We go back into the room, and surround Aiden’s bed—my mother on one side, Eli and I on the other. His arm is around my back, holding me close into his side, the support much appreciated as my knees are about to give in.
Aiden looks between us, then smiles. “So, do I call youMr. Coach Dad Elinow?”
Eli laughs through his tears. “What? How do you know?”
“Grandma told me what you two were talking about out there.”
We gasp and our eyes fall on my mom.
She shrugs it off. “What? I didn’t see any reason to skate around the truth and waste any more time. So I tore the band-aid off.” That’s so like her.
“Yeah, no more band-aids. Well, except this one on my head,” Aiden grins pointing to the wrap there.
He seems fine with all of this. But does he really understand? I know later, after he’s feeling better and everything has sunk in,that we’ll have a longer discussion about Jerrod, about what this all truly means. We’ll be there for him, and we'll all try to sort out our new reality together.
“Hey, Aiden,” Eli takes his hand, so small in his, gazing on him like it’s the very first time. “How about you call me just Dad?”
“I like that. Dad.” He hugs Eli’s forearm. We all take a moment to breathe again.
Then he takes his grandmother’s hand. I take hers across the bed. Our hands are all connected in a circle now.
We stand there, our little family framed by white hospital walls and humming machines, and I know—deep in my bones—this is right.
The past is done.
The present is ours.
And from here on out, every tomorrow will be spent together, exactly the way it was always meant to be.
CHAPTER 21
WISH COME TRUE
ELI
A DJ keepsthe Christmas party rocking from his booth set up at one end of the rink, music thumping through the speakers—child-appropriate holiday pop that gets everyone moving. Shrieks of laughter fill the air, and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.
From the bounce house and pony rides outside to the puppy pet-and-play area tucked off at the other end of the rink, families are smiling, relaxed, and happy to be here. And my foundation played a part in that.
The air smells like corn dogs, popcorn, and sugar cookies from an incredible buffet. Candy apples glisten with caramel, and there’s so much food it borders on ridiculous. If I’m doing this, I’m doing it all the way. I already have ideas for next year’s party to be even more spectacular.
Out on the ice, Tyler is in elf ears, doing a goofy dance with some kids. Sean is down on one knee, tying a skate lace for Tessa like it’s the most important thing he’s ever done. Mason and a few of the other Aspens skate around, making sure everyone feels welcome.
It’s the perfect party—an ending to what we’ve built over the past few months.
I pull out my phone and snap several photos—wide shots of the ice, kids piled near the boards, Santa’s empty chair waiting by the tree. I send them to Renae with a quick message.
Eli: You pulled off a miracle. This is unreal.
Renae: As big as you wanted it to be?
Eli: With your help, everything worked out. I already have ideas for next year’s party.
Renae: Of course you do.
Renae: How’s Aiden?
My thumb pauses for a beat before I answer.
