Edward stirred and awoke, finding himself lying in a grassy clearing in the midst of some trees. He had no idea how he got there but it didn't seem to matter. He felt totally at peace for the first time in his life. He sat up slowly, taking in the sounds and the smells and enjoying the warm sunshine. As he watched a fawn come tip-toeing across the grass to a small brook nearby, he heard a voice behind him calling his name. He rose to his feet, careful not to frighten the fawn, and turned. A familiar figure greeted him. "Hello Edward." said John.
"What is this place?" asked Edward in wonderment.
"It is a place I have created for you to come to whenever you have the need." replied John. "It is also a place where I can speak to you whenever I have need, as I do now."
"You have need of me?" asked Edward, surprised.
John smiled. "There is something that I would like you to do." he said.  "There is a boy by the name of Peter. He is an orphan like you and his life has been very difficult. One day very soon he will come to us but before he does I would like you to give him a very special Christmas."
"It will be my pleasure." said Edward.
 

Christmas Eve:

Edward knocked on the door of the orphanage and waited. Within minutes a middle-aged woman answered the door. She had silver-grey hair and a kindly face and she smiled warmly when she saw Edward. "I've been expecting you." she said. "Please come in." Edward followed her through to a room at the front of the house where a boy of twelve was kneeling in front of a crucifix praying. "Peter." she said gently. "Edward is here."
Peter looked up at Edward and smiled. "Thank you." he said simply.
"You're welcome." Edward replied. "Come on, let's get you out to the car."
As Peter picked up his suitcase, Petra Collins touched Edward lightly on the arm. "They chose well." she said softly. Before a startled Edward could reply, Peter came over and joined them. Petra smiled warmly at both of them. "You two be good now." she said in a motherly fashion as she ushered them out the door.
"Yes ma'am." said Edward with a mischievous smile.

Edward opened the door to his house and followed Peter inside, pointing him in the direction of the sitting room. The boy went into the room and stopped dead in his tracks, a look of pure delight lighting up his face. Inside the room Kim was putting the final touches to a well decorated tree. Edward went and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you." he said softly. "You don't know how much this means to me."
Before she could reply Michael came into the room, bearing a tray. "Just in time." he said. "Who would like some lemonade?"
Wide-eyed, Peter came over and joined them, drawn into the circle of their love.
 

Christmas Day:

A knock on the door drew Edward's attention away from Peter, who was busy unwrapping presents. Coffee in hand, he went and answered. It was Kim and Michael, both wrapped up against the snow that was falling outside. "Hi you two." said Edward. "Come on in."
"How's Peter?" asked Kim as she shrugged her way out of a coat.
"Positively glowing." said Edward. "I've never seen anyone look so happy. Why don't you two go on in while I make some coffee?"
As soon as Kim and Michael entered the sitting room, Peter rose and came to them giving them each a hug in turn. "Thank you." he said.
"You're welcome." said Kim, delighted. "Why don't you show us what you've got?"

Later that morning, there was another knock on the door. Wondering who it could be, Edward went and answered the door. To his surprise it was Daniel with his wife and daughter. "Merry Christmas, Edward." said Daniel. "May we come in?"
"Certainly." said Edward, recovering from his surprise. "Everyone's in the sitting room. Why don't you go in and join them?"
Michael and Kim were delighted that Daniel had brought his family. Peter and Renee hit it off straight away and spent the day watching videos and playing computer games while everyone else relaxed and talked. Adults and children alike enjoyed themselves immensely and it would long be remembered by them all.

Later that evening, after everyone had gone to their own homes, Edward and Peter were sitting together on the sofa. Edward had his arm around the boy who was snuggled into his side. Peter sighed contentedly and looked up at Edward. "Thank you." he said. "That was the best Christmas I've ever had."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." said Edward with a warm smile.
Across the other side of the room, unseen by either Edward or Peter, John watched them. He smiled happily, pleased with the way things had turned out.
 

Epilogue: