A Billionaire's Christmas - Jill Downey Page 0,1
club chairs that could easily accommodate large groups. Luxurious by any standards, yet the exposed beams and wooden floors provided a rustic feel keeping true to the nature of Montana and the outdoors.
When Penelope had purchased the property, it had been a family-owned dude ranch and B&B, so there were employees’ quarters at the back of the house off of the kitchen, where Josie and her niece Malena resided as well as a separate building for the staff that managed the ranch.
Nestled amongst the aspens, pines and fir trees were three luxurious guest cabins, all scattered within walking distance from the main house. Each one had the same spectacular mountain views and a stream running behind. There were walking trails they could step onto right outside their doors and inviting front porches her staff had framed with colorful twinkle lights and a wreath on each entryway.
Penelope had made sure that every cabin had been decorated and had even added a Christmas tree in Ella and Kyle’s cottage for the kids. They were all equipped with hot tubs and fireplaces, and the spas’ water temperatures were turned up ready to receive guests.
It was just a short jaunt to the small pond, now frozen over and ready for ice skaters. She’d even purchased ice skates for everyone, after gathering the guests’ shoe sizes. It went without saying that Montana was truly a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
Penelope was going over menus with Josie, discussing what provisions they’d have for their guests in each of the cabins when Griffin returned. Fresh from the shower, he smelled delicious, like soap and aftershave.
“Mm, you smell good,” Penelope said, as Griffin slipped his arm around her waist. He peered over her shoulder at the long list they’d come up with.
“Whoa! Remind me again…how long are they going to be here?” Griffin said.
“Ten days is a long time… and if you can’t be part of the solution then stay quiet,” Penelope said.
Josie’s eyes twinkled. “Mr. Griffin, this is a very special occasion. Your first Christmas together and your whole family here! You can’t skimp on the details.”
“I see whose side you’re on Josie. I’ll remember this.”
Her smile lit up her gentle face. “Now Mr. Griffin, you know I took your side on the last disagreement.”
Griffin scratched his head looking heavenward, “Hmm, I can’t recall…when was this?”
Josie swatted at him, “That will be the last time.”
Griffin slung his other arm across her shoulders and kissed her on her cheek. Josie’s face turned rosy beneath her gorgeous caramel skin.
“Your charm will get you nowhere with me young man,” she said.
Penelope rolled her eyes. “Don’t I wish. It gets him everything. Even you aren’t immune to his charms.”
“I’m back. Aunt Josie are you blushing?”
They all turned to greet Josie’s niece Malena as she entered the kitchen. She’d moved here from California the previous year and was assisting her aunt in housekeeping, working part time for Penelope and Griff. She was currently on holiday break from her studies, aiming for a master’s of science in nursing.
At twenty-three, she was close to the same age as their nephew Ty, who would be turning twenty-one while they were here visiting. Malena was full of joy and she loved Savannah, happily babysitting every chance she got. Since Tyler and his ex-girlfriend Addison had decided to call it quits, Penelope had a feeling he was going to be taken with Malena. How could he not be? She was smart and as sweet as could be, not to mention stunning with her coal black eyes and long dark hair. Could get interesting.
“Where’s Savannah?” Malena asked, her voice soft and gentle.
“She just went down for her nap,” Penelope said. “Griffin and I are going to town. Now that you’re here maybe you can help keep an eye on her. She’ll probably be asleep for about an hour.”
“What? Wait a minute. Who said anything about me going to town?” Griffin said.
“I did. No arguments. We have shopping to do. I still need to get a present for your mom, and you haven’t bought Ella’s gift yet. I want to get some stuff for the kids as well. While we’re at it, I want to grab some more outdoor lights.”
“For what? The barn? There isn’t anything more you could possibly decorate.”
Penelope’s face scrunched up. “The barn, now why didn’t I think of that?”
“You’re kidding right?”
“No, it would look fabulous. Just the front of the barn. And the fence along the lane leading in.” She threw her arms around