A Billionaire for Christmas

“Come here, princess.”

“What, mommy?” Rainey walked up to her and crawled onto the couch seat beside her.

Riley wrapped an arm around her daughter’s little shoulder. “So remember I told you we have a lot of people coming over today?”

“Yes. All my aunts and uncles and cousins.”

Riley smiled, brushing Rainey’s brown curls, so similar to her own, out of her face. “That’s right. I just want you to know you can come find me for a break any time you want.”

“Are they bringing presents?” Rainey asked.

Riley sighed, doing her best not to laugh. “I don’t know and it’s rude to ask, right?”

Rainey bobbed her head. “Yep. But it’s Christmas so they’re probably bringing me toys!”

Riley rolled her eyes. With the big Christmas tree already loaded with wrapped presents on display in the living room, was it any wonder her daughter expected more gifts? Which was just one reason they were going together to drop off toys at the women’s shelter tomorrow. So her daughter didn’t grow up unaware of what it meant to give to others.

And when her son was old enough, he’d join them on those trips. Right now, he still napped, thank goodness, which was where he was right now. Sleeping in his crib.

“How are my girls?” Ian asked, joining them in the den.

“Daddy!” Rainey ran for him and he scooped her into his arms. “Ready for a big day?” he asked.

Before she could answer, the doorbell rang, indicating the gang had started to arrive.

He carried her to the door and opened it. Riley came up behind him. His step-brother, Alex and his wife Madison were first to arrive. Madison had a casserole dish in her hands and Alex had a huge box with a big red bow. Looks like her daughter was, in fact, going to be loaded up with presents.

“Alex!” she said to the man who’d been her best friend even before she’d met Ian. “Madison! It’s so good to see you. Right?” Riley nudged Ian with her elbow as he put Rainey down.

“Good to see you, man.” Ian shook Alex’s hand. Their truce had come at a hard-won cost thanks to their father’s behavior, but they’d managed it and now got along. Even if they occasionally pretended it was still a hardship.

“Come on in,” Ian said.

Alex paused though, and knelt down to get eye to eye with Rainey. “Someone’s gotten to be a big girl!”

“You just saw her last week,” Riley reminded him.

He laughed and handed her the present. “Think you can add this to your pile under the tree?” he asked.

“For me!?” she screamed, causing Alex to wince.

“Better get used to the decibels,” Madison said with a grin.

Riley glanced at her. “Why? Are you…?”

“She’s pregnant!” Alex said with a proud grin.

“Great way to ring in the holidays. Congratulations,” Ian said.

Riley was already too busy hugging Madison and congratulating her. She was thrilled her sister in law and friend was pregnant because now she didn’t have to do her own nine months alone.

Yes, she had news for Ian. He’d gotten her pregnant that weekend on the island.

“Oops more company,” Alex said, glancing over his shoulder. “Let’s get inside.”

Alex’s siblings came next, Jason and Sienna, the only two single ones left in the family. They also loaded up Rainey with presents. Rainey was in heaven.

Riley was about to shut the door when another two car loads of family arrived. The New York contingent showed up straight from their hotel. Gabe, Izzy and their son Noah, who was a little younger than Rainey, walked in.

Rainey greeted them, grabbed her cousin’s hand and off they went, according to Rainey, to find cookies.

“Gotta love these kids,” Izzy said. “Good to see you but I need to make sure Noah doesn’t eat the whole plate full!” She blew a kiss and followed after the kids.

“Good thing our new nanny runs the kitchen as well as the kids,” Ian said, laughing.

As usual, when Ian made a decision, he implemented it with speed and thoroughness. He had Loretta vetted and hired within a week of returning from their vacation. Riley had to admit she adored the older woman.

Gabe grinned. “It’s the best, isn’t it?” He stared after his wife and child, a loving look on his face.

Ian slapped his oldest cousin on the back. “Nothing better,” he agreed. “Let’s go have a drink. The others can find us when they make their way inside.”

Riley waited by the door, greeting Amanda and Decklan and their daughter, Hannah, along with Max and Lucy. Finally, Ian’s last siblings trickled in, Dylan and Olivia and their toddler daughter Annie, and Scott and Meg, and their son Cole. Last but not least, Avery and her rock star husband, Grey arrived. Riley’s stepmom was traveling with her husband and couldn’t make it, and Ian’s mom was home with the flu, her husband Michael taking care of her.