My Kind of Christmas (Virgin River #20)(45)

“How did you end up here?” Angie asked.

“I came to find Denny. We dated years ago but he broke up with me before leaving for Afghanistan—it was a dark time in his life and that was one of many things he did that made no sense. I hadn’t seen him in three years but I really had to know if it was time to move on or if we deserved another chance.”

“That’s so sweet!” Angie said.

“There were quite a few bumps along the way,” Becca admitted with a laugh. “But that’s when I met Megan, the sweetest little girl. She’s had such a hard road, starting with her father losing his arm in a logging accident, her mother taking a job that made it hard for her to keep up with the family, and Megan’s self-esteem was really suffering because her teacher last year didn’t give her any encouragement. When Jack came up with the idea of this school, I was helpless. I had to say yes.”

“I guess it didn’t hurt that Denny was here.”

“He’d made a life for himself here, but he was willing to come home with me to San Diego. I never expected to end up here, but in the end it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Turn left up here, Angie—it’s a fairly long road through the trees before we get to the house.”

Angie was surprised to see a number of houses tucked into this woody, hilly, snow-covered area.

“Another left—it’s that small one up there. They’re sitting on several acres.”

“It’s very small,” she said. “How many children?”

“Four—Megan’s the oldest. They manage with two bedrooms. Things are much better for them now than when I first met them. Now Frank—Mr. Thickson—has a prosthesis and Denny was able to get him part-time work out at Jilly Farms. Lorraine has a hard job but she gets some overtime, which really can come in handy. This is a hard-working family that’s had some real challenges. I think saving for Megan to have surgery is a priority right now, but I don’t think they have much to spare.” When Angie parked, Becca brightened and said, “Come on. I can’t wait to hear their reaction to your news.”

Once Angie and Becca had said their hellos, they sat with Lorraine and Frank at the kitchen table and Angie explained the whole story. “This appointment would be just the first step and there are many steps. The doctor’s assistant will put together an estimate of costs—even with the surgeon’s contribution, there are still lab, staff and surgical center costs. But first things first—we’ll find out if it can be done, then how much we need, and then I can go on the hunt for contributions.”

Frank looked down at the scarred table top. “Charity grates on me.”

“This is important,” Angie said. “The sooner that scar is repaired properly, the better the chances there will be no disfigurement in her teen and adult years. Try to remember, Mr. Thickson—this isn’t about you. It’s about—”

“I know,” he said. He lifted his arm and rested his prosthetic limb on the table. “I’d do anything for Megan.”

Lorraine reached across the table and squeezed his natural hand. Just then, Megan joined them in the kitchen.

“I’d like to take Megan to Davis to see the doctor on Monday. We’d have to leave early, but we can do it in a day. Will you trust me with her safety?”

“You would do that?” Lorraine asked.

“I’d be so happy to. Becca would come along if she could but the school can’t spare her. But you’re welcome to come if you have the time.”

“I’ll check at the diner. I’d like to come with.”

“Just let me know. You can call me at the clinic.”

“And if this doctor…?”

“The first of many steps,” Angie said. “Here’s what I hope—I hope I can at least line up the providers and most of the funds before I go home at Christmastime. If I can get that much done, Mel would have no trouble taking it the rest of the way.” She smiled at Megan. “I believe this is going to work, Megan. I have a good friend who is a surgeon—not the kind you need, but a wonderful man. He’s been walking me through the process, telling me what I need to do. It might not be quick, but I really believe it’s going to happen.”

The little girl looked at her for a long moment before she let her lips rise in a small smile. And a tear ran out of her good eye. “Thank you,” she said in a whisper.

And Angie’s heart grew so large she thought it might burst.

* * *

By the time Angie got Becca back to town, it was after six. She dropped Becca off and then headed for the cabin, not knowing what she would find but hoping to see Patrick so much. It had been such an eventful day and they hadn’t made plans; they never had.

When she pulled into the clearing and saw his Jeep, she was so relieved. The fire was obviously lit, the lights on the eaves were sparkling and there were lights on inside. She burst into the cabin and found him relaxing in front of the fire. As she was peeling off her jacket she said, “I’m so glad you’re here. I had things I had to do and if you hadn’t been here, I wasn’t sure how to find you. Or if you’d even want to be found!”

“If?” he said, putting his beer on the coffee table. “Come here.”

And it was in that moment that Angie created a very dangerous fantasy that she knew could lead to her downfall. She longed to come home to him or to be there for him when he came home. But she couldn’t even count on that kind of commitment from him right now, so it was definitely out of the question for the future.