Page 20 of Christmas at Watson Memorial

“Good.”

“And I won't let you hide behind those walls you build up again,” she reminds me.

“I won't, but I should update Holly's mother on her condition.”

With our fingers intertwined, the walk to the pediatric wing feels different somehow. Some nurses turn to look at us, but I don't pull away, don't bother maintaining professional distance. This is the real Alexia Winters, not the ice queen everyone thinks I am.

“Doctor!” Vivian practically jumps from her chair when she sees me.

“Everything went perfectly,” I assure her. “Of course, there's always potential for post-operative complications, but we'll handle any issues as they arise. If they arise at all.”

“Is my baby okay?” she asks, eyes brimming with tears.

“She's better than okay. The compatibility rate for this heart is exceptionally high. She'll need to stay in the ICU for a few days, but everything points to success.”

“I can't stop thinking about the family who lost their child in that car accident, but thanks to them, my Holly can live. I'll be forever grateful,” she sighs, sinking back into her chair.

“Their decision to donate organs has saved several children's lives,” Selene adds. “Those parents, in their grief, did something truly beautiful.”

Outside, snow continues to fall, but somehow, now that we're back in the hospital and the surgery is over, watching the snowfall feels almost beautiful.

“When can I see her?” Vivian asks, wiping her eyes with her palm.

“If all goes well, we'll extubate her tomorrow, and she might spend New Year's Eve in her regular room,” I tell her, instinctively crossing my fingers, hoping my words come true.

But the joy is short-lived. A nurse appears with a troubled expression, announcing that the hospital board wants to see us both immediately.

I let out a resigned sigh as I say goodbye to Holly's mother. After the surgery's success and what happened in the locker room, I'd almost forgotten about the potential consequences of disobeying hospital protocols.

“Whatever happens, we're in this together,” I say, squeezing Selene's hand before we enter.

“Together,” she repeats, nodding. “Whatever happens, it was worth it,” she assures me.

I take a deep breath as I open the door, but instead of the firing squad I expected, I find a room full of smiling faces. Even Safira looks pleased, which is highly unusual for her.

“Our Christmas miracle team,” the board president announces, raising a champagne flute in our direction.

“You're not angry?” Selene asks, as surprised as I am. “We broke quite a few protocols with an unauthorized flight and…”

“And got the best publicity this hospital has seen in decades,” another board member, a millionaire who I thinkruns one of the country's top law firms, chimes in. “Don't know how the press found out, but the story's everywhere.”

“Anonymous source, apparently,” Arya adds, shrugging, though she can barely contain her laughter.

“It's going viral. A Christmas miracle story people can't stop following. Our PR department is swamped, and once the girl is out of danger, we need to hold a press conference. The mayor himself insisted on being present to say a few words.”

“So, we're not getting fired or anything?” Selene asks nervously.

“Fired? No, they'd probably burn down the hospital if we did that. Actually, with all this media coverage, we've already received our first donations, and more will surely follow. It's the story everyone wants to hear at Christmas. Makes us dream.”

“What about the FAA? My pilot's license?” Selene persists.

“They'll look the other way,” the board president assures her. “Though in the future, try to save lives with a bit less drama. It worked out this time, but it could have been a real nightmare,” he adds, raising his bushy eyebrows.

As the board members start a second round of what must be very expensive champagne, I rest my forehead against Selene's, seeing a mix of relief and joy in her eyes.

And as I kiss her, not caring who might be watching, I think about Holly, sedated in the ICU with a new heartbeating in her tiny chest. About Vivian's tears of joy. About how sometimes the best Christmas gifts are the ones you never knew you needed.

And for the first time in years, I feel completely happy.