsing the soap off. I didn’t know how long the trip would take. I’ve got more than enough material to write my article, though.

Remind me where you went, again? Somewhere with a dog’s name? Labradoodle? Dad wiped his hands off on his jeans, leaving damp prints on his hips and buttocks.

Newfoundland and Labrador. More commonly referred to as just Newfoundland. Chloe used one of the hand towels to dry off, and I grabbed the other. A pop-art style dog design on the surface of the towel regarded me with an unidentifiable expression. Canada has some of the most remote locations in the world, even right on the edge of civilization. Even the natives don’t go to some of the areas. Too treacherous. The animals sure don’t seem to mind, though. I’m pretty sure I saw a mountain goat practically levitate up the side of a cliff. And have you ever heard a moose call? You would absolutely believe the entrance to Hell was just nearby, maybe a cave entrance hidden behind some hanging lichen.

I shivered, trying to imagine the sort of sound she described. I still don’t know how you do it.

Chloe put her hand on the door frame and looked back at us. I’m not really a black sheep.

I shook my head. I felt bad that I’d teased her, now. She was a travel writer and often roamed far and wide to gather information for commissioned articles. She had gone everywhere from the La Brea Tar Pits to the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, to Germany to take part in the annual Christkindlesmarkt, and China, Japan, Australia, and dozens of other places. That was in complete contrast with the rest of the family. We stayed in the area as much as was possible. Still, I shouldn’t have ostracized her, even for a joke.

Chloe spoke almost as if talking to herself. Going so far away helps me appreciate what we have right here.

I put my hand on her shoulder. I’m glad you are back. Really.

I know. She smiled at me. I just wanted to make you feel bad.

Dad chuckled. That’s what I like to see. My doctor son and my adventurer daughter getting along, as well they should, since they’ve both worked hard to get to where they are. Now, come on. Before your mother decides to follow through on her threats and leave nothing for us to eat.

We headed to the dining table where a feast awaited. Baked sweet potatoes, honey ham, crisp green beans, and biscuits made from scratch. We all piled food onto our plates and settled in, the only sound in the room that of chewing and swallowing, slurping.

God, I’m lucky, I mumbled. I grabbed my third biscuit and slathered it with butter and jam. Homecooked meals are the best.

Mom smiled. I’m sure they’d be even better if you didn’t bicker so long with your sister that it got cold.

If it’s cold, you can eat it faster, Chloe said. That’s what I discovered. Some nights, I’m just too hungry to wait for the stove to heat up.

Well, I hope my cooking beats cans of beans.

Absolutely! Chloe exclaimed. She stabbed her fork into a huge chunk of ham and slapped it onto her plate.

Mom leaned her elbows on the table and smiled. You know I’d do anything for you two. Being your mom is my favorite job.

Only them, huh? Dad glanced at us. She’s playing favorites, I see.

Mom playfully ignored him.

My heart filled with gratitude for my family. I’m serious. It’s especially nice after work. It can be very stressful some days.

Maybe you should cut back a little, Mom suggested. You can’t perform properly if you’re exhausted.

It’s my life, I said. And I’m not exhausted. I can never be exhausted, not as long as I’ve got my family.

They gave me the energy to keep going, to not just live but to thrive. Without them all, there was no telling where I’d be.

2

Jenna

I

gave my to-do lists a final review. I made several revised lists throughout each project, adding and amending to make sure I didn’t miss a single detail. All the catering was scheduled, the menu items finalized. The mixologist had been hired, as had the musicians for both during and after the ceremony. The venue was selected, and the reception hall reserved. All the flowers were picked out, the decorations decided upon. The cake was ordered.

Only one thing remained and that was the actual event, the coordinating of it on the chosen day.

I sat back and breathed out a sigh of satisfaction. I loved every part of my job but this was my favorite part, when all the little pieces came together to form something far greater. The stress, the deliberation, the worry, it was all worth it just to attain this moment.

Now comes my favorite part of the favorite part.

I picked my phone up from its holder on the desk and called my client. Hi, Jenna! she sang. Her voice wavered, like she was jumping up and down with excitement. How is everything going?

I smiled. Cassie, you’ll be delighted to learn that everything is in place. Your wedding tomorrow will be the talk of the year.

Oh, gosh, I’m so happy to hear that! Cassie cried out. There’s not so much of the year left, though. Do you think people will still be talking about it after the New Year?

Absolutely. I leaned my elbow on top of the desk and rested my chin in my hand. My mouth hurt from smiling so much and so widely. I hope all your guests are ready.

We had a few people who said they couldn’t make it, but all our closest friends will be there, she gushed. The practice tomorrow might as well be the real thing, we’re that prepared. Isn’t that right?

Oh, I think so, but it’s always good to see how everyone actually works together. Things look different on paper, you know.

Don’t I know it. Cassie was a chemist. She had probably had hundreds of seemingly perfect experiments fail on her, real life failing to live up to expectations. Jenna, you are just the best. I thought I knew what it was like to be dedicated to a job, but you have gone above and beyond that. You’re like... Well, this is embarrassing, now I’m about to say it out loud.

Go on, I said. I won’t tell anyone what you’ve said.

Well, I know this is your job and it’s in your best interest to make your clients happy, but it didn’t really feel like that. Her voice was quieter than it had ever been all throughout the long planning phase. I got the impression she was blushing. It feels like you’re a friend I’ve known for a long time. A friend I could tell anything to. The sort of friend who goes above and beyond because they are just that kind of person. Thank you, Jenna, for being so dedicated and hard-working.

My heart was melting from her sweetness. Cassie, that is the kind of person I am. I care. I know that the events people come to me for are some of the most important they’ll ever have in their lives. I want their experiences to be good ones. The best.

I’m going to give you a bonus.

That’s not necessary. Being able to make all this happen is bonus enough. Cassie gave a little sob. I didn’t hold her tears against her. She was so excited, so brimming with emotions. I got my start with a company doing basically the same thing. It didn’t satisfy me, though. I was always on a strict timeline, a deadline. I couldn’t immerse myself in the way I wanted to. Now I have my own company, I’m the boss. I don’t answer to anyone else. I can do whatever I want, whatever is best, and not have to worry about contrasting with some policy or other. And I’m lucky in that way. Very lucky.

We’re also lucky, Cassie said. You’ll be at the rehearsal?

Definitely.

Then, we’ll see you tomorrow.

Make sure to get plenty of rest tonight. See you then, I said, and hung up. I started to put my phone down when the screen lit up again. Another call, this one coming to me. I checked the name of the caller and answered it. Hey, sis.

Hey, Jenna. Do you have a minute? Lilly asked.

I looked out the window of my rented office at the busy street. 6 p.m. and most people were leaving their jobs and heading home. Even through the walls of the building, the noise of evening Chicago invaded. Yells, chatter, car