The Two Hanks in the Heavens

A/N: This extra un-Secret Santa fic for ecv is a result of an inspiration from mphs95. She wrote me a top-notch unforgettable second Santa story, which sparked an idea in my head. I ran it past her to be sure it wouldn't spoil her plans, and she encouraged me to 'put it out there.' So I did. As Jackie Gleason used to say, "And away we go!"

Chapter 1

Hank Booth Senior was a church-goer all his life. He'd attended Sunday school as a boy, raised his son in his faith, took his grandsons to church when he took over their care, tried to believe in God's goodness and purpose when he lost his wife to cancer, and clung to the hope that they'd meet again once he'd 'shuffled off his mortal coil' as Shakespeare had said.

As Hank stepped off the escalator that carried him up to heaven, he was delighted to spot his beloved Marie waiting for him inside the Pearly Gates. She was as spry as she'd been before her long illness; brown eyes sparkling with joy and a familiar smile across her face. She grabbed his hand as soon as he cleared the entrance, vibrating with excitement.

"Finally, you're here! I've got so much to show and tell you!" she enthused. "Golly, I've missed ya!"

"You've been watchin' me, haven't you, girlie?" Hank asked her with a grin.

"Sure I have, Hank Booth! You didn't think I'd leave you to raise those two boys without some help, didja? I kept an eye on things, nudged you into learning how to cook, prodded you when a bit more patience was called for; but I gotta say, you did a helluva job with Shrimp and Jared, Honey. They're both fine men. Seeley a bit more so, but Jared's getting there."

"I knew it! I felt you there, you know. I somehow sensed your being nearby," Hank said softly.

"That's part of the deal. You get to help the guardian angels; keep an eye on your family still down there; help 'em out a bit from time to time with a little inspiration. Ya even get to talk to the younger ones. It's one of those Santa Claus things. If they're young enough to still believe in Christmas magic even a little, they can see you sometimes. The babies most of all," she told him.

"You know there's gonna be another little Booth, Marie? Temperance had just told me she was pregnant again."

"Of course, I knew, you old silly. It's gonna be a boy, and they're gonna name the little squirt after you, my dear," Marie said fondly. "It usually takes a while to get your first visit back approved, but they've decided to make an exception in this case. Since Shrimp's in prison, they're sending you down to give some comfort to Bones, and Parker, and that adorable little granddaughter of ours," she confided with a smile. "Bones! That's such a clever name for her! Shrimp did really good when he coined that nickname! Makes me chuckle every time I hear him call her that!"

"Now get going, Hank, your wake's about to start. Temperance got it all arranged in Philly. She's even catered American, Provi, or whiz, widdout from Geno's for the spread!"

"That girl got Philly Cheesesteaks for the VFW guys? God, I love her! I wish you coulda met her, Honey, she's just so good for our Shrimp, you know?" Hank declared.

"Yes, I know, she is perfect for our boy. Now go on, you've gotta hear some rules before you go. I'll be waiting here when you get back, Hank Booth, you can be sure of that!"

oooooooooooo

Seven months later as earth time runs, Hank Senior was out for a morning stroll while his wife had coffee and pie with her friends. He spotted a cherub playing with a kitten in the gutter, his halo askew atop tousled dark brown curls.

"That little guy's hair is as mussed up as Parker's used to be," Hank thought to himself, and he realized why the munchkin seemed so familiar. He walked up to the small angel and said softly, "Hi there, kiddo."

The little boy looked up at Hank with chocolate eyes as dark as his own. "Hi, Mister Booth," he said.

"You know who I am?" Pops asked in surprise.

"Sure I do, you're my great-granpa!" came the reply. "You know those people I'm gonna meet down there soon, right?"

"I sure do, Son, I sure do! They can't wait to meet you. You're gonna be the luckiest little boy ever! You've got a wonderful mom and dad waiting for you, a sweet big sister, and the greatest big brother any kid could ask for! You're gonna have a wonderful life, Henry Joseph Booth!"

"I thought my name was Hank," the little angel said.

"That's the short version," Pops laughed, scooping his namesake up in his arms and setting the cherub on his shoulders. Sure feels great to be able to do that again, without all those aches and pains! He thought to himself. "Let's go meet your great granma before they send you down to your family! She's gonna love you, for sure! And don't worry, the two of us will come visit you in a year or so."