Grace sat in Oliver's chair, watching the shadows on the walls shift with the sunset. It'd been over half an hour since she's hung up with her boss. His trip was being extended for yet another week. Tomorrow she'd have to send out the papers he'd requested. Papers she should have been finding now rather than moping around.

She was thankful that none of the other staff had been around when the phone rang. Even alone she was embarrassed by the tears that slipped from her eyes as he spoke despite knowing all along this distinct possibility. She should have known better than to believe the previous extension would be the only one. Any more delays and he wouldn't be home in time for Christmas.

It wouldn't be the first time. Knowing what those holidays were like made her dread the possibility even more... as if special occasions weren't lonely enough in the isolation of the mansion. Decorations only appeared for pictures. Sometimes they didn't stay up long enough to see their dedicated holiday. But all of that would change this year. It had to. He needed to be back in time. Soon she would be selecting an orphan to carry out Mr. Warbucks' Christmas invitation... even if it hadn't been his idea.

With world tensions rising and employment dropping, he'd been losing his temper in public frequently. She'd suggested taking in a child to soften his image. Knowing he'd been orphaned, too, she thought this to be the most logical course of action. Of course, she did have her own motives behind the suggestion. She couldn't remember the last time she saw anyone in the household smile. Even the employees of the richest man in the world feared their positions. Things were changing fast and there was no telling when personnel would be cut back. Grace assured the staff no one was at risk of being let go but it didn't provide the needed comfort. They all could use the joy of a child — no one more than Oliver Warbucks.

He hadn't been keen on the idea. Having a kid around would be too much of a distraction. He suggested the Easter holiday instead, which was about as optimistic as he was going to get about the state of the world right now. He hoped things would be calmer by then, though he hadn't had a moment's peace since 1929.

"Just think of how happy you'll be making some child," she had argued.

"Sure, one child. What about the rest of them? My efforts are best spent trying to keep these kids out of orphanages in the first place. How many of them are there because their parents got sick or starved?"

"And that's why having one come here for Christmas is perfect!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"The orphan who comes to stay with us will represent all of those other children."

Shaking his head, Oliver said, "I'm surprised at you, Grace. Using a child for public relations? I'm not saying it's not a clever idea, but coming from you?"

"I don't like that part either," she admitted, "but… you know, it might be fun to have a child around." It might be the only chance I get, she silently added.

"We don't have time."

"Oh, please, sir? I promise I won't let your work be interrupted. I've already discussed the idea with the rest of the staff and they're thrilled. It will be a team effort."

Letting out a sigh, at last looking away from his papers, he contemplated the arrangement. "How long did you say?"

"Two weeks. Through Christmas and New Year's."

"And you won't be too distracted to work?"

Holding up her hand as if under oath, she replied, "When required, you will have my undivided attention."

With a grumble, he conceded. "All right, all right. I'll put out an invitation to the Board of Orphans."

"Oh, thank you, Mr. Warbucks!"

"You have to promise me one more thing," he said sternly.

"What's that?"

"Don't get attached. Two weeks."

With a nod, she repeated him. "Two weeks."

Snapping out of her daydream, Grace stood up and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. She resolved to stop sulking and get to work. The longer she procrastinated, the less of a chance he'd come home before the new year.