Sam opened the office door and greeted their guests, "Please come in."

Danni, arm in arm with Tango, and Garth pushing Rebecca's wheelchair, entered with gratitude and bliss glowing on their faces. Frankie looked up from his desk, the ever-present furrow in his brow softening as a wide smile spread across his face.

As he rounded his massive desk, Garth stepped closer with his hand extended, firmly shaking Frankie's hand. "We just wanted to say thank you." Glancing toward Rebecca, his voice choked as he tried to express his true feelings. "For—for everything. You've been an important part of making this miracle happen."

Rebecca, sitting in her wheelchair, added, "You've given us more than just care. You gave us hope when we thought all was lost."

Frankie, ever the stoic, waved a hand dismissively. "Just doing our job," he said, though his voice betrayed his emotions.

Danni's eyes filled with tears. "You gave us so much — Donatelli, Jenna, Rebecca, and little Margaret. There aren't words to describe our blessings."

Tango chimed in, "Let's not forget rounding up Rossi and his crew. That's a big thank you." Garth nodded in agreement.

"We can all give Jack Lexington a pat on the back for that one," Frank added.

"We'd like you to join us in the NICU in about an hour. Everyone's gathering and it wouldn't be the same without you two," Garth offered.

Frank smiled at their generosity but answered, "Thank you, truly, but I think this moment belongs to your family."

Danni hesitated for a moment, then nodded with understanding. "Well, the invitation's always open. And again, thank you."

The trio left, leaving Frankie and Sam alone in the quiet office. Frankie reached for the remote and switched the monitor to the NICU feed. A soft glow bathed the tiny bundle with wires and tubes connected to her little body. He felt honored to be a part of her life. "She's a real trooper, Sam. I'm glad she's part of our family."

"Me too! When she grows up, she can be at my side any day. That little girl is a fighter." Sam chuckled. "There's no mistaking who her daddy is."

*****

The hospital corridors were alive with sound. Carolers dressed in rich velvets and flowing cloaks of a bygone era strolled through the halls, their voices lifting in harmony. The haunting melody of When a Child Is Born floated toward the atrium, its poignant lyrics a balm for weary hearts.

In the atrium, Eleanor and Miriam stood side by side, their expressions soft, touched by the moment. The gentle light of the Christmas decorations reflected in their eyes as they listened.

Eleanor murmured, "With everything happening, I forgot we were in the Christmas season. I'm glad that you chose to stay a little longer. It will make Rebecca happy too."

Miriam smiled, "I've been alone for so long even my memories of Christmas had faded. It's nice to feel that special joy that comes with the holidays and to share it with family and special friends like you."

The carolers sang —

 

 

A tiny star lights up way up high

Miriam's gaze drifted to the windows, where the first snow fell softly. Her thoughts lingered on the daughter she had lost so many years ago and the miraculous discovery of Rebecca, her grandchild, alive and grown. There was sadness for the years lost but gratitude for the connection they had found.

She smiled as she listened —

 

 

This comes to pass when a child is born

Memories weighed on Eleanor, too. Jenna's birth, her decision to give her up for adoption, and the miraculous way they had been reunited and now the blessing of Margaret — it was all too much to hold in one heart. She pressed a hand to her chest, her love and awe for the workings of life's mysteries reflected in her tear-brimmed eyes.

The soft tones of the Carolers added joy to the moment.

A silent wish sails the seven seas

The winds have changed whispering in the trees

And the walls of doubt crumble, tossed and torn

This comes to pass when a child is born


Eleanor took Miriam's hand in hers and smiled. "Let there be peace on earth and goodwill to all men."

"The women, too, Eleanor," Miriam exclaimed.

Eleanor laughed at her newfound friend. "Yes, especially the women."

*****

As Danni wheeled Jenna into the NICU, the sight of Donatelli sitting there, tears streaking down his face as he gazed at Margaret, made their hearts ache. Jenna nodded to Danni, who guided the chair beside Donatelli and then moved away to give them space.

The two of them sat side by side, gazing at their tiny baby girl in the incubator, the soft whirring of the machines in the background.

Jenna reached over and placed her hand on Donatelli's arm. He stiffened at first, then slowly turned toward her. His eyes softened when they met hers, and he took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. There was a deep silence between them, broken only by their daughter's soft breaths.

"She's beautiful," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "She looks just like her momma."

Jenna murmured, "I think she has your eyes and will be strong — like you. A fighter."

Matthew grinned. "Does that mean she will come home from school with a black eye?"

Jenna's smile was filled with love. "It means she will stand up for what's right and never give up, even when she's fallen."

Donatelli's lips quirked into a soft smile, his guilt and fears giving way to the hope in her words. He turned back to their daughter, his shoulders relaxing for the first time in days.

The others entered one by one. Eleanor was the first, her presence calming and warm, followed by Miriam. Garth entered, his hand resting lightly on Rebecca's shoulder as he rolled her chair into the room. They gathered near the glass, their eyes drawn to the tiny, perfect miracle in the incubator. Tango soon joined them and stood near Danni.

The carolers' voices swelled, the melody of Silent Night carrying into the room like a prayer. The familiar hymn wrapped around them, comforting and filled with promise.

Donatelli reached for Jenna's hand, holding it tightly as the others joined them. Eleanor placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch light yet grounding. The baby stirred slightly, her tiny hand curling into a fist. Everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed on her, as though the slightest movement was a miracle.

Donatelli bent closer to the incubator, his tears falling freely. "Margaret," he whispered, his voice breaking. "Welcome to our world, little girl. This is your family, and we love you."

He turned toward Jenna, his face still streaked with tears. "I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you." He choked and looked away before turning back and whispering, "I love you. " His voice broke as the words left his mouth.

Jenna's lips trembled as she gazed at him, her heart beating faster. "I love you, too," she said, her words barely audible as she wiped a tear away. She added, "We'll get through this — together."

*****

Meanwhile, in Frankie's office, Sam leaned against the desk as he watched the NICU scene unfold on the monitor. His smile grew as Eleanor entered the room, followed by everyone else.

"Looks like they've got everyone they need," Sam murmured.

Frankie nodded, leaning back in his chair and picking up his glass of bourbon. "We did our part," he said, his voice thick with quiet pride.

Sam glanced at him, his smile turning playful. "That almost sounded like sentiment, Frankie."

Frankie smirked, raising his glass. "To a job well done," he replied.

Sam laughed, picking up his glass. "To miracles and family."