Page 124 of Fortunate Miracles

“You didn’t seem to have many personal items, so I wanted to help with that,” I explain. I found the two older photos among Jake’s belongings.

Ray gives me a hug. “Thank you,” he whispers. I pat his back, and he steps back.

“Zander, I appreciate the gift card as well,” Ray tells him. “I have a small gift for each of you,” he says, grabbing two gift bags and handing each of us one.

Opening the bag, I find a Big Hero 6 pajama set. Laughing, I pull it out to show Jake.

“Seems fitting,” Jake replies with a smile.

“Thanks, Ray, I love it.”

“You’re welcome, Summer. It seems Zander and I had the same idea.”

Zander holds up a dining gift card, the same one he got Ray. “Great minds and all that,” he smiles.

We sit and visit, ending up having dinner with them before heading back home. “Merry Christmas, everyone,” I call before walking out. I'm so pleased with Ray today. He was so jolly and thankful, like his old self. I imagine this Christmas differs vastly from the last few for him. There's so much to be grateful for this year.

Zander makes hot chocolate and snacks while I call Sue quickly. My package to her arrived in time, and she’s going to open her gift with Mal. They're having dinner at Sue’s place tomorrow.

I send a text to Mal and Sarah before grabbing the throw and snuggling down into the couch corner. Zander sets a tray of hot chocolates and cookies between us and then turns the fireplace and tree back on before stretching himself out. “What movie should we watch first, darling?”

“How about the Santa Claus trilogy?” I reply.

“Perfect,” he smiles before turning the first movie on.

Chapter 59

Summer

I wake up early on Christmas Day and send Merry Christmas greetings to everyone before dressing and starting breakfast. I turn a Christmas movie on tv to listen to while I work. Dad wakes up shortly after me, and we enjoy French toast before opening presents.

I got Zander new work boots, and an engraved photo frame with a picture of us the day I arrived here. Zander got me a drying rack system for the garage, complete with a dehumidifier, and it's awesome. He helps me cook three pies, and we make a salad, stuffing, and rolls for dinner.

Troy, Gabby, and Seb land just after lunch with a fully cooked turkey, mashed potatoes, and veggies. I never thought of decorating the table for this special meal, but Zander has an off-white tablecloth and matching napkins he pulls from the laundry room. Gabby and I quickly set the table, and then we each grab a plate and sit to enjoy our Christmas feast.

Everyone is in great spirits. We share the gifts we received this morning, and I tell them about visiting Jake yesterday. We all have food babies by the time we finish eating.

I make up three plates for Jake, Will, and Ray and stick them in the fridge, while Zander digs out storage containers to divide the rest between us and the condo.

We relax and chat in the living room afterwards. Gabby's very excited about her gifts. She’s already picked out a few outfits to buy with her gift cards, and she has some of the Sephora products on today.

I get a video call from Bay, but it’s Olivia calling to thank me for my present. Since Gabby's beside me, she thanks her too. I got her mechanic gloves in purple, and Gabby got her some hair stuff. She has to tell us what Santa got her and only stops talking 15 minutes later when we hear David calling her in the background. I didn’t even see Bay. She’s such a cutie.

We end up watching Die Hard after a discussion of whether it’s actually a Christmas movie, and the surround sound really adds a new level to the action.

Troy, Seb, and Gabby leave just before 5pm, and Zander and I head to the condo to visit after making ourselves turkey sandwiches. Ray is all smiles when we arrive, and he offers to heat the plates of food while we visit with Jake.

I introduce Zander again to Jake, pointing out his picture. Will has a Santa hat on today, and he and Jake are watching Elf. I tell him about my morning and the drying rack system from Zander.

Ray comes in with dinner for Jake and Will before leaving to grab his own. I help Jake eat while we talk about a little of everything. When they finish, Ray gets the coconut cream for Jake while he and Will enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie. We finish watching Elf before switching to live tv. Jake is getting tired by 7pm, so we say goodbye with me promising to visit tomorrow.

The rest of winter break comprises SAT prep, college applications, and spending time with my friends. Zander took Ray out a few times to give him a break as well. They had dinner, did some touristy things, and saw a movie.

Despite the crazy schedule I’ve had these past few months, I can’t help but marvel at where I’ve ended up. Christmas was absolutely amazing. I got so many wonderful presents, got to spend time with most of the people I love, and Jake is just down the road recovering. It feels like life is settling. All that's missing is Nick. He needs to come home soon.