Chapter 4 Christmas and the New Year

Their first Christmas as three was special even if it was celebrated on the 26th. Johnny had worked the 24th and 25th. Both of them figured it was still Christmas whenever they celebrated. It was just part of being a fire fighter's family. Since neither of them had parents to visit, they opted to allow someone else to do so and Johnny volunteered to work.

Johnny and his crew had put out several fires related to dry Christmas trees. It was heart breaking to put out a fire that consumed the presents and much of a house on what should have been a quiet holiday for families and time for reflection on the reason for celebration. Fortunately there had been no injuries or fatalities. The crew had gone back to one family displaced to a motel and delivered a few toys to the children who had lost everything and had no family in the area. JJ had called several of the fire wives and between them all they had donated enough cookies and other treats to make a gift package for the family. JJ had delivered it to the station so the crew could take it with the toys. Johnny was also glad on that one day to not be a paramedic. Many of squad's calls revolved around injuries related to alcohol consumption or domestic violence this time of year. The paramedic team had a difficult shift. Johnny had called Christmas Eve night before turning in and briefly on Christmas Day to wish JJ and Nova Merry Christmas. He would be home on the 26th after 6 am.

Early on the 26th, the Gage's had their own Christmas as a family. Great care had been given to each of Nova's gifts. JJ and Johnny had reveled in their shopping that year. Somehow the canned music in the stores was cheerier than the year before and the crowds seemed less daunting. However, Nova had enjoyed the colorful paper and bows more. The scotch tape on the bottom of a bow sticking first to Nova's arm and then her hand and lastly her leg had fascinated their infant daughter more than the stack-able ring toy, the stuffed teddy bear or wooden fire truck. She had squealed happily as she swung in the child swing Johnny had set up for her in the backyard, but actually spent more time playing in the box it came in. That box was intended as Dudley's gift. However, he graciously shared it with Nova. He did hoard his catnip mouse by hiding it behind the couch. The couple had exchanged gifts for each other the evening of the 23rd, neither being able to wait. JJ had gotten Johnny spring cams for his personal use and a new recliner. "Every dad needs his own chair," she had explained. Johnny had first thought about getting JJ a new electric typewriter since home versions were becoming affordable. However it seemed awfully boring and practical so he instead had impulsively purchased a pair of pearl earrings that he had found for a terrific price. She had been completely flabbergasted and quite pleased with them. She would have appreciated the typewriter if Johnny had given it, but was delighted with the romantic gift. Johnny caught the day on film. JJ could hardly wait for the pictures to be developed so she could add them to the picture album.

They had invited the DeSoto's over on the 27th to celebrate. The couples only purchased gifts for the kids. They enjoyed watching the kids open presents and then the others played crazy eights while Nova played with her new toys. Later, they all drove out to the ranch and Chris and Jenny rode the horses with John and Roy. Nova napped and Joanne and JJ enjoyed a leisurely visit. They all roasted hot dogs and marshmallows before heading home. Johnny worked the 29th and the shift was much quieter than over Christmas. Since he had worked the holiday, he had taken the rest of the year off.

On the 30th, John packed his camera equipment, wife and daughter into the Land Rover for a trip to the reservation. Along the edge of the reservation, one could find civilization such as running water, electricity and sewer hook ups. However, many of the people lived farther into the land and lacked many of these amenities. The distance families lived from the border of the reservation was directly related to joblessness and poverty. Roads went from fair to almost non-existent. Sometimes the lack they survived with was excruciating to comprehend.

A few Indians wanted nothing to do with a half-breed and a scant handful even saw Johnny as a sellout. There are those in every demographic. Even so, the Gages had found many families willing to be a part of the photographs for the picture book and were glad for the opportunity to show the richness of their culture. The publisher had sent an advance for the second picture book and they used much of it to employ the subjects for the photos. JJ was very pleased to have a positive link for Johnny and Nova to their culture.

The Indian families offered hospitality which JJ accepted even over Johnny's initial objections. He didn't want her to experience what he had grown up with nor did he want Nova to do so. Johnny still carried shame from his tumultuous childhood. "Johnny, it's for one night and to refuse would be extremely rude," she retorted softly, "You forget I lived in slums in the inner city and the boonies in the Appalachians," JJ gently reminded him, "It will be fine and an enriching experience for Nova as well." Eventually Johnny had relaxed and JJ saw just a glimpse of what he might have been like in his youth. Nova had loved the music and danced along with the hosts, much to their delight. The food was traditional and delicious. JJ suspected they had sacrificed at other meals to offer such abundant fare at this one. Johnny got loads of pictures that would be the foundation for the traditional family life portion of the picture book. As they lay down to sleep that night in the back of the Rover, it was so quiet and coyotes sung them to sleep.

The Gage's spent New Year's Eve at home. They'd grilled steaks and spent the evening throwing paper balls for Dudley to fetch in between stacking cardboard blocks up so their daughter could knock them down. Later Johnny and JJ would hide and then peek around the couch causing Nova to belly laugh. They'd had invites to two different parties, but opted to stay home. After Nova was put to bed, they grabbed a couple of beers and sat on the couch. Dudley had flopped down against Johnny's hip, curled up and snoozed. "You know John," JJ began, "I have kinda dropped the ball on planning ways to get you home quickly after work."

Johnny grinned, "Yeah and somehow I still manage to hurry home anyway. I can't imagine why." She poked him playfully.

JJ snorted, "Yeah, well I have an idea for tonight. You game?"

Johnny raised his eyebrow in interest, "Oh? Are you recycling an idea, Janes?" He could think of a couple he wouldn't mind trying again.

"Nope, it is a new one," JJ teased with a glint in her eye.

"Bring it on Janey," Johnny replied with his hands palms up, out in front of his body and pulling his fingers pulling back to his body.

JJ quickly got up and went to the hall closet returning with a deck of cards. "Five card stud, Stud." She snapped out cards alternating between them until five cards had been dealt. JJ tapped the remaining deck on the coffee table to straighten it and set it down with the cards facing down.

Johnny picked up his hand and wiped his face blank as he looked over his cards. His competitive streak coming out. "So, what are the stakes?"

"You'll see," JJ answered with a smirk as she also checked her hand. "Cards?" Johnny asked for two. JJ took one. "Okay, show your hand love," she instructed.

"A pair of queens," Johnny said with a smile. "Beat that Angel."

"Not bad foxy," JJ admitted looking crestfallen. She then showed her hand. "Full house read 'em and weep loser," JJ crowed. Johnny smiled and groaned.

"So, now what?" he asked.

JJ's eyebrows went up and she smirked. "Pick something to take off and shed it buddy."

Johnny laughed and pulled off one sock. JJ gathered up the cards, shuffled and dealt the next hand.