Read Online A Christmas Worth Billions (Countdown to Christmas Book 4) by Jaclyn Weist - Free Book Online Page A

have you show up in one of their dresses. It’s good business for them. Please.”
    “I …” Lily glanced over at Ann, who smiled and nodded. “Sure. When is it?”
    “Saturday. Will that work?” David finished off his drink and stood.
    Lily bit her lip. “I need to find a babysitter, but I think I can make it work.”
    David’s eyes lit up when he grinned. “Great. I’ll pick you up earlier in the day so we can find you something to wear. For now, I’d better take off. Meetings and all that.”
    Lily watched David go in stunned silence. She was about to go to a party with a guy who probably made more money in a week than she’d made in a lifetime. She went back to the kitchen to collect her thoughts, and was soon joined by a shrieking Ann.
    “I can’t believe you’re going to his party. I’ve heard all kinds of stories about this party from my friend who works at the reception center he reserved. It’s supposed to have caterers and acrobats, and they’re giving out gifts to everyone. And you’re going as his date .” Ann squealed again.
    “Yes, and I have no clue what to do with my kids.” Lily felt lightheaded and leaned against the counter. What had she just done?
    Ann waved off her concern. “You know they can hang out at my house. You’re doing this. It’s time to get out of your shell and go.”
    Lily knew she was right, but the thought of it made her want to curl up in a ball. She hadn’t been on a date for years. Well, not counting the times she’d been with David over the last few days. “Fine. I’ll do it. But I’m not going to enjoy it.”
    “Yeah, right.” Ann laughed and took the coffee pot out to a couple who had just come into the diner.
    Lily was grateful for the few people who trickled in during lunch. She treated them to a piece of the cake she’d baked when no one had come in during the morning hours. It probably wasn’t wise when she was already hurting financially, but it was Christmas, and she needed something to do.
    The bell over the door rang, and she heard Mary and Patrick’s voices. They ran around the corner and wrapped her in a hug. The cold that had clung to their coats soaked into her.
    “Hey, how was the activity?” The church had put on a Christmas party for the children in the congregation after school that day. Ann had gone to run errands and offered to pick them up on the way back.
    “It was fun. Reverend Smith had a few of us act out the nativity. I got to be Mary.” Mary’s eyes were bright as she looked up at her mom.
    Lily hugged her tightly. “That’s wonderful. What about you, Patrick?”
    “I was a shepherd. I got to hold one of the hooks.” Patrick opened the fridge and pulled out some milk. “Reverend Smith asked how you were doing today.”
    “What did you tell him?” She was supposed to meet with him the night before, but had forgotten in the excitement of getting the tree.
    Patrick carefully poured a cup of milk and took a drink before turning back to her. “I told him that you were good because David’s taking care of us.”
    Lily’s eyes widened. “You told him that?”
    He shrugged. “Well, he is.”
    “Yes, but you don’t have to tell the world that. People will think we’re dating or something.” Lily turned to the sink and washed Patrick’s cup.
    “You’re not?” Mary asked. “Hannah told me that her sister has gone out with a boy four times, and now they’re boyfriend and girlfriend. That’s what you’ve done with David.”
    “Um, right. Well, you two have been with us, so we’ll just call them outings.”
    Mary rolled her eyes. “They’re still dates. Oh! Hannah’s mom wants us to go over for ice cream on Saturday night.”
    Lily grimaced as she pulled out the ingredients for another cake. With no customers at the moment, she’d have time to bake for that night’s crowd. “I’ll be gone, and you’ll be with Ann. Maybe she can take you over for a bit.”
    “Where are you going?” Mary asked,