“The first one was.”
“So the money she owes to the bank is…”
“Because she made sure her employees were able to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.”
“I didn’t know,” I exhale.
“Now you do. We’ve all tried to pitch in where we can. Of course, she’s refused all donations, insisting if people want to help, they can come to Holley Ridge or spread the word. If anyone deserves a miracle right now, it’s her.”
I slowly nod, overwhelmed by the magnitude of Parker’s heart. I shouldn’t be surprised. Based on what I’ve learned about her in the short time I’ve known her, she tends to put everyone first. Will bend over backward to help anyone who needs it.
But knowing how much she sacrificed for her employees makes me want to do something to help her.
Haley’s right.
If anyone deserves a miracle, it’s Parker.
And maybe there’s something I can do to help with that miracle.
Even if it means she’ll no longer need to sell to me.
CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE
PARKER
“Parker,” Callum calls out as I walk through Holley Ridge Monday afternoon. Butterflies float in my stomach from the mere sound of his voice.
The past few days have felt like something out of a Hallmark movie. Or even a book.
Not one of Grandma Estelle’s monster romance books, though.
A heartwarming romance that’s made me swoon more times than I can count.
Given me more orgasms than I can count, too.
Callum and I have spent every moment possible together. Snuggling close as we watched the Christmas parade. Holding hands as we walked down Main Street. Stealing a kiss in the corner of the hardware store as he told me stories from his house-flipping days.
The more I learn about him, the more I’m beginning to dread Thursday.
But we agreed.
This ends when his reservation does.
Although a part of me would love to extend his stay here indefinitely, regardless of how unlikely that is.
“Mr. Reed,” I greet him, resisting the urge to throw my arms around him and lose myself in his kiss. I’ve been craving another one since I slipped out of his bed before the sun rose this morning.
“This is Eloise Moore.” Callum gestures to the petite blonde at his side who appears to be about my age. “She has a wildly popular YouTube channel where she explores hidden gems all around the world in the hopes of encouraging people to step off the beaten path, so to speak. Eloise, this is Parker Holley.”
I give Callum a curious stare before I extend my hand toward her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You, too,” she responds as we shake. “Callum told me all about this place and was quite adamant I needed to see it, especially this time of year.”
She tears her gaze from me to take in the festive atmosphere. Colorful holiday ornaments and other crafts cover the tables lining the market, the smell of freshly made doughnuts wafting through the air.
“He was right.” She returns her attention to me. “It’s amazing. How long has this been going on?”
I steal another confused glance at Callum, but his wide smile gives nothing away.
