Page 20 of Flamingo Christmas

“Daddy, she’s right.” Sue went to put her strong arms around him from behind. “You’re the one that flung that toy in with me, do you remember? It was you who seemed to know I shouldn’t be alone… and I wasn’t. I had a soft comforting presence in that snuggly toy, and it’s what kept me from losing my mind. I remember whispering to that lovey for a long time and finally, holding it close I was able to sleep. You did that. You thought of giving me that toy so I wouldn’t be alone. And I’ve always loved you because of your devotion. Whenever I look at my collection, I think of your thoughtfulness, yours and Mom’s, and it makes my world safe and happy.”

Julie spoke then, her weepy voice filled with confession. “It’s why we all joined together and started you on that flamingo collection. Maybe it was to salve our conscience, I don’t know. But every time we presented you with yet another flamingo, you lit up like you did when we opened the trunk and reached for you.” She turned to her husband who had wiped the tears from his face. “Remember, honey?”

He nodded. Listening to his wife, a smile beginning to form, he held Sue close and waited as if he knew what was coming. Julie continued. “With your face wreathed in smiles and your eyes shining with love, clinging to that silly bird with a choke hold around its neck, you spoke words I’ll never forget. In a solemn voice, you reached up to be lifted and said, ‘Hi, Daddy. Me and my fwend was good. Wight?’”

Now laughing, sharing a healing hug, Sue changed the subject so her father might be able to move on. Only it wasn’t to be. He spoke and they all listened. “If Art feels guilty, it’s his right as her daddy. And in this case, he wasn’t at fault… but then neither was I. Didn’t change a thing. We’re men. Protecting our family is what we’re supposed to do. So be gentle with him, okay?”

“I will Dad, and thanks for sharing that story. I never knew before how it felt from your side. And how terrifying it must have been for you and Mom. I can’t imagine what you went through.”

Her mother cleared her throat and spoke with authority that neither Sue nor her father would question. “We can’t dwell on the past except to use it as a way to deal better with the future, right? Now… tell us more about Lorna Reyes and her son.”

“It’s funny you should mention her because one of the reasons I came to see you is to let you know that I invited her and her husband to Christmas Eve dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course, we don’t mind. We’re always happy to meet new people and host them for the holiday, you know that. I just wish that Art and Lisa could be here too.”

They all nodded in agreement until Sue closed the subject by saying, “I’ll be happy if Lisa’s awake and well enough to spend that night with her daddy.”

Chapter Seventeen

Art felt hopeful after speaking with the doctors. They assured him that Lisa’s vitals had improved, and they figured it was only a matter of time.

But they’d said that before when she first arrived at the hospital. Thoughtful, trying to stay positive, he returned to his daughter’s side where his mother told him about Sue’s phone call, and her subsequent invitation.

“I said we’d love to go, but after thinking about it, I realized you might like to be there too. We could always stay with Lisa and give you a break.”

“No, you did right. Number one, I wouldn’t leave her on Christmas Eve, and number two, Sue never invited me. Therefore, you and Dad go and have a good time. From the things she told me about her folks last night, they sound like people you’d really like.”

“I know. Did she tell you how they celebrate the season by focusing mainly on helping others? It made me aware that Dad and I could do more. I’m going to question them about whatever groups they belong to so we can join.”

“Hey… you and Dad do your part. Every year you take a stint at looking after the Salvation Army kettles and you give your time to the food bank. I’ve always admired your dedication.”

“And yet there’re times we have to talk ourselves into helping. We’ve become lazy as time goes on. But no more. Seeing the many people who work to make the hospital less frightening for the kids on Christmas, I understand now how important it is.”

Art looked pensive as if he wasn’t sure whether to share something with his mom or not.

“What is it, honey?”

“I’ve always belittled this holiday myself as being a commercial joke. Well, until I had Lisa. Now that she’s gotten older, it’s all she’s been talking about lately. In fact, while we were driving that day, she kept pointing out the lights in the store windows and how Santa would be getting ready.”

He looked at his mom and saw her guilty smile. “She said you took her to the Bay to see Santa.”

Lorna looked uncomfortable and began to speak in her defense. “I don’t know what she asked for. I wasn’t allowed to get close.” Lorna began chuckling. “The little devil asked me to keep her photo with Santa as she wanted to give it to you as a Christmas present.”

Art took her hand then and held on. “No blame here… but you and Dad have filled her head with all that nonsense about being a good girl so Santa would bring her the presents she wanted. And just before that racing car came out of nowhere, she made a confession. She told me she asked for a new mommy.”

Lorna sat back in shock. “She did? Oh no. What did you say?”

“Nothing. Before I could say anything, the car smashed into us. But it’s been on my mind ever since.”

“I’m sure it has.” Lorna chuckled and then grinned with a cheekiness that made him return her smile. “Looks like her wish might be coming true.”

He had to laugh. “You mean Sue, don’t you?”

“You like her. I can tell. And son, it’s a good thing. In fact, it’s what Janette would have wanted for you… and for Lisa.”

Looking pensive, he finally nodded. “You’re right. I know it. And I do like Sue… a lot. But I can’t give any thought to our relationship until my daughter is back with us.” He frowned and the earlier happiness drained out. “If I were to lose her, I wouldn’t be fit for anyone.”

“And that’s not going to happen, Art. She’s getting better. And soon, she’ll open her eyes and all will be right in our world.”

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