The girls’ screams of excitement could probably be heard across the county.
That night, after tucking the girls into the room they now shared (they insisted on sleeping together), Michael and Mary sat on the patio under the stars.
— Mary, there’s something I want to ask you.
— Go ahead, Michael.
— Do you think Ellie will be okay? That the trauma won’t affect her later on?
Mary thought for a moment before answering.
— Ellie is a very strong girl. But more importantly, she’s surrounded by real love now. Children can overcome anything when they know they’re loved.
— And Hope? You don’t feel her life changed too fast?
— Hope told me yesterday she always dreamed of having a sister and a dad. For her, this is a dream come true.
Michael nodded, feeling a deep peace he hadn’t felt in years.
— You know what the most incredible part of all this is, Mary?
— What?
— It all started with a simple bottle of water. Hope offered water to Ellie on a hot day. And that small act of kindness changed all our lives forever.
Mary smiled.
— My grandma always said that miracles come disguised as small things. Sometimes it’s a smile, sometimes a kind word, and sometimes just a bottle of cold water.
In that moment, Ellie and Hope appeared on the patio in their pajamas.
— We can’t sleep, — Ellie said. — We’re too excited thinking about Disney.
— Can we stay with you guys for a little bit? — Hope asked.
Michael pulled them onto his lap while Mary poured them some hot cocoa.
The four of them stayed on the patio, looking at the stars and planning future adventures.
— Daddy, — Ellie said, — can I ask you something?
— Of course, princess.
— Do you think my Mommy Catherine can see us from heaven?
Michael felt his throat tighten.
— I’m sure she can, sweetheart. And I’m sure she’s very proud of the brave and loving girl you’ve become.
— And you think she’s happy we have a new family?
— I think the only thing your Mommy Catherine ever wanted was for you to be happy and safe. And now you are.
Ellie nodded solemnly.
— Then I’m going to live the happiest life ever, so she’ll be proud.
Hope took her hand.
— And I’m going to help you, because that’s what sisters do.
Later that night, after finally getting the girls to bed, Michael stayed in his study, looking at a photo he’d found among Catherine’s things. It was a photo of her pregnant, touching her belly with a radiant smile.
— Catherine, — he whispered, — I promise I’ll take care of Ellie with all my love, and she’ll never forget how much you loved her…
