Page 46 of Christmas On Call

Ophelia pressed her mittened hands to the window. “They’re all going to be okay, right?”

Asha crouched beside her, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. “They have people who will do everything possible for them. That helps.”

Ophelia nodded solemnly. “Next year, can I wear the elf hat with the bells?”

Max chuckled. “You’ll have to clear it with Infection Control.”

“That’s you,” Ophelia said matter-of-factly.

“Exactly.”

Outside, Asha and Max walked side by side, Ophelia between them, swinging her arms.

“Remember when you called me Doctor Grinch?” Asha said.

Max laughed. “Vividly. You deserved it.”

Asha’s smile tilted. “Perhaps I did.”

They crossed the parking lot. Ophelia clutched her bag of leftover marshmallows to her chest like treasure.

“Home now,” she announced. “My trains are lonely.”

“Then we’d better not keep them waiting,” Max said.

Asha reached for Max’s hand. Their fingers laced easily. Five years had taught them how to balance chaos and calm, laughter and quiet.

As they reached the edge of the lot, Max looked back once at the glowing hospital windows.

“Hard to believe,” she said softly. “All that started with a string of fairy lights.”

Asha squeezed her hand. “And one very persistent nurse who I love very much.”

“I love you too, always and forever.”