The Billionaire's Christmas Proposal (Christmas Billionaires) by Laura Haley-McNeil

Author:Laura Haley-McNeil [Haley-McNeil, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Huerfano Press, LLC
Published: 2023-10-16T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Rudge’s heart shuddered. He set his phone on his desk, then walked through his apartment to his kitchen where he lifted a bottle of mineral water from his refrigerator.

He was losing Maria. He wasn’t ready to let her go. He’d never be ready, but how did he keep her in his life? Her concern was for her family and her neighbors. His concern was to make sure his company completed the project and attracted more business because of its success.

What did that mean for him and Maria?

He laughed dryly at the question. He knew the answer. It would mean the end. He couldn’t turn his back on his family’s company any more than she could abandon those she loved in her community. She would stand by them.

He would stand with his father and their company. That would be his choice. He saw no other way.

His phone rang. He winced at the rapid pounding of his heart. He knew the call wouldn’t be from Maria, so why was his heart betraying him?

Glancing at the phone, he saw his mother’s name appear. He pressed the speaker icon, then stepped to the closet and pulled out his coat.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Rudge, dear, I want you to know I just went through the most horrendous ordeal,” Betty said.

“What happened?” Rudge stilled.

Never had he heard his mother sound so defeated. If he needed to help her, he’d call Maria and tell her he couldn’t come to the meeting after all. He’d insist on rescheduling, but how long would it be before he saw her again? He dragged air into his lungs. Even a day without seeing Maria was torture.

“Karen is so mean.” His mother sounded on the verge of tears.

“Karen? Dad’s wife?”

“Oh, did they finally get married?”

“Mother, you know they did.” Rudge tried to control his patience. “Now tell me what’s going on?”

“She won’t change the date of her party,” his mother practically shouted. “She said she didn’t have to because she planned her party first.”

“I believe she did plan her party first,” Rudge said. He didn’t want to hurt his mother, but she had to accept the truth. “I knew about her party before I knew about yours.”

He wouldn’t add that he believed his mother planned a party to conflict with Karen’s plans. His mother usually spent Christmas on her yacht, because she preferred the tropical climate as opposed to New York’s chilly temperatures. He was puzzled that she was still in New York, especially during this record snowstorm.

“Rudge,” Betty gasped.

“Mother.” He took a calming breath. “If you change the date of your party, I’ll attend. If that isn’t possible, I’ll wish you much success in your venture, which isn’t necessary because your parties are always the talk of the town.”

“Which is why you should attend,” she blurted out.

“That will depend on the dates for your and Karen’s parties—”

“Rudge—”

“Mother, I have a meeting,” he said. “I’ll call you tomorrow, and you can let me know what you and Karen decide.”

“But Rudge—”

“We’ll talk tomorrow,” he said. “Goodbye, Mother.

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