Here it is, Tony's Christmas Story. Hope y'all enjoy.
Chap. 1
Jack brought down the last box from the attic and smiled to himself. He was sure Tony would enjoy trimming the tree with him. The boy would be as excited as he was about the holidays. Now to check the food. This wasn't the big dinner he would make Christmas day, but it would suffice. A pot roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms and gravy with wild Jasmine infused rice and asparagus. His mouth watered just thinking about it. He was glad when he heard the car pull up into the drive.
Gibbs watched Tony's eyes dart around the yard. Jack had put up decorations all over the place. The only thing not adorned was the inside of the house. Jack had saved that for Tony. The yard did look amazing. His dad had gone all out this year, probably for Tony. He loved the fact that Jack cared as much for Tony as he did. The kid needed all the love and affection he could get and he would certainly receive that here.
"Come on, let's get inside, it's cold. We can come back out tonight when all the lights are on and look at the yard."
Tony started grabbing bags and presents, making his way toward the house, sure Jack would meet him at the door. Gibbs snatched up the remaining bags and followed his son. He was already starting to relax here. He hoped Tony was also on his way to being stress free for a few days at least.
"Tony! Let me help you with those bags while you put the presents in the living room. The tree isn't decorated yet. I was waiting for you guys to get here."
"Really?"
"Yes, now go."
When Jack came back down Tony was eyeing the tree and the decorations with excitement. Leroy was bringing coffee into him to warm him up. The scene was home and family. It was just what he wanted for Christmas. He was sure it was what they all needed this Christmas as well.
"Grandpa, when can we start on the tree?"
"Whenever you two get settled in, we'll get started. I'm going to grab me a cup of Joe and we'll figure out how you want to decorate."
"I get to choose the scheme?"
"Well, I didn't wait for you for nothing son."
Tony started carefully going through the boxes of ornaments. Some he was sure were much older than even him. They were beautiful and ornate and he wanted to treat them with as much care as possible.
"Some of those my mother bought years ago. She and Dad always went all out for Christmas."
Tony was honored to get this little piece of the Gibbs history and now he was getting to be a part of it. Jack would never know just how much this meant to him.
"Can we decorate this tree like the trees you and your parents used to decorate?"
"If you want, I guess we could. Here, these are ornaments we always used."
Tony cautiously handled the old colorful glass baubles before hanging them on the tree. The angel shrouded in blues and whites caught his attention.
"I was never allowed to do this as a kid. Our trees were professionally done. I wasn't even allowed to touch them. This is amazing."
Jack had to wonder how a sensitive kid like Tony made it in a household that was so cold. He was just glad that the universe brought the boy to them. They couldn't change the past, but they could build a wonderful future with him.
"I've got roast beef sandwiches and homemade onion rings if you two are hungry."
Jack sat the tray on the coffee table and reached for his coffee. His boys were warm and happy. They were laughing and enjoying the tree trimming. He had everything he could ever want for Christmas.