Christmas Bride for the Boss by Kate Hardy

Author:Kate Hardy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-01-10T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

ON MONDAY MORNING, Sienna was bright and chirpy. ‘Come and see what Daddy and me makes,’ she said, tugging at Sophie’s hand.

Up in Sienna’s bedroom, there was a new frame on the wall; either Jamie had recycled it from somewhere or he’d managed to find a craft place still open when Sienna had woken yesterday after her nap.

And the frame was filled with a collage of photos of Sienna with Fran.

‘My mummy’s in heaven but Daddy says she still loves me, even though I can’t see her,’ Sienna said, ‘and he says every time I look up and see the stars twinkling it’s to show me she’s smiling down at me.’

Sophie had to blink back a rush of tears. ‘Yes, he’s right.’

‘So I do have a mummy like Hattie.’

‘You do, darling.’ Sophie couldn’t help hugging her.

Later that night, when Jamie came downstairs after reading Sienna’s bedtime story, she hugged him.

‘What was that for?’ he asked.

‘What you did for Sienna. Even though I know it must’ve been like sprinkling salt in your wounds.’

‘It was,’ he admitted. ‘But for her sake I should’ve done it a long while ago.’

‘You’ve done it now. And that’s a really good thing.’

He stole a kiss. ‘Thanks to you.’

She stroked his face. ‘Hey. I didn’t do much.’

‘Yes, you did. You gave me the strength to face something I found really tough,’ he said, ‘and I appreciate it. I know I ought to let you go, but come and sit with me for a while?’

‘Okay.’

He led her over to the sofa in the living room, then drew her onto his lap. ‘So how’s it going with Plans & Planes?’

‘Good. Georgia and Lily have both settled in really well, and Georgia’s been excellent at dealing with the events side.’ She smiled at him. ‘This isn’t really the appropriate place to say this, but I’d really like to poach both of them permanently.’

‘I have a half-stake in the business,’ he said, ‘so if moving staff around between the two businesses means an increase in productivity, that’s fine.’

‘I haven’t asked them yet,’ she warned.

‘I’ll talk to Karen and prime her that you’re going to ask—and if they want to move across permanently, it’s fine.’

‘Thanks.’

‘You’re really going to miss Eva, aren’t you?’ he asked.

‘She’s been my best friend for eleven years—a huge part of my life,’ Sophie said. ‘But we can do video calls, and still send each other texts and emails. And I have work to keep me busy.’

‘Two jobs, at the moment,’ he said, looking faintly guilty.

‘Two half-jobs,’ she corrected. ‘And I know we were talking about Plans & Planes, but I’m going to switch hats. It’s December next week.’

Jamie groaned. ‘I have a nasty feeling I know what’s coming next. You want to do the tree.’

‘Yup.’

He sighed. ‘I’d kind of noticed the home-made ornaments appearing on all the windowsills.’

‘It was a bit of a hint. Kids love helping to decorate the tree.’ Then a nasty thought hit her. ‘Or do you have a problem with Christmas?’

‘No more than any other day of the year,’ he said.

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