Chapter Ten
A chorus of excited gasps and giggles filled the air as Thomas brought in the last of the gaily wrapped parcels.
“Go on then,” he urged. “Open them up!”
The children pounced on the pile of presents. The room bloomed into a kaleidoscope of torn paper and ribbon, each child revealing a treasure that was theirs alone.
Joy watched the whole thing, laughing as one young boy, no older than six, hoisted a toy soldier high above his head with pride.
“Look, Mr. Worthington! He’s just like you, all serious and stuff!” the boy exclaimed.
As the children delved deeper into their newfound wonders, Joy’s gaze wandered from face to face. She searched for…something. Someone. She wanted to find the child who needed her the most to share her home and life with. But how could she possibly choose?
“Did you find what you were looking for?” Thomas asked, leaning closer to whisper in her ear, his eyes following her searching gaze.
“Almost,” Joy replied. “There’s a child here who needs us, Thomas. I can feel it.”
“Then we’ll find them,” he assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Yes, we will,” she said, her eyes finally settling on a figure sitting slightly apart from the rest—someone who wasn’t tearing into a present or brandishing a new toy sword. Joy’s maternal instinct, strong and unerring, told her that this was the child her heart had been seeking.
“Let’s make this a Christmas to remember, shall we?” Joy whispered, a plan forming in her mind.
“Absolutely,” Thomas agreed. “After all, isn’t that what the season is all about? Making memories and sharing love.”
“Sharing love,” she echoed, making her way toward the child, ready to gift not just a toy or garment, but a family, a home, and a future filled with possibilities.
Joy approached the girl, whose eyes darted up from the patchwork quilt she’d been absentmindedly running her fingers over. Madelyn—Maddie, as they called her —looked like she was bracing herself for a lecture.
“Madelyn,” Joy said, her voice gentle, “how would you feel about spending your next Christmas surrounded by your very own family?”
Maddie’s mouth opened slightly, no doubt expecting to hear something else entirely. “My own…family?” she asked, a flicker of hope igniting in her eyes.
“Yes,” Joy confirmed with a warm smile. “Thomas and I would be honored if you would consider being a part of ours.”
“Really?” The word trembled on Maddie’s lips.
“Absolutely,” Thomas chimed in. “We’ve got plenty of room, and we’re told our Christmases are pretty special.”
Maddie’s gaze bounced between Joy and Thomas. Her posture softened, and she allowed herself a tentative smile.
“Then, um, yes,” she stammered. “Yes, I’d like that very much.”
“Marvelous!” Joy exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Let’s gather your things, then. It’s time to take you home!”
*****
The Worthington mansion loomed grandly as the wagon rolled up the cobblestone drive. Maddie stared; her eyes wide with wonder. She’d heard stories about places like this, but never dreamed she’d be calling one home.
“Welcome to your new home,” Thomas announced as he helped her down from the carriage.
“Goodness,” Maddie muttered to herself, taking in the sprawling gardens and the stately columns. “It’s like a castle.”
“Wait until you see inside,” said Joy, guiding Maddie through the grand entrance. They passed George Langley, the gardener, who offered a gruff nod and a rare smile, recognizing the importance of the moment.
“Your room is just up these stairs,” Joy said, leading Maddie to the second floor. The door swung open to reveal a sunlit space, complete with a four-poster bed, a writing desk nestled by the window, and shelves waiting to be filled with books and treasures.
“Mine?” Maddie asked.
