“I know. Blizzard is a gentle soul, but he makes it known that he loves Ralphie and Sandy.”
Chris grew silent for a few seconds. “I worry Ralphie and Sandy might not realize just how loved they are, Candy. I worry they think we might see them as two silly kids who aren't needed.”
“They are needed and loved more than they will ever know.” Candy finished off her coffee. “Chris, Ralphie is far smarter than he gives himself credit for, and so is Sandy. Now, I doubt they'll ever want to go to college or ever leave the island, but they'll learn how to manage everything, all the business aspects of managing a large business. They'll learn, in time, that they are very smart and very much needed.”
“We certainly can't build Christmas without them. Not just because we need two strong backs, but we need two strong hearts. Ralphie and Sandy's hearts...well, they're amazing. That's all I can say. They're going to be perfect for the children.”
“I know!” Candy exclaimed. “I've been realizing the same thing. Ralphie and Sandy are here because they are meant to be with the children who come to the island, Chris! Isn't that amazing?”
“It sure is. I think that they are going to see they are in for some very amazing times.” Chris grew silent again.
“What is it?” Candy asked.
“Oh, I just worry that Ralphie and Sandy may never realize the truth. I worry they fear we see them as kids and that we just want them around to tie ribbons onto teddy bears.” Chris sighed. “I know Ralphie and Sandy spoke up at the meeting, and they both became excited as we all did, but they were both very quiet on the drive back to the island and didn't say much before bed.”
“I noticed that as well.” Candy looked at Chris. “What do you think?”
“Maybe they might leave?”
“Oh no, Chris, don't say that. I couldn't imagine my life without Ralphie and Sandy,” Candy begged. “They have become a part of me, and so have Peppermint, Marty, Betty, and you. We're meant to live on this island together as a family.”
“I believe you, and I agree.” Chris felt the urge to reach out and touch Candy's cheek. He didn't, of course. “I just worry Ralphie and Sandy might leave us someday.”
“I would cry forever.”
“I wouldn't be able to stay on the island,” Chris confessed.
“Are you, like, hearing this?” Sandy whispered. “They love us; they really love us.”
“I'm hearing it, but my ears can't believe what I'm hearing.” A tear slipped down Ralphie's cheek. “Maybe we should go tell them.”
“Me first!” Sandy broke into tears and burst down the hallway where Candy and Chris were standing. Ralphie followed. “Like, we're not going anywhere!”
“Ayo...what she said!” Ralphie yelled.
Sandy hugged Candy and Chris before they could blink an eye. Ralphie joined in. “Like, we heard you two talking. You love us, like, you really love, for who we are!”
“I've finally got a family!” Ralphie broke down in tears. “I've got a family that won't kick or hit me or spit at me.”
Candy broke down. So did Chris. They pulled Sandy and Ralphie into their arms and held them. “You two are our babies. Oh, we love you so much.” Candy cried.
“No one will ever hurt you again,” Chris promised through his own tears. “Never, ever, again, I promise.”
“We know.” Sandy cried.
Candy looked at Ralphie. “Tomorrow, the biggest turkey I could order is coming with all the trimmings, pie, cakes, the works. TheCalzoneis going to have the greatest Thanksgiving in the world!”
“TheCalzoneis happy!” Ralphie threw his arms around Candy and cried some more. “You love me. I ain't ever been loved before. Not like this. Yeah, I’m very, very happy. I...said what I said.”
Chris pulled Sandy into his arms. “We love you for who you are. Please never be anyone else.”
“Even with the way I, like, talk and all?” Sandy cried.
“You talk perfectly. Don't change a thing,” Chris begged. He put a loving, fatherly hand onto the back of Sandy's head. “Like...totally.”
Sandy laughed through her tears. “Like...totally,” she agreed.
“What's going on?” Peppermint appeared at the end of the hallway with Blizzard and Snowball. “Betty sent me to find you. I'm going out to clear the snow.”
