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‘I’m all better.’ She beamed and the crowd roared their approval while Summer blew kisses and waved to everyone, and Callum once again sent thanks to whatever angels watched over the little girl that it had worked. He just hoped those same angels were still feeling charitable, and looking over his family and the surgery. It was going to take a miracle to save them.

When finally the crowd settled, Natalie spoke again. ‘By now, you all know how Summer’s Christmas started, and what it’s achieved. The first year, we raised money to make sure Summer got the treatment she needed to get well. Last year, we raised money to help extend the local hospice. And this year, we’ve come together, family, friends, community members, to raise money for something so very important that it’s part of the very heart of our community.

‘It’s the place where people go when you don’t feel well, when you have questions and worries. It’s the team who help look after you and the people you love the most when they’re vulnerable or hurting. They deliver babies, and help welcome them into the world and make sure they thrive.’

As she spoke, Callum felt someone clap him on the shoulder from behind. He turned to see Harry grinning broadly, his other arm firmly around his wife who held their newborn, snuggled against her chest.

‘And when you’ve needed the hospital, they’re the ones who help welcome you back home safely. And it’s the same team and surgery who helped get Summer the treatment she needed, and now make sure she stays well.

‘The team are your first point of contact for help and care, and the ones who are with you throughout. No matter what you’re going through, they’re there offering a kind ear, friendly smile, expert advice and compassion and support.’ Natalie paused as a murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd.

‘Well, it’s about time we supported them to make sure we can keep them, right here where they belong, in the heart of your community. Summer, why don’t you tell us what we’re all raising money for this year?’ She handed the microphone back.

‘We’re going to save the doctor’s surgery! So give us lots of money!’

‘I don’t think I could have put it better myself.’ Natalie laughed. ‘For years, the Macpearson family have looked after you all, digging deep and working hard to give the best possible care for this community, whether it was the middle of the day, the weekend, or the middle of the night. So let’s repay the favour, and dig deep to give as generously as we can, and make sure they can stay here, continuing to care for us for years more to come.’

The cheer that echoed around him was so full of emotion that he had to look down at the ground while he took a few deep breaths to regain his composure.

When he looked up again, the microphone was in the hand of Santa. ‘Ho, ho, ho! Merry Summer’s Christmas!’ He waited for the applause to wane. ‘You’ve all heard what these two lovely ladies have had to say, and you all know how important this weekend is. So, as the expert on all things Christmas, I now declare the third Summer’s Christmas officially open! Ho, ho, ho!’ He waved his hand, and the park gates were opened by volunteers, to another huge cheer from the crowd who streamed through the gates, through the avenue of sparkling, decorated trees, and into the waiting fete grounds.

‘So, what do we think, Sarey-fairy? Shall we do a quick lap of the fair and maybe get some snowman snow cones before I go and check in with the first-aid tent?’

‘Can I go in the giant snow globe too?’

‘I think we can manage that.’ Callum hoped everyone else was as eager to spend money. ‘But Liv and I both need to take our turn in the first-aid tent.’

‘I know.’ Sarah pouted. ‘Doctors are never really off duty.’

‘I guess you hear that a lot.’ Liv shot Sarah a sympathetic look.

‘Yeah. But it’s an important job.’

‘Yes, it is.’

‘But we can still have some fun first, right?’

‘We absolutely can.’ Callum grinned before taking off towards the fun. ‘Come on, race ya!’

‘Cheat!’ Sarah raced after him, leaving Liv to laugh at their silliness.

* * *

‘You’ve got another bit, right here.’ Liv tried not to shiver as Callum leaned over and pulled another lump of “snow” from her hair. When Sarah had begged her to join her in the giant, bouncy-castle snow globe, she hadn’t been able to resist. And right now, as Callum stood too close to her, plucking fake snow off her, she was finding other things much harder to resist.

‘Snowmen snow cones now?’ Sarah pleaded.

‘All right.’ He plucked a final clump of fake snow from Liv’s hair. ‘Fancy a snow cone, Liv?’

There was something else she fancied a lot more than that, but in public she’d settle for ice cream. ‘Sure.’

Callum grimaced as his phone vibrated and burst into demanding chirrups and jangles that Liv recognised only too well. ‘Surgery line?’

‘Yup.’ He glanced at Sarah as her face fell. ‘Sorry, but you know I have to get this.’

‘I know.’

‘Maybe you can stay with Liv for a few minutes.’ He waited for Liv’s nod. Of course it was fine, she adored Sarah, and understood better than anyone. ‘I’ll be as fast as I can.’