My Kind of Christmas

George.
    “Say, how’s it going with that little girl? Did you work out the surgery thing?” Marie asked.
    “I told you about that?”
    She laughed. “In detail. I donated to the cause.”
    “You did?”
    “Absolutely! I don’t know if you even realize it, but the way you talked about that young woman, Angie, it was with such tenderness, such respect and admiration. I really hope you don’t lose track of her. She might be just the kind of woman you should stay in touch with. Did the little girl get enough funding for the surgery?”
    “I’m standing outside the surgical hospital now, waiting for the operation to be over.”
    “Oh, that’s wonderful! You’ve made my day!”
    “Marie, how much money did you give the cause?” he asked.
    “It’s not important, Patrick. Just a little something from Jake.”
    “Jake?”
    “There was a widow’s benefit and life insurance. I put some of it in a college fund, some down on the house and I thought—this is important to Paddy, Jake would approve. I admire you, Patrick. What a great way to spend some leave. Spreading some goodwill, paying it forward.”
    “I have to get back to Charleston soon.”
    “Of course—but you’ll find out your new assignment soon, right? I know there’s no big gray boat in Oklahoma City, but maybe you’ll get something awesome, like Hawaii. I wouldn’t mind visiting Hawaii.”
    “Marie…”
    “What?”
    He took a deep breath. “Listen, we should be together. Me and you. If you can’t do any more Navy, I get that—it’s not your fault. Let’s mull this over a little. We’ll talk about it at Christmas and decide. I can get out of the Navy.”
    “Paddy, are you thinking this way because of Jake?”
    “No, I—I mean, maybe part of it has to do with Jake. But I really want to be close to you and Daniel. I want to be able to look after you properly.”
    “And I don’t know what I’d do without you, but…”
    “Is there any possibility you could live in Charleston again?” he asked. “Because I admit, I want the best of both worlds. I want you and Daniel and I want the Navy and that damned plane. Marie, I really care about you.”
    “And I really care about you,” she said. “Listen, Patrick, it’s too soon for me to think about the next man. Probably years too soon. Right now I feel like there can never be another man for me. As much as I love you, you’re my best friend, Paddy. I don’t want to go back to Charleston with you. The memories there…”
    “It’s too soon, I know. You need time. But think, Marie—this is sensible. Practical. Logical. We’re in sync, you and I. I want to do the right thing for us. That’s all.”
    “Sometimes I forget,” she said quietly. “You suffered a grave loss, as well. But that doesn’t make us destined to be together, Paddy. Listen, will you do something for me? Will you text me when the little girl is out of post-op, when the doctor says the surgery was successful?”
    “I’ll call you,” he said.
    “Sure, just let me know.”
    “I’ll call you,” he repeated.
    “Then we’ll talk soon. You’re wonderful to help with the surgery. You’re almost the most wonderful man in the world.”
    “Almost?” he asked with a laugh.
    “It’s good if you keep trying for perfection! Goodbye, Paddy.”

Fifteen
    B y just after lunch Megan was settled in a queen-size bed in a Marriott in Davis. Her nurse was with her, as was her mother, but it was Angie she wanted to speak to. “You saw it?” she asked. “All of it?”
    “I did,” Angie said. “It was amazing. Once the swelling and bruising is gone it’s going to look wonderful. I think you’re going to be very happy.”
    Later that day, Angie sat cross-legged on her hotel bed with Patrick’s cell phone in her hand. He had gone out for sandwiches while she used his phone to give Mel an update. She told her all about the surgery and her front-row view.
    “How did you like that?” Mel asked.
    “I loved it,” she said, her voice quiet. “It got me thinking…”
    “About?”
    “What it must feel like to have the power of healing in your hand.”
    “I imagine it’s incredibly humbling,” Mel said. “Knowing where to use it, spend it, exercise it.”
    Patrick returned shortly after her phone call. They both sat on the bed, eating their sandwiches and sipping their sodas quietly. When they were finished and the wrappers tossed, Patrick laid down on the bed, hands laced together behind his head,