Chapter 21 Wish Come True
WISH COME TRUE
ELI
A DJ keeps the Christmas party rocking from his booth set up at one end of the rink, music thumping through the speakers—child-appropriate holiday pop that gets everyone moving. Shrieks of laughter fill the air, and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.
From the bounce house and pony rides outside to the puppy pet-and-play area tucked off at the other end of the rink, families are smiling, relaxed, and happy to be here. And my foundation played a part in that.
The air smells like corn dogs, popcorn, and sugar cookies from an incredible buffet. Candy apples glisten with caramel, and there’s so much food it borders on ridiculous. If I’m doing this, I’m doing it all the way. I already have ideas for next year’s party to be even more spectacular.
Out on the ice, Tyler is in elf ears, doing a goofy dance with some kids. Sean is down on one knee, tying a skate lace for Tessa like it’s the most important thing he’s ever done. Mason and a few of the other Aspens skate around, making sure everyone feels welcome.
It’s the perfect party—an ending to what we’ve built over the past few months.
I pull out my phone and snap several photos—wide shots of the ice, kids piled near the boards, Santa’s empty chair waiting by the tree. I send them to Renae with a quick message.
Eli: You pulled off a miracle. This is unreal.
Renae: As big as you wanted it to be?
Eli: With your help, everything worked out. I already have ideas for next year’s party.
Renae: Of course you do.
Renae: How’s Aiden?
My thumb pauses for a beat before I answer.
Eli: He’s okay. Concussion means no skating or jumping today. He’s bummed, but he gets it. We’ll manage things closely.
Renae: He’s a kid. He’ll bounce back.
Eli: I hope so. Stella and I could use a nice drama-free Christmas and New Year’s.
Renae: You didn’t mess up this second chance. I’m proud of you, sir. And I’m so happy for all of you. Let me know what you need. I’m here to support your new little family however I can.
I swallow around the tightness in my chest. She has not only been my PA but a rock for me to lean on through all of this.
Eli: Get yourself all stocked up with Mountain Dew for the year?
Renae: And then some, sir. Need to see the receipt?
Eli: Nope. Merry Christmas, Renae. And thanks for everything.
Renae: You’re welcome—Eli. Merry Christmas to you.
Before I put my phone away, I open the group chat with Cam and Kris.
Eli: Plot twist: I have a son.
Cam: Holy shit. What?
Kris: Who?
I look up—and my breath catches. The doors open, and chilly air blows in, but my heart warms at the sight of the people entering.
Eli: Stella’s son, Aiden. He’s mine, always was. We’re happy. Long story. I’ll fill you in soon.
I tuck my phone away and rush to them. Aiden walks in, supported on either side by his mom and Marjorie.
He scans the rink, eyes lighting up at the decorations, the noise, the sheer joy of it all.
He’s bundled up, a stocking cap pulled low over his head, bandages, moving slower and more carefully than usual.
When he spots me, his face splits into a smile that knocks the wind right out of me.
“Hey, buddy.” We do our signature fist bump.
“No skating for me today,” he says solemnly, like he’s repeating doctor’s orders just to prove he was listening.
“I know.” I tap his nose. “But we’ve got you set up over here to see everything.”
We guide him to the big cushioned chair we had set up near the boards—blankets piled high, pillows, and a perfect view. Once he’s settled, the other children drift over, one by one. Waving. Offering high-fives. Telling him happy birthday. Telling him to get well soon.
He soaks it all in, smiling, just happy to be here.
Stella stands beside me, her hand finding mine without thinking as she looks around.
“This is incredible,” she breathes.
Before I can answer, a shout goes up.
“Santa’s here!”
Mason appears from the back hallway in a full red suit and beard, and the place erupts. Kids swarm him instantly, lining up as he hands out gifts from a massive sack. I watch Aiden track the whole thing.
We talked this morning, just the two of us, about his wish.
Santa finishes; the sack empties, but Aiden doesn’t get a present.
He looks at me—not disappointed—knowing why his wish couldn’t be wrapped up and handed out. I squeeze his hand and give him a wink.
Then I turn to Stella. I pull her into my arms right there in front of him—and everyone—and dip her low, dramatic and unapologetic. I kiss her like I’ve waited my whole life to do it.
“I love you, Stella,” I say as I bring her back upright.
“My wish came true,” Aiden announces proudly.
Stella tilts her head, startled. “Your wish?”
“I wrote it on my ornament,” he explains. “I wanted you two to be together and to make each other happy.”
Her eyes shine as she drops to his level, brushing his hair back gently. “Yeah,” she says, her voice thick. “A second chance was my wish too. And it came true.”
“Mine, too.” I take both their hands in mine. And for the rest of the party, I stand proudly and protectively. I don’t step foot on the ice, and stay right here by his side.
Turns out, there’s more to my life, with people who mean the world to me, than anything that happens on the ice.