The Billionaire's Family Christmas: Christmas Miracles, #2

By April Murdock

The past floods in when Kacie and Micah meet again. Some things remained the same, but so much had changed. She still felt the spark of a teenage crush while he saw the amazing woman she'd become.

Kacie's life had gone differently than she's expected but she was embracing the changes she had no control over. Raising her sister's children was challenging and she'd give anything to have her sister and brother-in-law back, but that wasn't going to happen. In the meantime, love was definitely not in her busy schedule.

Micah had left for college and hadn't really looked back. Back in town at Christmas time to handle some business made him realize that a huge part of his childhood was unfinished. He'd become a billionaire and was wildly successful, but he realized his best days were the days he spent growing up in his small home town.

Can old feelings be rekindled to build a future or is the foundation shaken by too much change? Is the holiday spirit just what they need to finally bring them together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sweet River Publishing
• Release date: Nov 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223526438

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Kacie wrapped her arms around the festive gifts from the toy store down the street as she made her way back to Southern Charm Day Spa. She couldn’t wait to see the kids open the presents next month. A package slipped from her fingers and she adjusted her grip to catch it, but missed.

A white-gloved hand reached out, saving it from clattering to the pavement. Kacie glanced up at Mr. Brewer and sighed. "Thank you, Santa."

Mr. Brewer winked at her. That’s what I’m here for. He removed his red hat and brushed the back of his hand over his rosy forehead. We can’t have any of those precious gifts get broken before Christmas, can we? His round face lit up in a smile.

Kacie’s brows pinched. It’s so warm today and I’m still on my lunch break. Can I get you something from Sandra’s Coffee across the street? Some iced tea, maybe?

His blue eyes lit up. That would sure hit the spot. Could you get her to add a slice of lemon?

She adjusted her load and offered him a smile. Sure thing! I’ll just drop these off real quick and I’ll be right back.

Mr. Brewer fanned his hat in front of his face and turned back to ringing the bell next to his collection pail.

Kacie picked up her pace and ducked into the old brick building. The windows had already been painted with little penguins in sunglasses holding iced tea right in time for the holiday rush in a few weeks.

As she stepped inside, she took a deep breath and sighed. Her sister Johanna always loved this time of year. A twinge of melancholy pricked her heart. Running their spa was something they’d always promised they’d do together. She fought the emotions rising in her throat. She didn’t have time to dwell on her sister’s passing, and Johanna wouldn’t want her to. It had been just over five years.

Kacie hurried around to the back office and dumped the presents on the desk. She still had fifteen minutes. She’d be able to get Mr. Brewer the drink she’d promised him.

Downtown Ridgeview was already bustling with tourists. Folks from Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga flocked to their small town annually. Dodging a car that made its way down Main Street, Kacie hurried into Sandra’s Coffee.

Sandra glanced up as the bell rang over the door and waved her to the counter. The line of customers chatted among themselves while they waited for the barista to make their orders. Sandra wiped her hands on her apron and leaned over the counter. Kacie! What can I get for you? Her short black bob rippled as she leaned against the counter.

Just a sweet tea with lemon. Poor Mr. Brewer is overheating out there in that Santa suit.

The coffee shop owner nodded and moved to another part of the counter. She grabbed a plastic cup and filled it with ice. After she poured the amber liquid, she returned to Kacie’s side. It sure is a warm one this year, isn’t it?

Kacie nodded. It hasn’t been this hot for a couple years at least. She raised the drink. What do I owe you?

Sandra shook her head. It’s on the house.

Thank you so much. Kacie spun to head out the door.

Oh, Kacie!

She turned to look at her friend. Yeah?

Have you reconsidered my proposition?

Kacie shook her head and rolled her eyes. I told you, Sandra. No blind dates.

Sandra pouted. But he’s cute.

"No dates. You remember how the last one went. Besides, with the spa and the kids, how would I ever find the time?"

But—

Bye, Sandra. Thanks for the iced tea! She chuckled and waved as she backed out of the coffee shop and headed across the street. She handed Mr. Brewer the beverage and hurried toward the spa.

A short flurry of red and green bumped into her, preventing her from entering her shop. Kacie placed her hands on the elderly woman’s shoulders to steady her. Well, hello, Mrs. Jones. How are you doing today?

Mrs. Jones turned her face up and smiled gleefully at Kacie. Oh, I’m absolutely marvelous, dear. How are the little ones?

They’re doing good. They can’t wait for Christmas break, though. I don’t know if we’re going to make it. She chuckled.

The elderly woman placed a hand on Kacie’s forearm. You’re so good to them. I don’t know how you do it all.

Kacie lifted a shoulder. What could she say to that? She didn’t know how she did it either. It was nice bumping into you, Mrs. Jones, but I have to get back—

Have you heard? Regina’s nephew is staying at the bed and breakfast. I wonder why he’s here.

Kacie frowned. Regina. Why was that name so familiar? No one by that name lived in Ridgeview currently.

Anyway, folks are saying he might be here for business—selling his aunt’s old house. From what I understand, he’s going to be making a lot of money from the commission…

Kacie!

Kacie’s head whipped up as her assistant manager poked her head out the door. It’s getting pretty busy in here. Is your break over?

Nodding, Kacie mouthed the word sorry. She turned to Mrs. Jones and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. I have to get back to work now, but it was nice catching up with you.

The greying woman’s head bobbed. I’ll fill you in on all the details later.

Kacie smiled as the town gossip wandered off in the other direction. She grasped the glass door and pulled it open. Now, where did she know Regina from? It was going to bug her all day if she didn’t figure it out. She approached the reception desk and turned the corner to take a look at the computer screen. They were mostly booked for the day, but there was a handful of openings for massage. Boy, she could use one herself.

Turning around, she faced Jenny and leaned against the counter. Thanks for getting everyone checked in. You know how Mrs. Jones can be.

Jenny giggled. I thought you might need saving.

The bell above the door rang. Jenny’s eyes shifted to see who had entered and widened. Don’t look now, but I think I’ve found you the perfect Mr. Wonderful. I’d have him, but I’m taken. She grinned and flashed her engagement ring.

Don’t be silly, Jenny. I don’t need a Mr. Wonderful. Kacie turned around. Welcome to Southern Charm Day Spa— The words stuck in her throat as a man who was the epitome of tall, dark, and devilishly handsome wandered up to the desk. The scowl on his face did nothing to detract from his demi-god looks. Somehow he looked vaguely familiar.

Choking out the words, Kacie grabbed a pencil and fiddled with it. How can I help you today?

Mr. Wonderful groaned. I heard you do massage here.

Kacie smiled. Yes, that’s a service we provide.

Do you have any availability? Um, right now?

Let me check. That nagging thought that he was someone she ought to know tugged at the recesses of her mind. Who was he? You’re in luck. It looks like we have an opening. We had a cancelation this morning.

He smiled but it came out as more of a grimace. Thank goodness.

Kacie motioned to a chair. You can wait right there while I make sure the massage therapist is ready for you.

Jenny tugged on her arm. Do you know who that is? she whispered.

She glanced back at Mr. Wonderful. I feel like I should. Why? Do you know him?

Jenny shoved a magazine in her hands. It’s Micah Phipps.

Micah. Kacie froze as she looked down at the cover of the magazine. It was like a lightbulb lit in her mind and everything came clear. Regina’s nephew. She slapped the magazine to her chest. She hadn’t seen him in years. What was he doing here? Her mind raced trying to remember what Mrs. Jones had told her, frustrated she’d tuned her out. Something about his aunt’s place.

She looked down at the cover one more time. There was a gorgeous woman on his arm. The flavor of the month. It was no secret he was never seen with the same girl twice. He’d definitely changed since they were kids. Old, familiar feelings rose to the surface. Despite being three years younger than him, she’d had a mad crush on him and had followed him, Johanna, and Brock around everywhere.

Kacie shoved the magazine back at Jenny. Nope. So not my type.

Jenny picked up the magazine. What? You’re not into wealthy, handsome men?

On the contrary. Wealthy, handsome men are just fine. It’s the haughty, entitled jerks who can’t bother to settle down with one girl that I can’t stand.

Jenny’s mouth dropped open. What makes you think he’s any of those things?

Kacie flicked the cover. Just look at her. Only stuck-up guys go for girls like that. She headed to the back. Even if he wasn’t as bad as the articles made him out to be, she didn’t have time in her life for drama, a man, or anything else besides her business and the kids. Life was already crazy enough.

CHAPTER TWO

A massage was exactly what the doctor ordered. Micah rolled his shoulders as the massage therapist left the room. He grabbed his shirt and shoved his arms in the sleeves. He’d do anything for his aunt, but replacing the front door of her old place had about done him in. If she wanted any other surprise renovations done, he’d hire someone and give them a good Christmas tip—as long as he didn’t have to risk throwing his back out in the process.

Rubbing his left shoulder, he tipped his head side to side and pushed his way out the door. The blonde receptionist was alone now. Something about her was familiar. He had to have met her before, but he couldn’t place her. This was going to be embarrassing. Maybe she didn’t remember him. But with Ridgeview being what it was, it was improbable he’d get away with polite chit-chat.

She glanced at him and her green eyes flashed. She must have been someone his aunt knew. She smiled and a deep set of dimples lined her cheeks. He’d have known those