"Sure thing," Jenny called out. "Same to you."
"What's the matter," Kim's father asked, leaning forward slightly. "You've been distracted all evening."
"I know," Kim apologized. "I'm sorry. I just... well, have something on my mind."
"Something or someone?"
Kim smiled sadly. "Am I that obvious?"
"Want to talk about it?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm just... I don't know. Mad at myself."
"What? Why?"
"Just because I'm pigheaded. Opinionated. Stubborn..." She hesitated. "Feel free to argue with me," she joked.
"Pigheaded, opinionated, stubborn. Sounds like you're talking about me."
She laughed. "I guess we grow up to be our parents. That's what they say."
The smile drifted from his face. He thought for a moment. "What if your parent changes?"
She smiled. "I don't know. I'm pretty set in my ways. I think it's too late."
"If there's one thing I've learned over the past month, it is that it's never too late."
Kim nodded. "Speaking of which," she said, changing the subject as she glanced at her watch. It was eleven-thirty, a little late to be eating dinner. "Are you sure you want to wait until midnight to eat?"
Her father nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. And to exchange gifts..."
"Dad," Kim said. "I've already told you, I got what I wanted..."
He smiled at her. "I haven't seen you use that new ice rink yet."
"Maybe tomorrow," Kim said.
"How about right now? I can watch from the window," he said standing up and turning on the outside light.
Kim looked at him curiously. "Right now?"
"Why not? It is Christmas, after all."
Kim nodded. If she bundled up, she might be able to withstand the cold. After all, if she was going to move here, she'd better get used to it. "All right," she said, going off in search of her new skates.
Harold stood at the window, watching Kim wander onto the ice. She waved back at him as she skated cautiously toward the middle of the rink. He smiled proudly and watched her skate around the perimeter. He would have liked to stay there and watch her until she came back inside, but unfortunately he couldn't. He had some work to do. And he didn't have much time.
Tony used the windshield wipers to brush away the snow that had started falling a few minutes earlier. Christmas carols played on the radio as he pulled up in front of the Risson house. He was a bit curious as to why Risson had insisted he come out to his house as soon as he was finished at the hospital. After all, if Risson was having problems, he should have contacted Harkavey. He was his cardiologist, not Tony.
Tony parked the car and walked up the walk. The house was dark with the exception of the lights from the Christmas tree. Tony shook his head. Maybe Risson had wanted to speak with him and had waited until Kim had gone to bed before summoning him over. Tony walked up to the door and hesitated. There was an envelope taped to the door with his name on it. He pulled it off and opened it.
Dear Tony,
I'm afraid I've brought you out here under false pretenses. The pain I'm suffering right now is not from any mistake you have made... it is due to a serious error of my own. I've made many such errors in my life; however, the most recent was when I seriously misjudged you and your caring for my daughter.
I ask you both to forgive a silly, selfish old man. I not only approve of you for my daughter, I have spoken with the chairman of the hospital and have nominated you for my replacement as Chief of the Thoracic Unit when I retire next month.
Congratulations and Merry Christmas,
Harold
P.S. Be patient with Kim. Just remember--she loves you.
Kim was getting into it. Too bad I don't have any music, she thought, picking up her speed as she stretched out her arms. She twisted, intending to spin herself around. Instead, she lost her balance and fell flat on her rear. She started laughing as she slid backward on the ice. As she drifted to a stop she looked toward the window, taking a mock bow toward her father. But it was not her father that she saw. It was Tony, standing at the edge of the rink, watching her.
Kim sat on the ice, not even feeling the cold wetness as it seeped through her jeans. "Tony?" she asked softly, brushing a snowflake off her eyelash.
He smiled at her as he stepped onto the ice. He stopped in front of her and extended his hand in an offer to help her up.
She slowly accepted his hand and he lifted her to her feet. Still holding on to her, he showed her the note.
Kim read it slowly, her brown eyes filling with tears. She looked at Tony and smiled.
Tony was the first to speak. "Kim, I... well, I'm sorry if..."
"You have nothing to apologize for. I do. I'm sorry. I was worried about repeating the mistakes of the past, and in doing so, I almost made the most terrible mistake of my life."
He traced his finger underneath her eye, wiping away a tear. "You changed your mind about us? Were you visited by the ghost of Christmas past?"
She smiled and nodded. "As well as the ghost of Christmas present and future. I saw what my life would be like without you."
"And what were you doing... without me?"
"I was sad and lonely. I had been offered something more priceless than money or fame, and I was too frightened to accept it."
He hugged her close. "I love you, Kim. I can understand why you were concerned about me... or rather, about us... but I think as long as we make a conscious effort to balance love and work, we'll be okay. Even your dad could see that. Speaking of which..." he said, nodding toward the house. "I don't know how you did it, but you've even changed him. His letter... well, it's a miracle."