Page 37 of Believe

“Okay, I’m ready,” said Piper.

Max and Rory lifted her carefully, kneeling on the dock and gently laying her in Piper’s arms. Piper held the little girl to her chest, smiling at her.

“It’s so warm,” said Madeline. “It feels even better than a bath.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” laughed Piper. She could see Matthew and Irene kneeling near the pond. They were glowing in golden light, their hands clasped together, touching the water.

“Honey, try to move your legs,” said Stone.

Piper held the little girls’ arms, holding her slightly away from her body. She waited, hoping and praying for the child.

“I’m wiggling my ankles,” she smiled. Piper looked down and smiled.

“You are! Try to move your legs,” she said excitedly. Sure enough, the little girl moved her legs back and forth. “You’re doing it, Madeline! Can you swim?”

“Yes, ma’am,” she said pushing away. They watched as the little made awkward strokes around the pond, the entire time laughing.

“She’s swimming,” said Rory with tears in his eyes. “She’s swimming.”

“Fucking hell this is kicking my ass,” laughed Max.

“Okay, honey, let’s get out and get warm,” said Piper. They wrapped the little girl in towels and then helped her to dress, firmly seated on the soft seats of the ATV.

“How do you feel, kiddo?” asked Stone.

“Amazing! I can’t believe a bath helped me like that.”

“Well, it’s a pretty good bath,” smiled Max. “Let’s get you back to the hospital. Riley will want to take a look at you again.”

“Okay,” she smiled. “Thank you, Miss Piper. Will you thank the two angels for me? I know they were sprinkling magic in the pond.”

Piper laughed, nodding at the little girl.

“I will definitely thank the two angels. They sprinkle magic on everything they touch.”

“But how is this possible?” asked Maribeth. “How is it possible that warm water could help her like this?”

“Honey, I don’t think we want to question it,” said Geoff.

“It’s okay, Aunt Maribeth. It was the angels that sprinkled gold dust in the pond.” Her aunt laughed, nodding as she pushed her hair from her face, kissing her forehead.

“I’m sure the angels did it,” she smiled. The others just grinned at the little girl, Max giving her a wink.

“When can we take her home?” asked Geoff.

“We’re working on her discharge papers now,” said Riley. “She should take things slow for a while, just in case, but I don’t anticipate any issues. I’d like to see her again after the new year. And you, you little rascal. I think you’re my favorite patient ever.”

“Ever?” laughed Madeline.

“Ever,” smiled Riley. “I’ll see you folks later.”

After Doc and Ambry gave instructions to her aunt and uncle, the team helped them back out to their car. Geoff opened the door and stepped back.

“Wait. What is this? How did this happen?” he gasped.

“How did what happen?” asked Stone staring at him.

“The car. The car is filled with gifts. How?”