Read Christmas at Tiffany's Online

Authors: Marianne Evans

Tags: #christian Fiction

Christmas at Tiffany's (11 page)

BOOK: Christmas at Tiffany's
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“I appreciate the fact that you're aware of, and support, the work I've done. Your respect means a great deal to me, Scott, but I've discovered I prefer the commitment and long-term connection of a marriage, not the maneuvers of catering to a mistress.”

Scott frowned. “Meaning what, exactly?”

“Meaning I intend to live life on my terms, not those dictated by my job, no matter how much I enjoy it, or how successful it might make me. Meaning I'd prefer to stay where I am.”

“And forsake a huge promotion? Leave California for permanence in New York?”

“Yes.”

Scott was visibly astounded, but the pendulum of Mitch's life swung in a graceful, heart-pounding arc that left him tingling with expectation. For Mitch, no other embellishment could be offered beyond that one simple word.

“Mitch, you need to think this through. Is this a wise move? Is it what's best for you long-term?”

“Absolutely. And, I can assure you I've thought my decision through. There's no risk for you here, Scott. On a professional level, I've already built a track record of success and I've shown that New York fits me. What I never expected to discover, however, is that New York also fits me on a personal level. I'll be a happier East Coast Regional Director than Vice President of West Coast Operations. The successes you've already seen will continue. If you disagree, we can part ways with no hard feelings, because I truly appreciate everything you've done for me.”

“But your decision is made, no matter what.”

Mitch should have felt nervous—he didn't. He felt free. “It is, yes.”

Scott studied him at length then shook his head. “Well then, I suppose you've left me no choice…”

~*~

Data realignment and networking efforts for the franchises of a country-wide fitness conglomerate dominated Tiffany's Monday morning. She tried to tune out office whispers and innuendo about the meeting presently taking place in a conference room at the end of the suite. She had seen Mitch, JR and—
shocker!
—CEO Scott Wayne disappear behind closed double doors, and her heart had performed a nifty little jump straight to her throat. The last thing she needed was conjecture about Mitch's career to kick off her week, but all she could do, like everyone else, was wonder what was going to happen next.

Pushing her glasses up her nose, she focused on dual wide screens and rededicated herself to focusing on work. She made decent progress, too, until Mitch crossed through the office and went to his suite, expression unreadable. Nibbling on her lower lip, Tiffany watched after him, wondering—and agonizing.

Within minutes, the chime and flash of a just-received instant message prompted her to sidetrack everything else. The message came from Mitch.

Hey there. Is your break coming up? Want to grab a cupcake?

Tiffany fast-tapped against her keyboard.
Absolutely. Ready whenever you are.

I'm in the mood for Magnolia.

Tiffany squelched a playful giggle, resumed typing.
You're a man after my own heart.

You have no idea. See you at the elevator.

She battled not to read too much into that last comment. Nabbing her coat, gloves and purse, Tiffany made fast tracks to the lobby.

Mitch kept quiet during the descent; Tiffany followed his lead, opting to refrain from pushing. When they reached ground level, he took hold of her hand, swinging her arm loosely while they strolled toward Tiffany's favorite bake shop and the luxurious store windows of Fifth Avenue.

Just then, like a benediction, snowflakes poured from the sky, supple, graceful and most likely short lived according to the weatherman this morning. All the same, it was a beautiful sight.

“I never thought anyone, or anything could make me miss ice, snowfall and chilly winds,” Mitch began. “I never thought anyone or anything would make me miss light-shortened days and winter nights that go on forever.”

“Spoken like a poet.” But her heart crashed. “Are you trying to say you'll miss New York when you leave?”

“I'm saying I can't believe I'm staying here. Permanently.”

Tiffany goggled. Mitch grinned wolfishly and tugged her into the fragrant warmth of the bakery shop. Tiffany continued to stare at him, stammering her way through an order that landed her a Christmas-cake—which in translation meant a pudding stuffed vanilla cake iced with green frosting that featured expertly crafted seasonal icons—festooned pine trees, presents, stars and sleighs. Mitch followed suit and treats in hand, they dodged bodies and returned outside, embracing a slow, steady pace.

“You're staying. I…I don't understand.”

“I rejected corporate's offer to return to California. I can't go to California when my heart lives in New York, Tiffany.”

Tears sprang to her eyes, glittering cool on her lashes as she tried to come to terms, to believe the unbelievable.

How could she answer this gesture? “Well, it's no wonder.”

“That?”

“That I find myself falling in love with you. You're incredible, Mitch. I don't even know how to say what I feel, or—”

She trembled, brushed fallen moisture from her cheeks. At a loss, Tiffany moved slowly along the dazzling display of holiday windows. In an oval portal at her favorite jewelry house, immense, radiant gem stones set with precision in platinum to form rings, necklaces and bracelets flashed tempting light against black velvet and faux white snow.

When she stopped and sighed with pleasure, Mitch chuckled and moved close to her side. When he pulled a black ring box from his pocket. Tiffany froze, eyes going wide.

“It's not from Tiffany and Company, but it's the start of what I know is going to be a taste of forever for you and I. Merry Christmas, and I hope you like it.”

Mitch took custody of her cupcake wrapper in exchange for the ring box. When she flipped the lid open, Tiffany let out a soft exclamation. Nestled inside a bed of black velvet was a silver ring with a round, flat head and arrows at each quarter pointing to north, south, east and west. It was gorgeous. Perfect.

After disposing of his own wrapper, Mitch removed the glove of her right hand and took hold of her fingertips. Before sliding the piece into position, he tilted the ring to show her an inscription inside the band.

“Journey,” she read in wonder.

Mitch nodded, slipping the ring over the knuckle of her middle finger. The kiss that followed was sweeter than the icing they served at Magnolia.

“I wasn't here last Christmas.” Mitch continued their conversation with smooth ease. “But you've opened my eyes to what's best in this city. To what's best in
you
. It's all about the journey, and I want mine to be with you.”

Mitch held her tight, yet with infinite care. Like a treasure.

“Let me assure you of something. You can be open and free with me, because I'll always be open and free with you. You're vital to me. You have been ever since that snow storm and our dinner at Scarpello's. It's crazy, it's fast, it's thoroughly unexpected, but that changes nothing. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you that, and more to the point, helping you to believe it.”

“I don't care about me. I'm more concerned about you. Turning down California is an enormous risk, isn't it?”

“The bigger risk would be leaving New York when everything I am, and everything I hope to be, sends me to you. I can't leave you…unless that's what you want.”

He took hold of her elbow and her knees threatened to buckle. He led her to a metal bench overlooking the plaza at Rockefeller Center, dusted off the slats with a gloved hand and invited her to sit. She was glad to comply since a weird, heady weakness stole through her limbs.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and Tiffany tucked in without a word, staring ahead, dazed—
complete
. What was she supposed to say…to do…?

Take the hand I give you, My daughter. Move forward in bold measure, with love and joy…

A rush of Spirit, the melody of words, nearly caused her to miss Mitch tenderly calling her name.

“Tiffany, I admire you. Do you have any idea what kind of strength it takes to do what you do day in and day out? You give yourself away in the commitment you bring to therapy for human beings and unwanted animals. You create a connection that brings about healing and a better life. It takes tremendous empathy and strength. It's your God-given calling, and it's beautiful.”

She couldn't wrap her head around the shifting tides that washed through her soul. He was staying in New York? He admired her? He loved and admired all the components of her personality? Even the unusual ones that sometimes caused her to watch life from the sidelines?

“You don't give your emotions away easily,” he continued. “For me, receiving them is a gift. Everything that happened between us was God's hand at work. The push that made me stay, the lightning strike of finding my way to you, are the last things I would have imagined, but they're right. You're who I want, and I love you.”

“I love you, too, Mitch,” she whispered, losing herself in his eyes. “With
all
of my heart.” She launched into a spontaneous hug that drew a startled
whoosh
from Mitch and smiles from a few folks who passed by. Mitch laughed and squeezed her tight. As she wrapped her arms around him, Tiffany noticed the way the city street lights glinted off the ring she wore—her first-ever Christmas present from Mitch—it shone like a promise of all the happiness that was sure to come.

Thank you

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.

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May God's glory shine through

this inspirational work of fiction.

AMDG

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BOOK: Christmas at Tiffany's
13.68Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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