Margaret was sitting at the kitchen table when Charity arrived home. She was catching up with the day’s headlines and email.

“Greetings! Where’s the Peanut?”

“Jamie said that she wanted to go sit in her bed. All of the butterflies entrance her and if the window is cracked, it makes them look as if they’re flitting about. She fell asleep. I have some unfortunate news about Jamie.”

“What? What’s wrong?” Charity’s heart leapt to her throat.

“I’m sorry, Jamie had a playdate with little Mariah and saw a snippet of Frozen. I’m afraid it’s started.”

Charity burst out laughing. “We can sit her in front of a screen tomorrow and she can watch it while we finalize the details of Dad’s carnival. It’ll only be a matter of time before she dresses as the princess.” She grinned. “We can take her this afternoon to buy the movie and the dress! She’ll need the dress too. What’s the princess’ name?”

“There are two main female characters, Elsa and Anna. She’s going to need both outfits. By the way, Elijah wanted to surprise you. He zipped home and took apart the crib. It’s in storage so you won’t have to deal with it again for a while.”

“That was sweet of him.” Charity opened the freezer and got out a pint of ice cream. Too bad he’s going to have to put it back together again.

“Did you read the news today?”

Charity shook her head.

“I know that Hal Jaworski isn’t your favorite person but you have to feel bad for the man. What sad news.”

“Pardon?”

“He’s been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Did you have any idea he was ill? It just came out today on a business site I follow. Apparently he’s known for a few months and kept it under wraps. They say he has about six to nine months.”

Charity had no idea when she went to his office. Hal Jaworski was the other anonymous donor! He had managed to create his legacy but now was running out of time. He was racing to give away his money because he had no one to give it to.

Margaret continued. “Says here that his daughters are estranged and they refuse any inheritance. Apparently, they don’t want to have anything to do with their dying father. Sad and ironic. He has the cash to build an excellent cancer center but it won’t be able to save his life.”

“I had no idea.” She squeezed Margaret’s hand. “I spoke with him just a bit ago and he never mentioned it. I’ve got a ton of work I suddenly need to do. Do you mind listening for Jamie Lynn if she decides ever to leave her bed? We’ll go right after she’s awake and ready to shop.”

Charity grabbed her pint of ice cream and walked to the soon-to-be nursery.

 

After an hour of phone calls and getting things moving with Pinnacle, Charity decided to get in touch with Hal Jaworski’s daughters. She didn’t want his kids to miss the chance to say goodbye or realize what he was doing for St. Luke’s.

She found Bernadette raising four children and living an ordinary life in Los Altos, California. She was the oldest of the girls so perhaps she would have some influence over the others.

“Hello, this is Charity Bennet. Is this Bernadette Bond?”

“This is Bernie. Do I know you?”

“No, I’m a friend of Hal Jaworski,” Charity said.

Bernie hung up. Strike one.

Charity looked up Rose and found out the girl had overdosed a year ago and passed away. This act of good will was not going as planned. Her last chance was Helen, who was easy to find as she still used the last name Jaworski and lived on Staten Island.

“Hello, this is Doctor Charity Bennet. Is this Helen Jaworski?”

“This is Doctor Jaworski. How may I help you, Doctor Bennet?”

Charity fist pumped the air. “Let me say first, and please don’t hang up on me until you hear me out, I’m a business acquaintance of your father’s.”

“Let me save you the trouble, Charity. My father and I have nothing in common. I tried to mend fences years ago but it didn’t work out. I read the newsfeed and I’m aware he’s dying. I’m heartbroken that I never had him as a father and that he will never meet his grandson.”

“Doctor Jaworski, I’ve been working with your father on a project he’s kept secret. He’s set up an enormous generous contribution to cancer research. He probably doesn’t know he has a grandson. Imagine what a beautiful gift it would be to allow them to meet.”

“First off, I’m a psychologist. I’m thrilled he’s doing something good with his money for a change. Secondly, my son is not my father’s grandson. I adopted Jason. He’s a wonderful, smart four year old.”

Charity smiled. “Please think about it, Helen. We are planning a carnival for Doctor Scott Thompson’s birthday. He’s the chief at Thompson Hospital. It’s this Friday.”

“I know the hospital.”

“Great! Jason would have a blast and he won’t be the only child. I’d love to meet with you and maybe chat a bit more.”

“I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll consider it.”

“Great! I’ll get you the details.” Charity hung up with her mission accomplished. Now she had to hope Hal Jaworski would agree to come to the party.