Read Online This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet - Free Book Online

there was more bad news about her father’s business, which might be in worse shape than she’d originally thought.
    He took her hand and led her to the sofa. They sat side by side. “Janelle, I came back about eight weeks ago to help your father.”
    â€œYes, I know that already.”
    â€œWhat you don’t know is this isn’t the first time I’ve been back to Baltimore to help him. I was here shortly after you left for Tanzania six months ago. I stayed in your home for about two months.”
    â€œI don’t understand,” she said. “Why?”
    â€œBen had a problem and he asked me to come.”
    She shook her head. “Another business issue?” she asked.
    â€œNo, he had some medical trouble.”
    Her heart jumped instantly. “What? Wait, I don’t understand. He had medical problems and he called you and not me? Why?”
    â€œHe didn’t tell you because he didn’t want to worry you. He knew that if he told you, you’d come back to the States and stay here for him, and he didn’t want that.”
    Her mind was a-jumble with a million questions. “No, this makes no sense. What kind of medical problems?” she asked, trying to think rationally. But all her years of self-composed medical training had gone out the window.
    â€œBen suffered a minor heart attack and a TAI.”
    â€œYou mean a TIA? A transient ischemic attack—a ministroke?”
    He nodded.
    Janelle gasped. Suddenly she couldn’t breathe. The air in the room seemed to evaporate. She jumped up and ran to the front door. In an instant Tyson was right behind her. He stopped her before she could get to it.
    â€œJanelle, stop,” he said, standing between her and the door.
    â€œGet out of my way, Tyson. I need to go see my father.” She stepped to the side, but he blocked her way again.
    â€œJanelle, stop and listen to me.”
    â€œMove,” she demanded angrily, then pushed past him.
    â€œJanelle,” he said, grabbing her arms and turning her around to face him. Tears began streaming down her face. “Listen to me.”
    â€œNo, I don’t want to listen.” She didn’t need a medical degree to know that her heartbeat was elevated, her breathing erratic and her pulse out of control. She tried to push away from him, but he held tight to her arms. “Tyson, you need to let go of me now.”
    â€œCalm down,” he said.
    She glared at him. “Are you kidding me? You want me to calm down after hearing that my father almost died and I didn’t know anything about it?”
    â€œYes, that’s exactly what I want. You can’t just run off to him like this. Please, let me finish. Ben is fine. With medical treatment and preventive care, his cardiologist is very encouraged by his progress. He had a procedure and he’s changed his lifestyle. He’s doing fine. You wanted the truth? This is it. He’s fine. I would never lie to you. You know that.”
    She did know it. She swallowed hard and looked at her hands on his chest. His heartbeat was just as elevated as hers. She tried to push by him again, but this time he quickly wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.
    At first she struggled. Then knowing it was futile, she held her breath and tensed. Everything inside her wanted to explode as the memory of her mother dying on Christmas Day and the image of her father collided in her mind.
    Then she exhaled and crumpled against him, giving way to the feelings long buried in her heart. As always, he was here for her. She closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet, spicy scent of his cologne. Yes, this was what she remembered so well. Tyson—strong, commanding, powerful, yet tender, gentle and forever loving.
    Being here in his arms, hearing his soothing voice, feeling him this close... The memories washed through and flooded her heart, bringing back feelings she had tried for so long to deny. This