Page 54 of Mike's Assistant

Aden nodded with a smile, looking at the boys. “Hey, guys! This is a special ride straight from the North Pole. Ready for an adventure?”

Both boys eagerly nodded without reservations. They showed no fear about taking this special sleigh. In fact, their excitement could be felt in the air.

Helping the boys into their seats, I ensured their seat belts were securely fastened before taking the seat next to them. Mike settled on my other side, and Vanessa sat across from us, her eyes shining with excitement, capturing the moment on her phone.

As the blades started to whirl above us, the sound became nearly deafening, even with the headphones on. But the vibrating sensation was almost exhilarating. I could see Sam and Abel gripping their seats, eyes darting around, taking in every detail.

Mike leaned over, speaking into my ear through the headphones, “First time in a helicopter?”

I nodded, gripping the edge of my seat as the helicopter began its ascent. “First time flying,” I clarified.

The ground seemed to fall away beneath us, the city lights blending into a beautiful tapestry of twinkling stars and skyscrapers.

Sam’s voice piped up, filled with awe. “Look, Jake! We’re flying! We’re really flying!”

Abel, peering out the window, added, “Everything looks so tiny! Like toy houses!”

The sensation of flying, the city sprawling below, and the stars above made the experience surreal. But the joy on the boys’ faces and the warmth of Mike’s hand finding mine made everything feel right.

Mike squeezed my hand gently. “Best trip to Disney, right?”

I smiled, squeezing back. “And we haven’t even arrived yet.”

The helicopter zoomed through the air, and the earth below blew past in a blur. It was amazing to think I’d ever experience something like this. Mike kept opening my eyes and blowing my mind.

I glanced over at him and studied his expression. A tiny smile played on his lips as he watched the boys excitedly point out different things. He cares about them. The realization took hold. It wasn’t just me he cared about, but he honestly cared about my brothers and their happiness, too.

Leaning over, I kissed his cheek. He jerked his gaze back to me, his eyes wide. “What was that for?”

“You deserve a kiss for being Santa’s helper.” I grinned.

Mike laughed and gave me a peck on my lips. “Wait, the surprises don’t end here. Santa’s been very busy.”

I smiled and looked back out the window. I couldn’t wait for the next surprise. I glanced back at Mike, and he winked. A plan formed in my mind. I now grinned. Whatever the surprise was, I knew I’d love it as much as I loved Mike—and I was going to show him.

Whispers and Roars

Mike

The rush of the wind under the helicopter blades still echoed in my ears as we touched down. The sheer joy on Jake and the boys' faces was a testament to the ‘sleigh ride’ success. Every wide-eyed glance they cast around, every infectious peal of laughter—they filled me with a warmth that reached deeper than I'd ever expected.

The mild disappointment when we landed was palpable, but it melted away instantly when the looming silhouette of the Animal Kingdom Lodge came into view. Its magnificence wasn't just in the intricate architecture or the grandeur of its design, but in the promise of adventure it held. The distant sounds of wildlife, the ambient lighting peeking through the trees, and the excited chatter of families all around painted a perfect picture of the magic Disney always promised.

I glanced at Jake as I entered the lobby to check us in. His head was tilted in conversation with Vanessa. I wondered what they were talking about. Since getting off the helicopter, Jake had been whispering to her and Vanessa to him. I’ll find out later, I thought, shaking my head.

“Good evening, and welcome to the Animal Kingdom Lodge,” the smartly dressed man behind the counter said.

“Hello,” I said, stepping up. “I have reservations under Doy.”

The man quickly typed before speaking. “Yes, Mr. Doy, welcome again. My name is Eric. We have you in our three bedroom Grand Villa. It boasts the Savannah view. Do you have any luggage? I can have it sent to the room.”

I pointed to Jake, Vanessa, and the boys. “Yes, it’s with them.”

Eric nodded and waved to one of his associates. “Okay. Let me just finish getting your keys ready.”

It didn’t take but a moment, and after signing a few papers, we were checked in and ready to go. I walked over to Jake and Vanessa, and the pair instantly stopped talking as I approached. Yeah, they were up to something.

“Okay, we’re all set. Did you all want to get settled or grab some dinner?” I asked.

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