The Billionaire's Christmas Engagement: A Feel Good Romance (Christmas Billionaires) Read online

  THE BILLIONAIRE’S CHRISTMAS ENGAGEMENT

  CHRISTMAS BILLIONAIRES SERIES

  BOOK FIVE

  LAURA HALEY-MCNEIL

  The Billionaire’s Christmas Engagement

  Book 5 of the Christmas Billionaires Series

  Copyright © 2022 by Laura Haley-McNeil

  All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved. This e-book and this book are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The book and e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person or use proper retail channels to lend a copy. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission. To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text, please contact the author at [email protected]. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this writer.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  Published by Huerfano Press, LLC

  For more information about the author, please visit www.laurahaleymcneil.com.

  To my Beta Readers and Advance Readers.

  Before I release a book, I send it to a group of devoted Beta Readers and Advance Readers. Many of these readers have been reading my books and offering their feedback for many years. Their comments are invaluable, and I owe them a debt of gratitude for their diligent work.

  Please join me in commending these dedicated women and men who have helped me create an enjoyable read that glorifies God.

  God bless you all!

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Epilogue

  Dear Reader

  About the Author

  CHAPTER 1

  Madison Grant lifted her gaze from the romance novel she’d been reading. She looked out the airplane window to the Caribbean Sea⸻to crystal blue waves lapping the pristine shores of Vermeil Island. Never was there a more beautiful place to celebrate a wedding. She let out her breath softly. Maybe one day she’d celebrate her own wedding in this tranquil locale. As of last Saturday, that dream seemed further away than ever.

  She had dated Todd for a year and believed him when he talked about their future. Her dreams of a simple wedding to the man she loved ended when she learned the reason Todd wanted to marry her. It was the same reason other men had wanted to marry her. Despite changing her name from Madison Edwards to Madison Grant, the internet made it easy to find out she was the estranged daughter of billionaire Phil Edwards.

  After a whirlwind courtship, Madison had expected her Christmas gift to be a proposal and an engagement ring―until she told Todd she wouldn’t ask her father for the money he wanted to invest in the latest digital currency. That was when Todd suggested they should see other people. Sadly, she agreed, though she had no idea whom she would see. There was no other man in her life.

  Despite the breakup, she wouldn’t let her disappointment keep her from spending a relaxing weekend on this beautiful island. And it wouldn’t keep her from being happy that her friend, Shelly, would marry Brian, the man of her dreams.

  At least Madison wouldn’t see Todd this weekend. He had told Shelly he wouldn’t come to the wedding. Madison breathed a sigh of relief. Now, she could relax and help Shelly and Brian celebrate their life together in style.

  The flight attendant’s voice announced they would soon land and wished the passengers a pleasant stay on the island. Madison smiled. This weekend she would have the time of her life.

  The man sitting next to her stirred in his seat and opened one eye⸻a beautiful eye that was the color of the Caribbean Sea. He opened his other eye.

  Madison caught her breath. They had chatted briefly when he’d taken the seat next to hers. He had introduced himself as Oliver, and he seemed nice enough, but shortly after takeoff, he’d fallen asleep. It was just as well. She wouldn’t have been that great of a conversationalist anyway.

  “Hello, sleepyhead.” Madison smiled at him.

  A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes, then the corner of his mouth curved and pressed thumbprint dimples into his cheeks. He looked out the window. His smile broadened as if remembering he’d caught a plane to the Caribbean. She wondered what kind of life he led if he couldn’t remember which plane he’d caught to where.

  “Hello,” he said, his voice husky with sleep. The five o’clock shadow covering his chiseled jaw made him that much more attractive.

  She looked away. Someone as nice-looking as this man would have a girlfriend⸻her heart dropped a little lower⸻or a wife. She lifted her chin. She didn’t need a man to have a good time. She’d do that on her own.

  Madison’s stomach knotted when the plane touched down. When it reached the gate, it rolled to a stop. Around her passengers rose and collected their carry-ons. She waited. She wasn’t in any hurry to exit the plane, though she did look forward to a weekend of lazing on the beach and digging her toes into sun-warmed sand.

  “Do you have big plans while you’re here?” Oliver asked. Looking at him, she saw his tie was still in place. He draped his suitcoat over his arm leaving her to wonder, who wore a suit to the Caribbean?

  “My friends are getting married.” She hadn’t meant to look at him, but when she did, she saw that he seemed genuinely interested in her plans while she was here.

  “I don’t suppose those friends are named Brian and Shelly,” he said, and she felt a tumble in her chest at the sound of his voice⸻deep and low and very soothing, like one of those announcers on an all-night radio program.

  “As a matter of fact, yes.” She gave a soft exhalation. “You must be a guest.”

  “Best man.” Again, those dimples. “Brian and I have been friends since elementary school. How do you know them?”

  “Shelly was my first roommate when I moved to New York. I’m the maid of honor.” She wouldn’t tell him that her first week in New York had been her college freshman year. It had turned into a nightmare when the apartment she’d rented had been leased to someone else. Thankfully, Shelly lived in the same building and had let Madison stay in her apartment.

  “Then I guess we’ll be seeing each other again,” Oliver said.

  “I guess so.” She felt the heat climb into her face. What was it about this man that made her blush? She hadn’t blushed in years. Granted, he was nice looking, but she was here for a wedding and a vacation. She wasn’t looking for a new boyfriend. When she returned to New York, she’d reevaluate her life and decide what direction she should take.

  Oliver slipped on his jacket and moved into the aisle. He stood in front of the other passengers. He lifted his gaze to her and smiled indicating he’d wait for her to get in line.


  That shocked her. She shoved her novel into her purse, murmured her thanks and stepped to the aisle. When they reached the concourse, she checked the signs for directions to the baggage claim.

  “It’s this way.” Oliver’s deep voice was a gentle sound that washed over her. When she looked at him, he smiled and tipped his head toward an escalator. “I’m heading that way, too.”

  That surprised her. He acted like a seasoned traveler who had his luggage brought to him.

  “Thanks,” she murmured and fell into step next to him.

  “Where are you staying?” he asked.

  “At the Windsong Royale.”

  “Very nice.” He lifted a brow.

  “Is it? I’ve never been.” She had meant to research the resort and the island on the internet, but between work and helping Shelly with last-minute wedding details, she never got around to it.

  “It’s a popular place for weddings.” His mouth tipped at the corner before something flickered in his eyes.

  They reached the baggage claim and Oliver guided her to the carousel where they’d collect their luggage.

  The text notification sounded on Madison’s phone, and she glanced at the screen⸻at a message from Shelly.

  Just to let you know, Todd decided to come to the wedding after all. He called Brian.

  Madison’s heart drummed heavily in her chest. Why had Todd changed his mind? Did he want to get back together with her? She didn’t want to. Now that she knew his motive behind dating her, she couldn’t trust him. If he approached her, she’d be honest and upfront. She and Todd were through.

  The message notification sounded again, and she opened a second text from Shelly.

  He RSVPed for two.

  Relief flooded Madison. Todd had moved on. Shelly must’ve read Madison’s mind, and was preparing her for when she saw Todd with his new girlfriend. Madison wasn’t disappointed. She was glad Todd had found someone new.

  “Not bad news, I hope.” Oliver’s voice broke through her thoughts, and she lifted her gaze to blue eyes filled with concern.

  “Oh, no,” she said brightly and shook her head. “Shelly texted me. She was cluing me in on what to expect this weekend.” She clenched her teeth. That was probably a dead giveaway. A guest, who used to be her boyfriend, had invited his new girlfriend to the wedding.

  “I’m happy to give you a lift to the resort if you like.” Oliver’s mouth tipped slightly but that concerned look stayed in place.

  “The hotel has a shuttle. I’ll catch that, but thanks.”

  The sound of suitcases sliding down the chute filled the terminal. More passengers gathered around the carousel, but Madison watched the luggage carefully. She didn’t want to miss her suitcase.

  “Madison?” The male voice that used to send a thrill through her chest sounded behind her.

  Todd.

  Madison went rigid. She could barely draw a breath. Without looking, she knew he had a curious look on his face. Pasting a smile in place, she glanced over her shoulder to Todd, looking handsome in a polo shirt and casual pants. Next to him stood a cute blonde who bubbled with personality.

  “Hi.” Madison hoped she sounded glad to see Todd.

  She felt Oliver look over his shoulder, too, and saw Todd’s puzzled expression when his gaze shifted to Oliver.

  Todd’s frown said it all⸻he thought Oliver was Madison’s new boyfriend. She only wished she could claim Oliver as her boyfriend, but her problem with Todd was hers to solve. She wouldn’t drag some stranger, especially someone as nice as Oliver, into this mess. She’d face the music and be happy for Todd.

  “This is Zelda.” Todd tipped his head to the blonde.

  “I’m so very glad to meet you.” Zelda snatched up Madison’s hand and shook it hard.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Madison tried to graciously pry her hand out of Zelda’s iron grip. The girl―and she was a girl―couldn’t have been more than eighteen. She had an engaging smile, and Madison liked her already. She hoped Todd was good to her.

  “Todd’s told me a lot about you,” Zelda said.

  “He has?” She frowned at him.

  “You know.” Todd pushed his fingers through his hair. “I just point out some places where we’ve had dinner or gone to a show.”

  That was interesting. Todd complained every time Madison suggested they go out.

  Zelda’s gaze switched from Madison to Oliver and gave him a curious smile.

  “Oh, he’s, uh⸻” Madison stammered.

  “Oliver Smith.” He flashed a brilliant smile and shook a dumbfounded Todd’s hand and then that of a delighted Zelda.

  Smith? Really? Even Madison didn’t believe that name. Was he running from the law? She hoped Brian picked better friends than that. Glancing at the carousel, she spied her suitcase and stepped to the waiting luggage.

  “I’ll get it.” Oliver’s voice was low and deep next to her, and she looked at him, then past him to Todd’s puzzled stare.

  “Thanks,” Madison murmured and withdrew.

  She watched Oliver reach for her luggage, his broad shoulders working beneath the suit jacket. He set the suitcase on the floor, then dragged another suitcase from the carousel.

  Todd’s stare intensified, but Madison pretended not to notice. He was being ridiculous. He had an adorable new girlfriend.

  Madison’s chest squeezed when she noticed Zelda look from her to Todd, her expression worried. Madison sighed. If only Zelda knew she had nothing to worry about. If Todd had wanted Madison, he would’ve accepted her for herself and not pressured her to beg her billionaire father for a handout.

  “Are you ready?” Oliver grabbed the handles of both suitcases and looked at her.

  “Yes,” she said, though she wasn’t sure what she was ready for. She appreciated that Oliver picked up her luggage, but that was where this charade ended. She led the way past Todd.

  “I didn’t realize you were seeing someone,” Todd murmured as she passed. “That was quick.”

  Madison hesitated and looked at him. Was he serious? Did he expect her to sit in her apartment and pine for him?

  “I’ve moved on.” She glanced at Zelda, who still looked unsure. She smiled at the younger woman before looking back at Todd. “Just like you.” When his eyes widened, she offered him the smile she didn’t feel and fell into step next to Oliver Smith.

  CHAPTER 2

  Oliver stepped away from the crowded baggage terminal and set the suitcases on the floor. He looked back at Madison, who moved next to him. She looked pale and slightly perplexed. Glancing back at the luggage carousel, he saw Todd staring after her. Zelda stared at Todd. If Todd was Madison’s ex, he was a crazy man for letting this woman of pure dignity and grace get away. Granted, Zelda was cute, but she couldn’t hold a candle to Madison.

  “I have to go back and explain.” Madison sounded breathless. Uncertainty clouded her eyes.

  “I take it Todd is the ex?” His heart beat dully.

  That brought Madison’s head up. “I guess it’s pretty obvious. He and I had planned to come here together, but that didn’t work out. He hadn’t planned to attend, but here he is, which is a surprise.”

  “I’m sorry you have to go through this,” he said softly. “But Vermeil is a nice place. It would be hard to pass up a vacation here.”

  “I agree, and Shelly is my best friend. I’d do anything for her.” She looked over her shoulder, to where Todd and Zelda had stood. Oliver’s gaze followed hers. To the space now void of the ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend.

  “Where did they go?” she asked, her voice uneasy.

  “What are you going to say to them?” Oliver asked.

  She stilled, then looked back at him. “The truth, that I just met you, and that we’re not together. When I told Todd I had moved on, I meant it. I don’t want him to think I’m on the rebound.”

  “When will you see them again?” Oliver asked.

  “Tonight, and probably every day until the wedding. I’m s
ure you’ve heard that Shelly has planned something every night. There’s a party tonight to welcome everyone to the island. Then tomorrow night is the rehearsal dinner.”

  “Yes, I did hear that,” Oliver said on a slow exhale.

  The whine of a golf cart sounded, and Madison looked up to see Todd and Zelda sitting in the back of the cart. Intertwined in each other’s arms, they were locked in a passionate kiss.

  Madison’s lips parted as they rode past. Shaking her head, she looked away⸻to Oliver, whose mouth tipped in a sympathetic smile.

  “At least they’re happy,” she said, and Oliver had to agree. After that display, there shouldn’t be any doubt.

  From outside the airport terminal came a crack of thunder. Madison looked through the plate glass at the palm trees bending in the wind. Horizontal sheets of rain slashed past the windows.

  “Oh, no.” She breathed. “I still need to find the hotel shuttle.”

  “Come on.” Oliver nodded his head toward the exit. “I’ll give you a lift to your hotel.”

  “But the shuttle⸻”

  “You’re going to stand outside in this rain and wait for the shuttle?” His mouth tipped wryly. “And you probably didn’t bring an umbrella.”

  She gave a soft snort. “To a tropical island where the sun shines all day, every day?”

  Oliver grabbed the suitcase handles. “The weather here is nice … except when it rains.” He took a step, then looked at her to make sure she followed.

  She did. Oliver slowed his pace so she could walk next to him.

  “Do you have a car here?” Madison asked him.

  He hesitated. He had a feeling she really didn’t know who he was. That was nice for a change.