This Billionaire Christmas Santa: This Billionaire, #37

By Rachel Foster

Anthony is a workaholic who owns a billion dollar company based on family consumerism. He hasn't spent time with his family forever and struggles owning a company that cares about his employees. But things quickly change when Maggie and her son Brody move next door to live with her aunt and uncle while she completes her job as a traveling nurse. Things take a turn when Anthony rear-ends Maggie. He's not nice to her and she calls him out on it. When he denies it, she challenges him to play Santa to prove that he's not a Grinch. Maggie finds herself falling for Anthony as he steps up and is a great role model for her son. When Brody asks for him to be his dad for Christmas, Maggie finds herself struggling to give him what he wants. Will Maggie trust Anthony to step up as Brody's father figure or will he continue to value his work more? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: 3rd Publishing
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215867488

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This Billionaire Christmas Santa

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. Anthony POV Wednesday

2. Maggie POV Thursday

3. Anthony POV Friday

4. Maggie POV Saturday

5. Anthony POV Sunday

6. Maggie POV Monday

7. Anthony POV Tuesday

8. Maggie POV Wednesday

9. Anthony POV Thursday

10. Maggie POV Friday

11. Anthony POV Saturday

12. Maggie POV Saturday Evening

13. Anthony POV Sunday

14. Maggie POV Monday

15. Anthony POV Tuesday

16. Maggie POV Wednesday

17. Anthony POV Tuesday

18. Maggie POV Wednesday

19. Anthony POV Thursday

20. Maggie POV Friday

21. Anthony POV Saturday

22. Maggie POV Sunday

23. Anthony POV Monday

24. Maggie POV Tuesday

25. Anthony POV Tuesday Evening

26. Maggie POV Wednesday

27. Anthony POV Thursday

28. Maggie POV Friday

29. Anthony POV Saturday

30. Maggie POV Sunday

31. Anthony POV Monday

32. Maggie POV Tuesday

33. Anthony POV Wednesday

34. Anthony POV Friday (Christmas)

35. Maggie POV Saturday

36. Anthony POV Sunday

37. Maggie POV Monday

38. Anthony POV Tuesday

1

Anthony POV Wednesday

I

t had been ages since I felt like I could come up from under water. Life at the office, as stressful as it was, seemed even worse this time of year. I’d done all I could to complete as many of the infographics for the latest newsletter, but it still seemed like I was up to my waist in projects that needed completion. My team, as solid as it was, just couldn’t tackle multiple projects at once without some form of guidance and I wasn’t in a place to give it to them because I had too many other distractions. I took a sip of my latte and then ran my hands through my hair. Would I even survive the rest of the week? I wondered with a sigh.

Hey, man. Eddie poked his head in my office and then sniffed the air. Smells like a coffee shop in here, he added as he walked inside. You don’t mind if I come in. Right? he asked. I shook my head.

No. Do whatever you want. I’m ready to call it a day, I said, looking down at my phone. It was only two, but it felt like it was five. All I wanted was a cold beer, some fries, and a night off.

Well, I hate to break it to you, but it’s only eleven and we have a shit load of edits to do on that Peterson project, said Eddie. He was dressed in what he affectionately referred to as one of his signature crazy ties and I studied the geometric shapes that made up the colorful design on it before taking another sip of my latte and leaning back in my chair.

I know. Technically, it’s still morning. I can’t believe it, I said with exasperation. You know? I got in here at like seven and I banged out all of those white paper edits that we need to get passed out. After that, I took care of the Cooper-Menninger papers that were supposed to get faxed out three days ago. I looked at the ceiling and then took another sip of my latte.

And? asked Eddie, not impressed with my laundry list.

And you would think that by this time of day I’d feel a little relieved. You know? But I’m not. In fact, I’m even more stressed now than I was before I got in here because now, I can see how far behind I really am with multiple projects. I don’t know. I thought that when we hired Shaina this would get a little easier, but I honestly feel like I’m even deeper in the pit of non-completion.

Well, Shaina does kick ass up there with all the management related stuff.

I know. But that’s what I’m saying. If we have her in there and we’re still falling behind, it means I need to stop and reassess.

I feel what you’re saying. Maybe you just need a vacation, man. Eddie leaned on my desk and then straightened his tie.

Yeah. I could definitely use a vacation. And I’ll tell you exactly where I’d go.

Yeah? asked Eddie, taking a generous sip of his coffee. Where?

Aruba. I’d go to Coconut Grove in Aruba, get myself a villa by the sea, and order nothing but coconut coladas all week long.

Sounds like a dream. I’ll go with you if you need an assistant. Eddie laughed and then walked toward the doorway. Look, I’m heading out for an early lunch. When I get back, I can help you go over the next batch of white papers if you think that’ll lighten your load at all.

Sure. I’ll take all the help I can get, I said, rubbing my brow with my hand.

I’ll stop in when I get through. Eddie waved and then went on his way. I looked at all the papers on my desk and decided to get up for a stretch. Just as I was about to open up the window to let in some fresh air, Adele popped in my office.

Hi, Anthony. I hope I’m not interrupting you, but I have a few questions. Is that okay?

Sure. I was just taking a little break anyway. What’s up? I asked. Adele worked in HR and was always on top of her game. I relied on her for all of our new hire paperwork, administrative projects, and professional development literature. She’d been on our team for almost three years and I was always grateful for what she contributed.

Well, I have like three stacks of PD brochures and there are typos on the first two pages. So, I handed them off to Griffin who said he was going to take them up to the printer and then the original file was somehow lost. Adele shook her head and sighed.

It was lost? I asked.

Yes. I have no idea what happened, but the next time I tried to open it, all of the pages were blank.

Okay, I said, covering my face with my palm. I’ll have to send a message over to Braham and ask hm to design a new one. It was really all I could do. My design team was already overwhelmed as it was. I knew that asking them to re-do a project was going to send their team into a tizzy, but there was no other option. I’ll send it in a minute. Thanks for the update, I said. Adele nodded her head and then left. I was just about to go sit back down at my desk when Eddie came in once again.

Hey, he said.

I thought you were going out to lunch, I said confused.

I am. I just wanted to pop in and tell you that I’m taking those packages over to the post office on my way. I know you wanted to get all the brochures mailed out before the weekend. Eddie walked in and reached for a box that was sitting near the shelving.

Great, I said. Hopefully, we can get that delivered next day.

Well, we could have, said Eddie. Except there’s one problem, he said with a chuckle, setting the box down and eyeing it with a grin.

What’s that? I asked, taking the last sip of my latte.

The post office is going to be closed tomorrow. Eddie folded his arms across his chest and nodded his head.

Why? I asked.

Why? asked Eddie with a laugh.

Dude, he said. Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving.

Oh. Shit. I stood there for a second, wondering how I could have forgotten that tomorrow was a holiday. I had been so caught up with work the last few days that it completely slipped my mind. I was never really into the holidays, anyway. For me, it seemed like they only caused stress and division I liked it when life was normalized, without the intrusion of obligatory family get togethers.

Well, I can still load them up my car and then just drop them off next week if you want, said Eddie, trying to be helpful.

Sure, I said. That’ll work. I watched as Eddie leaned down and picked up the first of the boxes. Thanksgiving. How had it crept up on me like that? I looked at Eddie and then walked toward the boxes.

Here. Let me get the other two, I said, leaning down and picking one up. We carried them down the hall and set them by the elevator, then pressed the button and waited for the door to open.

You got anything planned for the holiday weekend? asked Eddie as we crammed into the elevator with the boxes. I shook my head.

Nope. I thought about how much drama there would be at my parents’ house. I didn’t want to go over there, but I knew that if I didn’t, I’d be made to feel guilty. I kicked one of the boxes with my toe and then watched as the door opened. "Catch you next week, I said.

Righto. Eddie walked out and dragged his box. Then I pulled out the remaining two. We set them in the corner where the UPS crew always delivered, then walked outside, ready to leave for the day. I looked up and watched as a few large clouds rolled through the sky. It was one of those overcast days that seemed to threaten rain but never actually delivered. I took out my keys and unlocked the door to my Escalade. Then I got behind the wheel, turned on the radio, and started the ignition.

Hello, Saint Louis. I hope you are all enjoying this glorious weather we’ve got right before the holiday weekend said the DJ when I turned the dial. Up next we’ve got three in a row from the Grateful Dead. I backed out of my parking spot and headed out of the lot towards the main highway. Once at the Stop sign, I made a left and headed down the road toward my home. I lived on the East side of town in one of the nicest neighborhoods in all of Missouri. I parked in my designated spot, then walked to the passenger side door and took out my laptop. Then I locked up and walked up the path that led to my front porch and unlocked the door to go inside.

Before I could even walk into the kitchen, my two dogs, Bixby and Buzz, came dashing out to meet me. Okay guys! Easy! I laughed as they jumped and tried to lick my face. I know I’ve been gone a while. I had a lot to get done in the office today. I unbuttoned my shirt and rolled up my sleeves, then walked into the mud room to get dog food. Here you go. I poured food into both of their bowls and watched as they excitedly ate their dinner. That’s when my phone rang.

Hey, Anthony. It was my buddy, Max.

Hey, Max. What’s up? I asked.

Nothing much. What do you have going on tonight? he asked.

I’m probably just going to hang here. I almost forgot tomorrow is Thanksgiving. It’s a big drinking night, I added with a chuckle. You going out?

Of course, I am. It’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. That’s why I was calling- to see if you wanted to meet me over at Half Pint’s for a beer. I scratched my chin and tried to decide if I felt like committing to a night out on the town.

You know? I’m not sure. I just got home literally five minutes ago. Let me think about it and I’ll text you later.

Okay. Drinks are on me," said Max.

Thanks, man. Talk to you later. We ended our conversation and I was just about to walk into the living room to watch the news when I heard a loud crash. What the hell? I asked myself, running out into the foyer. What was that? I asked, walking from room to room to see if I could figure out where the noise came from. That’s when I saw the broken glass lying at the base of my recreation room window. Whoa. I ran out of the room and then opened the front door.

I’m sorry. A short boy who looked to be about ten stood with his arms at his side crying.

Are you okay? I asked. Who are you?"

I’m okay. But I broke your window, he said.

I heard it, I said with a chuckle. But it’s just a window. I can fix it. I looked at the kid and felt sorry for him because he clearly felt guilty for what had happened. Can you tell me your name? I asked.

I’m staying next door with my mom. That’s my aunt and uncles’ house. The boy toed the ground with his sneaker and then wiped his eyes with his fists. I nodded my head and wondered if I should walk him back home.

Do you want me to walk you over? I asked. The boy shook his head.

No. I don’t want to get in trouble, he said, looking at me for the first time.

Okay. How about if I watch you go back? Don’t worry about the windows. I’ll fix it. The boy looked down at the ground once more, then slowly turned and walked across the grass toward the house.

You sure you won’t tell on me? the boy asked. I nodded.

Your secret’s safe with me.

Thanks, said the boy as he started to walk away.

Hey, I called before held gone. You still never told me your name.

Brody. Said the boy.

Okay, Brody. You have a good night. And do me a favor? I asked. Brody looked at me.

Let me know the next time you play ball. I’d love to join you. Brody cracked a small smile and then continued on his way.

2

Maggie POV Thursday

I

rolled onto my side and peered out the window. It was still dark out which led me to believe it was far too early to climb out of bed. I closed my eyes and imagined all of the delicious food we would eat for dinner. After all, it was Thanksgiving. I then sighed, realizing that it just wouldn’t be the same without my mother. A tear rolled down my cheek and I left it untouched. It would never be like old times, I realized as I looked once more out the window, watching the sun rose slowly above the horizon line. A few minutes later, I dragged myself out of bed and walked down the hall to use the bathroom.

Good morning, Maggie. My Aunt Vicki greeted me in the hall.

Hi, Aunt Vicki. How are you? I asked, rubbing my eyes with my fists.

I’m great. I just put on a pot of coffee downstairs and there’s fresh fruit cut up, some cereal and a box of pastries, too. I smiled.

That all sounds delicious, I gave her a hug and then sighed. I really appreciate you letting me and Brody come stay with you this holiday.

Of course, said my aunt. I’m delighted that you wanted to come and be here. She stood back and then smiled. We are going to have a beautiful dinner and Brody will have a great memory. My aunt knew how hard it was for me to be here without my mother. Yet she had a way of making it so that I somehow felt less melancholy.

You know? I’m feeling like I really did make the right decision by accepting the traveling nurse position in Saint Louis. I was really hesitant about taking it, but I think it’s going to be a great change for me. I looked at my aunt and she nodded her head.

I think you did the right thing, too. It’s a great hospital you’ll be with for the time being and I know so many people out here who can help you with any questions you might have as you get settled.

Thanks. I tucked a tress of hair behind my ear and we walked down the hall.

Well, listen. If you have any doubts or if you feel like you just need someone to talk to, I’m always here. And that goes for Brody, too. My aunt gave me a sympathetic smile and then placed a hand on my shoulder. I know how hard this is for you. I nodded my head and then looked down at the floor.

It means a lot, I said. And it’s also a huge weight off my shoulder that you’ve agreed to watch Brody while I’m at work. I thought back to all the babysitters we’d been through at my old apartment in Colorado. I had hired three over the last year and none of them had worked out. The first one never got to my place on time, so I had to let her go and the other two quit because they didn’t feel like they were being paid enough. It was tough having to introduce Brody to so many people and then watch them leave, but I knew deep down we’d find our way, somehow.

You know I love Brody. My aunt smiled and then walked down the steps. And I’ll watch him anytime. She headed into the kitchen and turned on the radio. I walked behind her and took a seat at the marbled countertop, then watched as she took two mugs out of the cupboard. You like cream and sugar. Right? she asked. I nodded.

Thank you. I smiled as she handed me a blue ceramic mug, filled with steaming hot coffee.

I like having someone to talk to in the morning, anyway, said my aunt as she got her own mug prepared. And today is extra special because we have all kinds of amazing dishes to get ready. I even pulled out Grandma Melba’s famous German chocolate cake recipe, she added. My eyes widened.

Now that is special! I exclaimed. I can still remember all of us sitting at her table, eating slices of that after dinner. I think it was the best cake I ever had in my life.

I so agree, said Aunt Vicki. And, I have some other favorite recipes that are sitting here ready to get their turn, like Aunt Zina’s Florentine surprise and Cousin Jen’s string bean casserole. Aunt Vicki smiled as she talked, and I could tell that she was excited to prepare food for the big day. I sipped on my coffee and then looked out the window. The sun had finally come out and it looked like a warm glow was cast across the back yard. Aunt Vicki had almost three acres which made her place a favorite for Brody because he could play outside for hours and never get bored.

All of that sounds delicious, I said as Aunt Vicki got ingredients out of the cupboard. And I’ll be right here to help with all l of it, I smiled. My aunt took out a few bowls, some measuring cups, and a cutting board. Then she fished around for mixing spoons, a spatula, and a casserole dish. I sipped my coffee and watched as she gathered all of the ingredients and dishes, then got up and walked to the sink. What can I help you with? I asked.

Well, if you want to slice up some of those carrots, that would be great. I opened up the drawer and pulled out a peeler, then took the carrots to the sink and rinsed them off. My aunt turned on the radio and a familiar tune played as I peeled, washed, and sliced the carrots.

If you don’t know what you need, then you’ll never know what you want. I hummed along and laughed at the lyrics. They were so elusive, yet made so much sense, too.

I can remember when Brody was just a baby. You and I would walk around Grandma Melba’s house trying to keep him from crying, laughed Aunt Vicki. Remember? I nodded my head and laughed.

Oh, yes, I said. I remember all too well.

He was actually a really good baby, Mag. I think he just like it when we held him all day. Aunt Vicki smiled and I slid all the carrots into a large bowl.

Yep. He’s still like that sometimes, I said with a thoughtful sigh. I like to think that it’s a good thing, that it means he feels confident letting me know how he feels. You know? I asked. Aunt Vicki nodded. Brody was always my love and my light. I knew that even though he missed his grandmother, he treasured all of the memories that he’d made with her.

I know that boy is special. Aunt Vicki smiled and then washed off the string beans. He has a real light to him, she added. And I know it’s not easy being on your own, but he’s such a great kid. You are doing a phenomenal job. Aunt Vicki placed the string beans in the casserole dish and then sprinkled it with olive oil.

Thanks, Aunt Vick. I picked up the breadcrumbs and carried them to the table. Want me to get started on the stuffing? I asked. I think this is what I made last year. I smiled, thinking back to the holidays of yesteryear. It filled me with warmth, and it reminded me of how lucky I was to have such a loving family.

You made a delicious stuffing last year. Aunt Vicki continued with the casserole dish and I leaned in to stir up the breadcrumbs. And you also made that apple crumble. I smiled, thinking back to how my Aunt Tello had made vanilla ice cream with her ice maker. Brody and the other kids had found he ice cream maker the best part of Thanksgiving.

I remember how much they laughed. Uncle Paul gave everyone chocolate syrup and it spilled all over the table. They thought it was so funny. I smiled, thinking back to all of the laughter that had surrounded us that year. Now, without my mother here, it was going to be a different experience. I felt a subtle darkness sweep over me, and I tried to shake it off, but was unsuccessful.

I can tell that you’re feeling down. Aunt Vicki came to my side. You don’t even have to open your mouth, she added with a sigh. But I want you to know that your mom is here with us. I believe that, she added. It might not ever be the same, but it can still be a fun day. She cocked her head to the side and then got quiet. I nodded, knowing that she meant well but not feeling like I would ever be able to get over the loss.

Remember the homemade cinnamon rolls for Black Friday? I leaned on the counter and set down my spoon. All of a sudden, making stuffing didn’t have the same appeal. All I could think about was my mother. I wanted to see her standing in front of the over, her face lit up with a smile, as she leaned over and set the tray inside to cook. I could still see her, plain as day, her hair pulled up in a bun, her cheeks rosy with excitement for the holiday.

Oh, Maggie. Who could ever forget your mother’s incredible cinnamon rolls? asked Aunt Vicki. I smiled and then sighed. They were a favorite. I thought back to how much love my mother had given us, how she’d devoted her entire life to seeing that she gave all that she could. It filled me with a peace, yet it also filled me with sadness. I got up and walked to the window. The leaves from the maple trees had all fallen and were swirling around on the ground. I thought