This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet Page A

didn’t. You know your mother quit her dreams for me. She wanted to be a doctor, too. This was way before you were born.”
    Janelle frowned. “I never knew that. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    Ben nodded. “I guess maybe I always felt guilty for standing in the way of her dream. She never said it, but I always felt she regretted giving it up to be my wife.”
    â€œDad, no. Mom would never even think something like that. She loved us fiercely. I’m sure she never regretted her life.”
    Ben nodded solemnly. “No, you’re right. She didn’t. But when she died I promised myself I’d never stand in the way of your dreams. I’m very proud of you, Dr. Truman.” He hugged her, then grabbed his keys and started toward the front door. She followed. As he walked, he unfastened one key from the loop. “Here’s the key to the other car. It’s got a full tank. Go out. Enjoy your day.”
    â€œThanks, Dad,” she said, taking the key and kissing his cheek.
    â€œHey, how about I take my favorite girl out to dinner tonight?” Ben said as he opened the front door.
    She nodded. “Yeah, that sounds perfect.” He turned to walk away. She called out to him. “Dad, wait. What aren’t you telling me? You’re hiding something. I can tell.”
    He sighed, turned back to her and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “There’s nothing. I’ve told you absolutely everything about the business. Now, give my best to Nya and Meg. I have to go.”
    She nodded slowly, knowing in her heart there was more to his story and his hasty retreat. She was to meet Nya at twelve, which gave her just enough time to catch up with Tyson to find out what was really going on.
    She went back inside and quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Tyson’s number from her call log. He answered on the second ring, and his deep voice instantly sent a warm tremor through her body. “Tyson.”
    â€œGood morning, Janelle. How are you feeling today?”
    â€œI’m not sure yet.”
    â€œJet lag?” he asked.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong?”
    â€œCan we talk?”
    â€œOf course. Where are you now?” he asked.
    â€œI’m at my dad’s. I know you must have a busy work schedule, but do you think we can meet sometime today? This morning if possible?” she asked.
    â€œHow about right now?” he offered.
    â€œYes, perfect. I’m on my way out the door this minute. I can meet you wherever you’d like.”
    She opened the front door and stopped and gasped.

Chapter 6
    T yson stood in the doorway with a smile that instantly sent her senses into emotional overdrive. As usual,
gorgeous
didn’t do him justice. He wore a charcoal-colored business suit with a white shirt and a dark tie. “Tyson,” she muttered breathlessly.
    â€œGood morning again, Janelle,” he said, ending the call and smiling warmly. “I’m guessing this is soon enough.”
    She stared at him with her cell phone still up to her ear. It was as if thinking about him all morning had, by magic, conjured him up. She didn’t know how, but ever since the very beginning of their relationship, he always had a way of knowing exactly when she needed him. “How did you...? What are you doing here?” she asked.
    â€œYou called me. I came. I thought that was obvious.”
    â€œI’m sorry. You just took me by surprise again. I didn’t expect to see you immediately.”
    â€œActually, I wanted to catch up with Ben before he left for work this morning.”
    â€œYou just missed him, but I’m glad you’re here.”
    â€œMay I come in?” he asked, still standing on the top step.
    â€œYes, please, come in.” He stepped inside, paused and then turned to her. They stood there a moment until she spoke again. “Um, can I get you something to eat or drink?”
    â€œNo, thank you.