This Holiday Magic by Celeste O. Norfleet

need to take care of the usual Human Resources formalities and then we’ll be all set. I’d say you can sign on just after the first of the year.”
    Janelle nodded. “Sounds good. That will give me time to take care of the formal notification to Medics International and maybe take a few days off for the holidays.”
    Meg smiled. “Perfect. So, any plans for the rest of the day?”
    â€œYeah, I have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do.”
    Meg shook her head sadly. “I do not envy you that challenge. Two days before Christmas, last-minute shopping...the stores will be loaded and crazy with the shoppers about the same.”
    â€œI know.” Janelle chuckled. “Plus, I’m headed to a toy store.”
    â€œOh, you are really pushing it. Well, good luck with that,” Meg said, chuckling just as her cell phone rang. She grabbed it and glanced at the number. “I gotta go. I’ll get everything started on this end. Human Resources will be in touch.” They hugged quickly as Meg started walking away backward and waving. “Have a great holiday. I’ll call you next week.”
    â€œThanks again, Meg. Happy holidays, and my best to the family,” Janelle said. She smiled joyfully. Getting an offer to work at Johns Hopkins pediatric ward was a dream come true.
    She turned and headed to the bank of elevators near the main pediatric nurses’ station. As soon as she pressed the elevator button, she heard her name called. She turned to find Tyson and Aneka walking toward her. Her heart skipped a beat at seeing him. Dressed in blue jeans, a black shirt and black leather jacket, he looked exactly as he had the first time they’d met—bad-boy dark and dangerous.
    Several nurses walked by and openly stared admiringly.
    Aneka ran and grabbed her. “Hey, what are you two doing here?” Janelle asked, kneeling to hug Aneka. Then she stood and kissed Tyson’s cheek.
    â€œGood morning. Wow. You look beautiful.”
    â€œThank you. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
    â€œActually, we’re on our way out,” Tyson said.
    â€œI was in the hospital all night,” Aneka announced.
    Janelle frowned and looked at Tyson. “You were in the hospital all night. Are you okay? What happened?” Janelle asked, taking Aneka’s hand and moving to the side. Tyson followed.
    â€œA few hours after you left last night, I heard her coughing. She was having difficulty breathing. We used the inhaler, but it didn’t seem to help much. I brought her into the E.R. They took good care of her.”
    â€œWho’s your pediatrician?” Janelle asked.
    â€œDr. Andrea Jenkins, but she’s away for the holidays,” Tyson said, then explained the rest of their visit there.
    â€œI’m all better now. The doctor said so.”
    â€œPrincess Aneka, you are a very brave little girl,” Janelle said to Aneka, then stood and turned to Tyson. Aneka nodded and smiled proudly. “May I?” Janelle asked, seeing the discharge paperwork in his hands. He handed it to her. She quickly read the medical report, nodding. “This looks good. She should be just fine.”
    â€œThank you. I feel much better knowing that,” Tyson said, rubbing his chin stubble. “Thankfully, she slept most of the time.”
    â€œAnd we’re gonna see Santa Claus and get a Christmas tree and decorate it with lights and see fireworks and everything right now,” Aneka said excitedly.
    â€œWow. That sounds like a whole lot of fun,” Janelle said as Aneka smiled and nodded happily.
    â€œActually, we’re going to change clothes and grab something to eat first,” Tyson clarified.
    â€œDid you see Santa Claus?” Aneka asked.
    â€œNo, actually I haven’t seen Santa in quite a while.”
    â€œCan you come see Santa Claus with us?” Aneka asked, grabbing and holding on to Janelle’s