Peter felt the same way when he saw people use his company’s prosthetic limbs. “It sounds like something I’d like to be part of. How do you fund the wishes?”
“We beg and borrow from any business that will listen.” John stopped talking and frowned. “Don’t even think about it.”
“If it—”
John glanced at Katie, then back at Peter. “Delivering the gift boxes will be more than enough.” His cell phone beeped and he looked at the message. “I’m needed at the tiny home village. If you see Shelley, let her know where I’ve gone. I’ll give her a call as soon as I can.”
His wife chose that moment to walk into the living room. She handed John a ski jacket and hat. “Ethan was sent the same text. Be careful. It’s started to snow.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Leaving a quick kiss on Shelley’s lips, John hurried out of the room, followed closely by Ethan.
“I hope it isn’t anything too urgent,” Peter said softly.
Shelley sighed. “Christmas is a stressful time. John has more callouts in December than in any other month.”
“Is he the only pastor in Sapphire Bay?”
“He is. Luckily, Zac, Ethan, and Bailey have set up a roster to assist with any mental health emergencies. Before they arrived, it was even worse.” Shelley smiled at the half-eaten plate of cookies. “If you’d like something hot to eat, there’s apple pie in the kitchen.”
Katie grinned. “That sounds yummy.”
“In that case, follow me.”
As they walked toward the kitchen, Peter looked at the men and women who’d volunteered to make Christmas extra special for a lot of people. If they could decorate the floats and wear tinsel-covered costumes, he could do more to help the community, too.
When they were in the kitchen, he took the pie Shelley gave him. “Thanks. It smells delicious.”
“It’s my mom’s favorite recipe.”
Katie sighed as she took her first bite. “It tastes fantastic, too. We can give you a hand to take the other pies out to everyone.”
“That would be great, but finish your dessert first.”
As Shelley took a stack of plates out of the cupboard, Peter thought about how he could support what Santa’s Secret Helpers was doing. “Do either of you know if there are any Christmas wishes you haven’t been able to do because of the cost?”
Katie pointed her spoon toward Shelley. “You’re talking to the right person. Shelley’s an accountant. As well as looking after the church’s finances, she keeps our expectations in check when it comes to the Christmas wishes.”
“I try, but it isn’t easy. It breaks my heart when we have to say no.” She leaned against the kitchen counter and frowned. “We’ve had to put a couple of requests aside. The most expensive wish was for a large mobility van. The community group who asked for it wanted to take injured military vets to the therapy pool in Polson. Their current van was donated by one of the members, but it was constantly breaking down. We found a second-hand van for about twenty thousand dollars, but converting it to a mobility vehicle would have cost an additional twenty-five thousand. We can’t afford that.”
Peter knew what it was like for military personnel returning home with injuries. The never-ending financial, emotional, and physical obstacles they endured made their recovery difficult. If he could make one person’s life easier, he’d do it.
“My company can’t donate an entire mobility van, but I know some people who might be able to help.” He smiled at Shelley’s shocked expression. “If you could send me any information you have about the wish, I’d be grateful.”
She took a business card out of her pocket and handed it to him. “If you send me your email address, I’ll make sure you have everything you’ll need by tomorrow morning. Thanks for using your contacts to help. If they can’t provide funding for the van, it doesn’t matter.”
“I’ll do my best to make it happen.”
Shelley checked her watch. “If I don’t take these apple pies into the dining room, everyone will have gone home before they see them.” When Peter and Katie started to move, she held up her hand. “I’ll do it. After your generous offer, I need to shake the adrenaline out of my body. John will be thrilled when I tell him you might be able to help.”
“Umm, about that. If you could exclude the part about who’s going to contact their friends, I’d appreciate it.”
Shelley’s eyes widened. “Oh. Is it because…” she glanced at Katie before clearing her throat. “Okay. I can do that.”
Before Katie could ask what Shelley meant, she picked up two apple pies. “I’ll be back soon.”
After she left, Katie silently ate her dessert. When she glanced at Peter, she had a frown on her face.
“You’re awfully quiet.”
