house saved him from having to answer more questions. Screeches and squeals pierced the air.
âWhat the . . .â
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.
âGuys, guys.â Garrett tried to peel them off.
Oliviaâs laughter warmed him. âTheyâre fine. Are you kidding me? Barney loves the attention.â Her eyes met Garrettâs over the commotion. âSorry to crash your party.â Her shy smile touched his very soul.
âThatâs okay. It seems to be becoming a habit.â 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.
âCome on in.â He stepped back, but she shook her head.
âI canât stay, really. I just came to tell you something, if you have a minute.â
âSure. Come in, though. If my mother finds you standing outside in the cold, sheâll have my head.â
She glanced down at Barney and looked around as if searching for a place to leave him.
He saved her the trouble. âBring him in, guys.â He stepped back quickly to avoid the stampede as Barney and the kids shot through the door and ran into Jimmy. He hadnât even realized his brother was still standing there. âCould you take the leash off, please, Jimmy?â
âSure. No problem.â Jimmyâs laughter receded with him down the hallway.
Garrett led Olivia into the kitchen. âSorry, Iâm on stove duty.â
âNo problem. It smells delicious.â
âThank you. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat or drink?â He pulled out a stool from the breakfast bar and gestured for her to sit.
âNo, thank you. I canât stay. I just wanted to let you know Iâve made a decision.â
He studied her eyes again, knowing he was headed for trouble. âOh, and whatâs that?â
âThe Harrises are having a New Yearâs Eve party.â She waggled her eyebrows at him.
âWhat are you talking about?â
The words poured out in a frantic rush. âCresthollow credited the money back onto the Harrisesâ credit card. Iâve already booked a venue and found a caterer, and once everythingâs ready, Iâm going to tell Ms. Harris and hopefully sheâll be really happy. But even if sheâs not, I really, really wanted to finish this. I just need to take care of music, decorations, invitations . . .â Her voice trailed off as the enormity of the undertaking suddenly hit her.
Garrett simply stood there, staring at her. He thought sheâd walked away without giving the party a second thought. Could it be she was more responsible than heâd given her credit for? Then a thought hit him, and his blood chilled. Gracie. Heâd promised her heâd take her to Times Square for New Yearâs Eve after the party was canceled. âOlivia, I appreciate what youâre trying to do, butââ
Olivia cut Garrett off with a knowing look. âOh, and I forgot to tell you the best parts. The party is in Times Square, and families are invited.â A radiant smile spread across her face. She shrugged. âI figured, what the heck, Iâm 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 itâll be one hell of a party.â
Garrett couldnât help but laugh. âYouâre crazy, you know that?â
âYup.â
He shook his head. âHow in the world