“You have no idea how stunned we were,” Sandy said. “If Pastor John and his wife weren’t delivering the certificate, we would’ve thought it was a prank. We still can’t believe it’s really happening.”
Aidan looked at Josh. He seemed just as overwhelmed as his wife. “Believe me, it’s one hundred percent authentic. The people who fund the program have already been in contact with BioTech. They’ve authorized the payment for Grace’s new leg.”
Josh gripped his wife’s hand. “Can you explain how the process will work?”
“Of course,” Aidan replied. He kept his voice even, trying to calm Grace’s anxious parents. “The Christmas Wish Program will cover all expenses, including flights to Manhattan and your accommodation for the design phase of the prosthetic. You’ll be able to discuss the entire process with the experts in our head office. If you’re satisfied with everything, you’ll return to Montana while the 3D model of Grace’s stump is used to create the prosthetic.”
Sandy clasped her hands, hope shining in her eyes. “And after that?”
“Once the prosthetic’s ready, Grace will have the transmitter surgically implanted, and her new limb will be attached to her leg,” Aidan continued. “There’ll be extensive training to teach Grace how to get the most out of her prosthetic. It may take some time, but if she’s anything like the other children who’ve received similar prosthetics, she’ll adapt well.”
“We can’t believe this is happening,” Josh said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Aidan smiled as he thought about the impact this would have on Grace’s life. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? And I couldn’t be happier for you. This will change everything for Grace.”
As Sandy and Josh expressed their gratitude once more, Aidan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He still hadn’t decided what to do about the job offer in Miami, but he knew helping people like Grace was what truly mattered.
“Thank you so much, Aidan,” Sandy whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You’re changing our lives.”
The weight of those words settled on his shoulders. “It’s an honor to be a part of Grace’s journey. When did you want to start the process?”
Josh looked at his wife, and then at Aidan. “As soon as possible.”
Aidan had expected them to say that. Taking a folder off his desk, he handed it to Grace’s parents. It was the same information they gave each of their clients, except this one didn’t have any prices attached. Inside, it outlined the itinerary for the family’s first visit to Manhattan, what they could expect, and what BioTech needed Grace to do.
Sandy and Josh listened intently to what he said, their eyes widening as they must have realized the magnitude of the journey they were about to begin.
“Will the procedures be painful?” Sandy asked, worry creasing her brow.
“During the initial stages, there may be some discomfort, but our goal is to make the process as smooth and painless as possible,” Aidan assured her. “And remember, you’ll have someone from BioTech with you every step of the way. They’ll answer any questions you have, book your flights and accommodation, and make sure Grace is comfortable.”
Sandy frowned. “We thought that person would be you.”
Aidan hesitated before answering them. If he knew he was staying with BioTech, he would’ve been their main contact person. But he might be working with another company when they needed him the most. “It’s important your family has the same contact person throughout the entire process. I may be moving to another city, so I’m not the best person to look after you. The person who’ll take care of you is called Rebecca. If you’re happy for me to share your cell phone number with her, she’ll call you tonight.”
Sandy nodded. “We’d love to speak to her.”
After they’d discussed more details about the procedure, Sandy and Josh left Aidan’s office with their hearts full of hope for the future.
For a few minutes after they left, Aidan leaned back in his chair, gazing through the window at the familiar landscape of Sapphire Bay. He’d miss this small town when he left. He’d miss the sincere smiles of the people he’d met, and the genuine warmth and care they felt for each other. But, most of all, he’d miss Jackie.
She was the one person who made his heart race with just a smile. One of the few people he could talk to about anything. And the only person he trusted with his deepest secrets. But he couldn’t stay in Sapphire Bay just for her. He needed to consider his career and what was best for him in the long run.
And whether he could still make a difference in the lives of people like Grace if he moved to Miami.
* * *
Jackie was tryingto remain calm and professional, but her traitorous heart pounded in her chest as she walked around The Fairy Forest with Aidan.
This was supposed to be a catch-up meeting with Aidan and Daniella about the Christmas gala. But one of Daniella’s staff members was off with a heavy cold, and she had to run an after-school fairy party for a group of ten-year-old girls. Hopefully, Daniella could join them before Aidan left.
Even the delicate scent of pine and cinnamon filling the air wasn’t helping Jackie feel any calmer. The Christmas gala was just around the corner. Instead of being pleased with what they’d organized, she felt as though her life was falling apart.
“Everything will be magical,” she said, her voice cautious as she spoke to Aidan. He’d become an important part of her life, but the uncertainty of whether he’d keep working for BioTech or move to Miami left her feeling vulnerable. She knew all too well that heartbreak could follow love, and she wanted so desperately to protect herself from that pain.
She opened the folder of 3D images Daniella had created and pointed to a corner of the room. “We’ll have a beautifully decorated tree surrounded by presents for the children over there. And, on the opposite wall, we’ll have ice sculptures of Christmas bells and children’s toys.”
She turned the page and showed Aidan the next image. “As guests walk into the room, they’ll travel down Candy Cane Lane. They can help themselves to peppermint candy canes hanging from two rows of small Christmas trees. At the end of the lane, there’ll be a stand with a variety of Christmas-themed ice cream flavors, including eggnog delight, rum and cranberry, and vanilla snow. A cookie stand will be at the end of all that deliciousness, with someone handing out your favorite chocolate chip cookies.”
