Bryan walked beside Holly trying to think of something to say. He worried if he spoke too much she would recognize his voice. On the other hand, he didn’t want to be rude to her. 

“How old is Bobby?” He finally asked, assuming the child asleep in his arms was a safe subject. 

Holly smiled, making Bryan’s heart squeeze. “He’s five. Just started kindergarten this year.” 

“Does he like school?” 

Holly nodded. “He loves it. He’s a very bright kid, sweet too. I just wish I could spend more time with him.” 

Bryan hated that she was frowning again, no doubt thinking about what a horrible boss he was. It had been too long since he had considered the feelings of someone else. All Bryan usually had to do was bark out orders. 

Only now did he see how detrimental that was to those around him. 

Not that it had ever been his intention to be nasty to his employees, but when he thought about it he knew he was. 

As much as Bryan dreaded the answer, he had to know, “Have you thought about getting a new job?” 

He held his breath as Holly nodded. “Constantly. The problem is nothing else pays as well. I’ve looked.” 

It felt like Holly filleted him. He hated the thought of her leaving, especially since it was his fault. If only he had a solution. A way to make things better for her. To give her more time with Bobby. Maybe even make her hate him a bit less. 

Bryan was still thinking when Holly stopped in front of a beat up old sedan. Bryan’s brand new Mercedes wasn’t far from where they stood, making him feel guilty. 

Until an idea popped into his head. He grinned beneath the beard and knew he’d figured out a way to make both Holly and Bobby’s Christmas wishes come true.