Will’s smile is gentle but firm. “God is the way maker, Noah. Sometimes, we have to get out of the way and let Him get to work.”
His words resonate within me, stirring up feelings and possibilities I haven’t allowed myself to entertain because it seems impossible. A way maker? I’ve never heard that phrase before, but it feels right. God can do anything, right? Why not this? I squeeze Paige’s hand, then gently disentangle myself. “I... I need a minute,” I mumble, already backing away. I stop to shove my sandwich into Will’s hands.
I weave through the chaos of the staging area, searching for a quiet spot. Finally, I find a small alley between two buildings that can barely fit a stray cat, let alone a full-grown man. I lean against the cool brick, close my eyes, and pray.
“God,” I whisper, feeling desperate, “if there’s any way I can go with Paige, can You make it happen? Please?”
I stand there, eyes closed, heart pounding. Part of me expects a bolt of lightning, a booming voice from the heavens, some clear sign. There’s nothing. Just the distant sounds of the parade preparations and the pounding of my own heart. I’m not sure how long I stand there, waiting for an answer that doesn’t come.
Suddenly, I hear my name being called. “Noah. We need your help with the Winter Wonderland float.”
“I need a miracle,” I mumble. With a sigh, I push myself away from the wall. I make my way back to the main staging area, and I feel a twinge of disappointment. Maybe being with Paige like this was my Christmas miracle.
Maybe that’s all I get.
Twenty-Two
WILL
Paige had to go help Santa find his beard. I’m left standing at the staging area holding two half-eaten sandwiches and no idea what to do to help Noah through this moment. He’s praying. I know that much. I can feel him reaching toward heaven. If only he knew that his prayer was already there.
Henry suddenly appears beside me, and I jump. He laughs. “I’ve always enjoyed doing that.”
I roll my eyes. It’s strange to see him outside of heaven. He’s wearing an old-fashioned brown suit and tie, his gold pocket chain glinting. He looks like a kind old man and emanates power. His hand comes to rest on my shoulder, warm and comforting. “Will, I had a feeling you needed me.”
I shrug, acknowledging the truth in his words even as I struggle to fully accept them. I haven’t failed—Noah stood up to his parents and is building his online store. “I can tell he’s still standing in his own way. He thinks he knows best and can see around corners. He wants to go, but he won’t gather the faith to move in that direction without a sign.”
Henry watches as Noah joins the fray, helping with a float. “He’s trying, though. And that’s what matters. God loves it when we try—gives Him something to work with.” He holds his fingers up, barely any light getting between them. “Mustard seeds, yeah?”
I sigh. “Is a mustard seed enough to earn my wings?”
Henry chuckles. “Might be enough to activate that miracle card.”
“Miracle…? I forgot!” I pull the card out of my pocket and grin. The surface shimmers with divine potential. “This could be just the thing.”
I grab Henry in a bear hug, squeezing him so tightly that his glasses fall off. Laughter bubbles up from deep within me as I quickly retrieve them from the ground, handing them back to him with a grin that threatens to split my face.
Henry adjusts his glasses, his eyes twinkling with pride and amusement. “Go on then,” he says, waving me off. “Don’t make him wait any longer.”
Volunteers scurry back and forth, their excited chatter creating a constant hum of activity. I spot Noah and Paige near their float, working in perfect sync as they make last-minute adjustments on Santa’s sleigh. The sight of them together, so in tune with each other, reinforces my determination. They belong together.
With a deep breath, I hold the card up and wave it in the air. The card begins to disintegrate, transforming into a shimmering breeze that swirls around me.
I watch in fascination as the divine wind dances through the air, searching for God’s will. It weaves between floats and volunteers, seemingly directionless at first. But then, as if drawn by an invisible force, it suddenly changes course.
To my surprise, the sparkling breeze heads straight for a group of firefighters gathered near their fire engine. I raise an eyebrow, a grin spreading across my face as I watch the miracle take shape.
“Wasn’t expecting that,” I mutter, “but I’ll take it.”
Henry slaps me on the back, and then he’s gone.
I glance back at Noah and Paige, my heart swelling with hope and anticipation. They have no idea what’s coming, but I have a feeling their lives are about to take an unexpected and wonderful turn.
Twenty-Three
NOAH
Iwatch as Paige darts between floats, her golden hair catching the lights as she directs volunteers and adds last-minute touches to decorations. Her enthusiasm is infectious, bringing smiles to everyone she encounters.
