The Mistletoe Promise (The Wishing Tree)

10. Frankie

TEN

FRANKIE

“So,” Amanda says with a bright smile. “What do you think?”

We’re on the countdown for Christmas, with just days to go and The Wishing Tree is a huge success. The tree is a hundred foot and is practically filled with baubles that contain wishes. Today, the children of Hope for the Holiday are here and having a great time.

Amanda went all out, she’s really great at this and there’s so many activities for the kids. They're decorating gingerbread houses, making reindeer food, and writing letters to Santa. The air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine, and cheerful holiday music plays softly in the background.

I look around at the sea of smiling faces and feel a warmth spread through my chest. "It's amazing, Amanda. You've done an amazing job."

She beams at the praise, her cheeks flushed with excitement and the cold. "I'm so glad you think so. It was amazing to do this and for such an amazing cause. So did you make a wish?"

I nod. I did. I wrote my wish on one of the baubles this morning. My wish was simple. I want Amanda to be free from her past and to be able to heal.

"I wonder what you wished for," Amanda whispers.

I shrug, smiling, there’s no way I’m going to tell her. "Who knows? But whatever it is, I hope it comes true. What about you? Have you made a wish?”

She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. “I did, I think everyone has, which is amazing. I’m so happy that the entire town came out to support the cause.”

“Kitten,” I say, pulling her close. “You went all out, you’ve made this park a Christmas wonderland for everyone, of course they were going to come out.”

Amanda leans into me, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Thank you," she murmurs, glancing up at me. "I just wanted to give these kids a magical Christmas, you know? After everything they've been through..."

I nod, understanding all too well. The children have been through so much at such a young age. They deserve happiness and Amanda’s done everything she can to ensure that they have a fantastic Christmas.

"Look," she tells me, pointing towards a group of children gathered around Santa's chair. "I think it's time for the big guy to make his appearance." Amanda's eyes are wide with excitement. "Oh! I almost forgot!" She gives my hand a quick squeeze before darting off towards the small stage we've set up.

I watch as she speaks with one of the many volunteers she managed to get to help. I watch as she takes out her cell and begins to record on her cell.

I realize why when the jingling of bells fills the air, and a booming "Ho, ho, ho!" echoes across the park. The kids erupt in cheers as Santa, in his red suit, makes his way through the crowd, ringing his bell and ho, ho, ho’ing his way toward the throne that’s waiting for him.

I can't help but smile, recognising the twinkle in Santa's eye. It's Jaxon. She got her brother to be Santa. She’s able to wrap anyone around her finger. Damn, she’s fucking perfect.

“Frankie,” I hear a deep voice say from behind me. I turn to see Derek, Amanda’s father. “It’s good to see you, man. My daughter hasn’t stopped singing your praises.”

I grin. “That’s good. I think I have you to thank for helping her bypass a lot of the red tape she needed to get through while setting this up.”

He merely shrugs. “She’s my daughter and this was the only thing I’d seen her so passionate about in a long time. She did a great job, and she needed this. Thank you.”

I nod, understanding exactly what he means. Amanda's journey hasn't been easy, and seeing her throw herself into this project with such enthusiasm, has shown that she’s being brought down by her past.

"Have you heard from her mom," I ask, knowing that she’s blocked her. Not that I can blame her, the woman is a fucking bitch.

Derek’s gaze darkens. “Angie tries to contact me, but she’s not successful. The only reason we ever stayed in contact was down to our kids. She has burned every bridge with them and in turn me. I’m happy, have been since the day I divorced her conniving ass, I’ve found the woman I love and my life is blissful. I won’t allow Angie to try and come between Cherry and I again.”

I know his ex-wife made out that she and Derek were getting back together to Cherry, but Angie was conniving, and Cherry and Derek broke up for a while, but on the day of Amanda’s wedding the truth came out. Derek didn’t hesitate in ensuring to win Cherry back, and they’ve been together ever since and are now married and happy.

“I can’t believe she’s pregnant,” I grind out, still beyond fucking pissed that she slept with her daughter’s fiancé and is pregnant by him. “Has Aaron resurfaced?”

Derek shakes his head, his jaw clenching. "No, that coward hasn't shown his face since the news broke. Last I heard, he'd left town. Good riddance, if you ask me. It’s probably why Angie’s been trying to contact me. The boys have her blocked now, she’s too much."

My fist clench as a surge of anger hits me at the mention of Aaron's name. The bastard who broke Amanda's heart and betrayed her in the worst way possible.

"How's Amanda handling it?" Derek asks, his eyes filled with concern as he glances over at his daughter, who's now helping a little girl write her letter to Santa.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "She's coping the best way she can. This project has been good for her, given her something to focus on."

Derek nods, a sad smile on his face. "She's always been strong, my girl. But this is a lot for anyone to handle."

We stand in silence for a moment, watching Amanda as she moves from child to child, her smile never faltering. She's in her element here, spreading joy and making Christmas wishes come true.

“I don’t know what’s going on between you and my daughter, Frankie, and I’m not going to ask. I just want to say that you’re a good man and I know you’ll do right by her?—”

“She’s scared, not that I can blame her. Her mom and Aaron did a number on her.”

His jaw clenches. “Fuck,” he says through gritted teeth. “I don’t know how the hell I can help her.”

I nod, understanding Derek's frustration. "You're already helping her by being here, supporting her. That means more than you know."

Derek's eyes soften as he looks at his daughter again. "I just wish I could take away her pain."

"We all do," I say quietly. "But Amanda's strong. She'll get through this."

Just then, Amanda catches our eye and waves us over. As we approach, I can see the excitement dancing in her eyes.

"Dad! Frankie! You've got to see this," she says, practically bouncing on her toes. She leads us to a small table where a little boy, no more than six or seven, is carefully writing on a piece of paper.

"This is Tommy," Amanda introduces us. "And he's just made the most wonderful wish."

Tommy looks up at us shyly, his small hands clutching the paper. "Can I read it to them, Miss Amanda?" he asks softly.

Amanda nods encouragingly. "Of course, sweetie. Go ahead."

Tommy clears his throat and begins to read in a small, clear voice. "Dear Santa, I don't want any toys this year. Instead, can you please make sure all the other kids at the shelter I’m in get presents? And maybe bring my mom a job so we can have our own place again. Thank you. Love, Tommy."

I feel a lump form in my throat as I look at the little boy's earnest face. Beside me, Derek clears his throat. Both of us watching the little boy with Amanda.

Amanda kneels down next to Tommy, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "That's such a beautiful wish, Tommy. You have a very kind heart."

The little boy beams at her praise, his chest puffing out slightly. "My mom always says it's important to think of others."

I exchange a glance with Derek, seeing my own emotions reflected in his eyes. I know for certain that Tommy will have a lot of presents this Christmas, along with all the kids at the shelter.

"Hey, buddy," I say, crouching down to Tommy's level. "How about we make sure Santa gets this wish right away? Would you like to hang it on the Wishing Tree yourself?"

Tommy's eyes widen with excitement. "Really? Can I?"

Amanda helps him slip the paper into a clear bauble, and we all walk over to the massive tree together. I lift Tommy up so he can reach a branch, and he carefully hangs his wish.

As I set him down, Derek pulls Amanda aside, speaking to her in a low voice. I see her nod, her eyes filling with tears again as she hugs her father tightly. Derek moves away and within minutes he’s back with Lincoln Miles, Derek’s best friend, also the husband of one of Amanda’s friends.

"You must be Tommy," Lincoln says as he crouches down in front of the boy. "I heard that your mom's looking for a job? Well, I'm looking for a receptionist, do you think your mom would like that?"

Tommy nods enthusiastically. "Mommy," he yells as he rushes toward a petite brunette, who's been watching us with a small smile. "The man has a job for you."

I chuckle as Lincoln moves toward the woman, Derek right behind him. I use this time to pull Amanda into my arms. "You're amazing, Kitten, you know that?"

She slides her arm around my back and looks up at me. "Not as amazing as you are. I really appreciate you allowing me to do this."

"Why haven't you set up your own business?" I ask, it's a question that's been on my mind for a while.

She shrugs. "I never really thought about it."

I can tell that she's lying. I raise an eyebrow at her, not buying it for a second. "Come on, Kitten. I know you better than that. What's really holding you back?"

Amanda bites her lip, her eyes darting away from mine. She's quiet for a moment before she speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mom always told me I wasn’t good enough. Now? I guess I'm afraid of failing. After everything that happened with Aaron and my mom, I just... I don't know if I can handle another disappointment."

My heart aches at her words. I pull her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Hey, look at me," I say gently. She meets my gaze, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "You are one of the most capable, creative, and determined people I know. This event? It's proof of that. You've made something amazing happen here, Amanda. And you could do it again, and again."

She smiles softly, but I can still see the doubt lingering in her eyes. "But what if?—"

"No 'what ifs,'" I interrupt. "You can do this. And you won't be alone. You've got your dad, your brothers, your friends... and you've got me. We'll all be here to support you every step of the way."

Amanda's eyes widen slightly at my words, a flicker of hope igniting in them. "You really think I could do it?"

"I know you can," I say firmly. "And I'll tell you what," I continue, an idea forming in my mind. "I'll help you get started. My company has connections with event planners all over the city. I can introduce you to some key people, maybe even set up a few meetings. We could even partner on some projects if you'd like."

Amanda's eyes light up, a mix of excitement and apprehension dancing across her face. "You'd do that for me?"

I cup her cheek gently, my thumb brushing across her soft skin. "Of course I would, Kitten. I believe in you, and I want to see you succeed."

She leans into my touch, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

Just then, we hear Tommy's excited squeal from across the room. We turn to see him jumping up and down next to his mother, who's shaking Lincoln's hand with a look of disbelief and joy on her face.

"Looks like your Christmas miracle is already working its magic," I murmur, smiling down at Amanda.

She beams back at me, her earlier doubts seemingly forgotten in the face of the happiness unfolding before us. "It's not just my miracle," she says softly. "It's ours."

This woman in my arms, has the biggest heart I’ve ever known. I want her, I want her more than I’ve ever wanted, and I’m willing to wait until she’s ready to give me everything.