The New Year's Wish by Dani-Lyn Alexander Page B

house saved him from having to answer more questions. Screeches and squeals pierced the air.
    â€œWhat the . . .”
    Garrett and Jimmy ran toward the living room and rounded the corner into chaos. The front door was open and Olivia stood on the doorstep with Barney at her side. Barney wagged his tail furiously as all the children attacked him.
    â€œGuys, guys.” Garrett tried to peel them off.
    Olivia’s laughter warmed him. “They’re fine. Are you kidding me? Barney loves the attention.” Her eyes met Garrett’s over the commotion. “Sorry to crash your party.” Her shy smile touched his very soul.
    â€œThat’s okay. It seems to be becoming a habit.” He smiled to let her know he was kidding around. He stood there, unable to pull his gaze from her. She was beautiful. Her mass of hair, backlit by the Christmas lights, formed a halo around her head. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her eyes shone an even deeper blue than usual. He halted his scrutiny at her eyes. Mischief lit them. Uh-oh.
    â€œCome on in.” He stepped back, but she shook her head.
    â€œI can’t stay, really. I just came to tell you something, if you have a minute.”
    â€œSure. Come in, though. If my mother finds you standing outside in the cold, she’ll have my head.”
    She glanced down at Barney and looked around as if searching for a place to leave him.
    He saved her the trouble. “Bring him in, guys.” He stepped back quickly to avoid the stampede as Barney and the kids shot through the door and ran into Jimmy. He hadn’t even realized his brother was still standing there. “Could you take the leash off, please, Jimmy?”
    â€œSure. No problem.” Jimmy’s laughter receded with him down the hallway.
    Garrett led Olivia into the kitchen. “Sorry, I’m on stove duty.”
    â€œNo problem. It smells delicious.”
    â€œThank you. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat or drink?” He pulled out a stool from the breakfast bar and gestured for her to sit.
    â€œNo, thank you. I can’t stay. I just wanted to let you know I’ve made a decision.”
    He studied her eyes again, knowing he was headed for trouble. “Oh, and what’s that?”
    â€œThe Harrises are having a New Year’s Eve party.” She waggled her eyebrows at him.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?”
    The words poured out in a frantic rush. “Cresthollow credited the money back onto the Harrises’ credit card. I’ve already booked a venue and found a caterer, and once everything’s ready, I’m going to tell Ms. Harris and hopefully she’ll be really happy. But even if she’s not, I really, really wanted to finish this. I just need to take care of music, decorations, invitations . . .” Her voice trailed off as the enormity of the undertaking suddenly hit her.
    Garrett simply stood there, staring at her. He thought she’d walked away without giving the party a second thought. Could it be she was more responsible than he’d given her credit for? Then a thought hit him, and his blood chilled. Gracie. He’d promised her he’d take her to Times Square for New Year’s Eve after the party was canceled. “Olivia, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but—”
    Olivia cut Garrett off with a knowing look. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you the best parts. The party is in Times Square, and families are invited.” A radiant smile spread across her face. She shrugged. “I figured, what the heck, I’m already fired and may end up in jail for using the credit card Ms. Harris authorized for me. And I may have to spend the rest of my life paying it off . . . but it’ll be one hell of a party.”
    Garrett couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
    â€œYup.”
    He shook his head. “How in the world