Saturday - December 19
Oliver and Drew stood on the wood sidewalk, looking at the O'Toole family cottage.
"This is a beautiful piece of property," Drew said.
"40 acres," Oliver said. "More than adequate for your original design with plenty of acreage for expansion."
Drew turned towards Heart Lake. "Grandpa's cottage was almost directly across the lake." He squinted slightly. "It would appear that the new owner tore it down and built a much larger beach house."
"Would you mind if we walk down to the shore?" Drew asked.
"Not at all," Oliver said.
Drew walked to the very edge of the lake. The gently lapping water just missed the toes of his shoes. He stood silently, lost in thought.
Oliver waited patiently until Drew spoke.
"I was thinking about the last time I was here," Drew said. "Especially about the man fishing on the shore."
"I had a similar experience when I was a child," Oliver said. "It did not include fishing. I was eight years old at the time. Christmas Eve. My grandfather had just died. The man and I decorated this tree." He looked up at the top of the tree. "It has grown. Considerably. Yet it still clings to the rock."
"What did he look like?" Drew asked.
"Middle-aged. Average height and build. Brown hair," Oliver said.
"Dressed in beige pants, a blue sport shirt open at the throat, black jacket, and black & white checkered muffler?"
"Yes."
"Do you think he was an angel?"
"I believed it at the time. I had another encounter with him, not many years ago. Another difficult Christmas. We didn't decorate a tree, but we sat in a hospital chapel. Talking about Christ, and the gift of Christmas. Again, I was comforted."
"Did he ever tell you his name?"
"Jordan Marley."
"I'd like to see him again sometime. To say 'thank you' ".
"Perhaps you will. Exactly when you need to."
Oliver and Drew walked back to the car.
"I can't thank you enough for this," Drew said.
"Would you give me a minute?" Oliver asked. "I'd like to go inside one last time."
Drew stood waiting for Oliver to return. He gazed at the lake. The tree. The cottage. And he smiled.
Oliver locked the door, walked up to Drew, and handed him the key.
"I've been thinking," Drew said. "I don't believe I'll tear down the cottage. It would be suitable for offices with only minor alterations."
"Please don't feel you need to do that for me," Oliver said. "The land is yours to develop as you wish."
"I believe it would be fitting. What was your grandfather's name?"
"Chester Stanley O'Toole."
"The Children's Home will be a legacy for both grandfathers. Andrew and Chester." Drew looked up at the sky. "I believe they are smiling at us right now from heaven."
Saturday Evening - December 19
Drew walked up the steps of Wheat Ridge Community Church, opened the door, and went to the sanctuary. He stood in the back, watching the children.
The boys and girls sang the last song. Norman and Rita applauded. Drew walked down the aisle to the front, clapping as he approached the kids.
"Well done, everyone," Drew said.
"They're all doing a great job," Norman said.
"Go change your clothes," Drew said to the children. "It's late."
"I'll help them," Rita said. She led the boys and girls to the changing room.
"How is Sammy doing?" Drew asked Norman.
"He starts well, but the closer we get to the end of the pageant, his stuttering becomes more pronounced," Norman said.
"Do you think we made a mistake, giving Sammy the narrator part?" Drew said. "Perhaps we're expecting more of him than he is capable of doing."
"He'll be fine. We ran through the entire program twice tonight. He's just tired."
Rita and the children came out of the backroom.
"Could Rita and I speak to you alone for a few minutes?" Norman asked.
"Of course. We can use Dad's office."
The kids crowded around Drew, all talking at once.
Drew held up his hands for silence. "One at a time, please."
The children laughed.
"Everyone please sit down on the pews," Drew said. " I need to speak with Rita and Norman for a few minutes."
The kids filed noisily to the seats. Drew led Norman and Rita to the office and closed the door.