This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet

say this—his waiting list is endless.”
    â€œI find this hard to believe.”
    â€œBelieve it,” Ben said seriously. “I think his change had a lot to do with you.”
    Janelle considered his words for a moment. She didn’t know what to think or to believe anymore. But right now Tyson wasn’t her main concern. “Okay, fine, so he’s turned from Sheriff of Nottingham to Robin Hood. What’s happening with your business now? What exactly is he doing to help you?”
    â€œI had creditors and banks breathing down my neck. The IRS was ready to file charges. Tyson stepped in and, to tell you the truth, I don’t know what I would have done if he hadn’t. I think we’re close to finding the light at the end of the tunnel. There are no easy solutions. He’s given me some viable options, including taking on a business partner.”
    â€œA business partner,” she repeated distastefully.
    Ben nodded. “Yes, Tyson and I have narrowed down a few interesting prospects. One in particular is very impressive.”
    â€œWhat about me? I could be your business partner.”
    â€œNo, this isn’t your life now, Janelle. You’re a doctor.”
    â€œDad, be careful. You always said business partners were trouble. You never wanted someone to take what you built.”
    â€œDon’t worry. For the first time in a long time things are looking up. And speaking of time,” he said, looking at his watch, “I need to get to the office. I have meetings all day, starting in about thirty minutes.” He hung up his apron and left the kitchen, heading down the hall to his home office.
    â€œWith Tyson?” Janelle surmised, following him.
    â€œNo, it’s with a bank. Tyson set it up. So, tell me, what are your plans?” he asked.
    â€œI’m having lunch with Nya at twelve and a quick coffee with my friend Meg at the hospital at three.”
    â€œMeg Richardson?” he asked. She nodded and he smiled. “I always liked her. She was good for you. So, you’re really gonna stay?”
    Janelle nodded again. “Yep, so far that’s the plan. I still have to look for a job and officially give my notice to Medics International, but looks like you’re stuck with me for a while.”
    Ben reached over and squeezed her hand lovingly. “It’s my pleasure. It’s good to have you home again. When I returned your call last night and you didn’t answer, I was worried sick.”
    â€œI didn’t get a call from you last night,” she said.
    â€œI used Tyson’s cell phone.”
    â€œI did get a phone call, but I didn’t recognize the number, so I didn’t answer.” She paused, watching her father gather his things to leave. “Dad, how did you know where to find Tyson after all this time?”
    â€œWe’ve kept in touch over the years,” Ben said, putting a few files into his briefcase.
    â€œYou kept in touch how? Why?” Janelle asked, surprised.
    â€œI know, I know,” he began, nodding his head as he closed and locked his case. “Tyson and I weren’t exactly the best of buddies when the two of you were together, but I guess things changed.”
    â€œThat’s too much change. Talk about a Christmas miracle. If I remember correctly, you despised him when we were together.”
    â€œ
Despised
is a strong word,” Ben corrected as he slipped his suit jacket on and turned to her. “I felt Tyson was distracting you from your goal. I didn’t want that to happen. You always wanted to be a doctor. It was your dream. I didn’t want you to one day look back and have regrets. When you told me you were considering quitting your residency, I knew you were confused.”
    â€œDad, I don’t have any regrets and, for the record, back then I considered quitting my residency every other day. Medical school was hard.”
    â€œI’m glad you