AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She grinned. “It’s a key to a car. Why don’t you take a look out front in the driveway?”
I walked to the front door and sitting in the driveway was a brand-new Toyota Highlander. “Have you lost your mind because this is insane?”
“Well, I’ve been called a lot of things, but never that.”
“You can’t give me a brand-new car.”
“I most certainly can, and just did. Here are the title, registration, and all the papers you need.” She handed me a folder containing the documents.
My head shook. “I … I can’t possibly accept this gift.”
“You can and you will, or you will vacate this property immediately.”
My mouth formed a gigantic O. She was serious. I was shocked. She couldn’t give me this car. She just couldn’t. I stood there dazed.
“Listen to me, Alexia Wells Hammond. It’s about time you let me do something nice for you. I have money. Lots of it. It’s sitting in the bank or wherever the stuff sits, gathering dust, and making more and more money. I can’t possibly spend it all. I’m going to die soon and leave my children and grandchildren enough money they won’t know what to do with. Take the car and just say, ‘Thank you, Lisbeth, I love it.’ Make me a happy woman.”
I laughed so hard my sides hurt. “Thank you, Lisbeth, I love it. But can I go look at it?”
“Honey, you can drive it all day long if you want. But be back here at five to help with this mess, will you?”
I hugged her hard and shot out the door, laughing. The SUV was a silver beauty. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I’d never owned a new car in my life. Honestly, I never owned a car that didn’t break down all the time and was reliable and safe. Even the car that Peter owned … well, I just wasn’t going to think about that today. Nothing was going to spoil the Christmas of my brand-new set of wheels!
I drove around the Charleston peninsula, over the Ravenel Bridge across the Cooper River, and I crossed the Intracoastal Waterway on the Isle of Palms Connector. Then I made my way down Palm Boulevard, across Breach Inlet and onto Sullivan’s Island. I meandered around until I hit the lighthouse. Turning around, I drove past Poe’s Tavern and Home Team and headed back to Mount Pleasant via the Ben Sawyer Bridge. I soon found myself heading back into downtown Charleston. I turned into my driveway and then it hit me. I was happy and in L-O-V-E! I loved my new car.
“Woohoo! I love my new car,” I yelled as I jumped out.
I ran into my carriage house, super excited and hopping around like an idiot. I was so psyched I didn’t even notice my phone was ringing at first. I dug in my pocket and answered it without looking at the caller ID.
“Merry Christmas!” I shouted into the phone.
“Merry Christmas back to you. Sounds like Santa was good to someone I know.”
My belly immediately dove into a forward two and a half in the pike position and headed straight to my toes. It was Pearce. I’d recognize that sexy voice anywhere. I forced myself into a quick recovery and said, “He sure was. How about you?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On your answer.”
“Oh. Well, ask your question, then.” I was uncharacteristically happy, and there wasn’t anything he could ask that would spoil my mood.
“Can I see you tonight?”
“Yes!” Double holy hell! I just agreed to see him!
“R-really?” he stuttered. Pretty sure I just shocked him with my answer. I was excited with my new car that I was feeling very magnanimous.
“Yep, but I promised to help clean up after Lisbeth’s dinner. They’re supposed to finish at five. What did you have in mind?”
“I’ll come and pick you up at seven. Will that work?”
“Sure, that should be fine. What are we doing?”
“Christmas, silly. My place. Casual attire. Jeans are fine.”
“Um, Pearce?”
