Chapter 14

It was Christmas Eve day and you'd imagine that it would be Caroline who was jumping with excitement, but no it was Ray. He was first up making the breakfast and singing Christmas songs.

Ben had woken up to the sound to that beautiful voice and smiled, thinking how lucky he was to have someone like him to bring such love and light into his life.

So lying there for just a while listening to him sing, "Santa drives a pick up..."

Eventually it was time to get himself out of bed, but before he could Caroline came running in and jumped onto the bed, "Hi Daddy Ben."

Hugging the little girl, "Hi sweetheart how are you, are you looking forward to Santa coming tonight?"

Nodding and clapping her hand excitedly, "Oh yes, I am and I am going to go to bed really early and be really good. Are we going to leave out milk and cookies and carrots for the reindeer?"

Pushing her hair behind her ear, "Of course and your aunt Maggie sent us some pemmican we can leave out as well. Do you think the reindeer will like that?"

Smiling wide, "Oh yes I think they would love that."

Ray's voice rose on the next song, "Jingle Bells...Jingle Bells...Jingle all the way..."

Both Fraser and Caroline started laughing as they headed down to him. Joining in as they came into the kitchen, "On a one horse open sleigh..."

Finishing the song the very happy Ray sat their breakfast in front of them.

While chewing on his toast Ray asked, "So Ben, what's on the cards today. Other then getting ready for Santa's visit of course."

Caroline smiled at the mention of the big guy in red.

"I believe we are going to the Christmas Eve parade and to midnight mass with the Vecchio family at six o'clock," Ben replied.

Frowning puzzled, "Midnight mass at six o'clock?"

"Yes Ray they have midnight mass at six so children can attend with their families before having to go to bed for Santa. Also I believe that it's a children's mass where they sing and put on a nativity play as well."

Ray's face brightened up, "Cool, that sounds like fun huh Caroline."

The time spent waiting to leave for the parade was spent building even more snowmen in their back yard.

So far they had a Ben, Ray and Caroline one. They also built a Diefenbaker and turtle shaped one. So they were now working on a horse and sled shaped one.

Ray smiled as he thought about how bizarre his world had become. Yet he would not change it for the world. What was it going to be like when Caroline's mum gave birth to the triplets?

Finally it came to leave for the parade which turned out to be one of the best they'd ever seen, with candy canes given out and Santa hats which Ray wore with glee. It had been so much fun that they were still smiling and talking about it when they arrived for the midnight mass with the Vecchio's.

By the time they got home they were so tired but things had to be done before bed.

Ben took Caroline by the hand, "Now you can leave Santa's food and drink tray there along with food and water for the reindeer OK."

"Yes daddy Ben, will you and daddy Ray tuck me in and tell me a story please?"

Warmed by her words how could they say no, so talking by her hand, "Of course come on sweetheart."

They barely finished the first page of the story when she fell fast asleep. So tiptoeing out they made their way downstairs to clean up before going to bed themselves.

Embracing Ben from behind Ray placed a soft kiss to his temple, "Thanks for the wonderful day my love."

Placing his hands over Ray's, "No thank you, it was really fun day and Caroline really seemed to have fun. Do you think I am doing enough for her while she is here?"

Turning Ben to face him, kissing his lips in feather light kisses, "Are you unhinged? You are doing a fantastic job Ben. You could not be doing more for her. So, *kiss*, stop worrying, *kiss*, got it?"

Laughing now kissing Ray back, "Got it."

Checking everything was fine they went to bed, hoping that Caroline slept in, and did not wake up at dark 30 in the morning like they heard some children do.

Ray woke to hush whispering and giggling, "Sshh Dief you'll wake them up."

Opening one eye he saw Caroline standing in the doorway to the bedroom.

She saw him opening his eye and smiled. Her little feet ran to him, "You're awake I knew you'd wake up daddy Ray."

Picking her up he sat her on his lap, "You did, did you?"

Nodding, smiling the sweetest smile, "Yes and Santa left me a teddy bear on my bed see," showing him a polar bear teddy bear.

"Oh wow that is so cool honey."

Just then Ben woke up smiling the second he saw the pair on the bed along with Diefenbaker who had squeezed in next to them, "Morning Ray, morning Caroline. What have you there?"

"Santa left me a teddy on my bed, that means Santa came. Can we get up now please?"

Both Ray and Ben looked at each other smiling, "Of course, lets go see what Santa brought, race ya!"

Practically running down the stairs they stopped and looked open mouthed at the presents under the tree, there were dozens of them.

Jumping and twirling around, Caroline couldn't contain herself and neither could Ray and Dief who joined in.

Ben chuckled at them, his eyes shining with happiness a he took photos and video clips to capture the moment forever.

As they opened their presents they wore the hats Uncle Buck had given them.

The little girl couldn't believe her luck, Santa had brought everything that she wanted and more. He even left a photo of the animals with their presents with a note telling her he kept his promise and did not forget them.

Ray was overjoyed with his new brown leather jacket and boxset of Steve McQueen DVDs. Ben was delighted with his new woodcarving tools and framed pictures of them plus Lisa, David and the sonogram picture of the triplets and of course not forgetting Dief.

That Christmas morning had been one of the best that they all ever had and Ben had three film rolls to catalogue it all.

Ben crouched down in front of Caroline buttoning up her little red winter coat. She looked so cute, her hair all curly with her furry boots, her jumper, that Francesca had made her and the pants that Maria had bought for her. She felt so grown up she that she couldn't stop smiling.

So all dressed in their Christmas best laden down with presents for the Vecchio's, they made their way to the car for the journey through the ice and snow.

Even though the roads were hazardous, Ray got them there safe and sound.

They could tell from the driveway that the house was awash with love and laughter. The Christmas light on the porch brought a welcoming glow to them.

Glancing to Ben, Caroline and Dief, "Well guys and gal,s are you ready to face the Vecchio's?"

Caroline clapped her hands with glee, "Yes Daddy Ray"

Dief barked while Fraser just laughed leaning to place a kiss on Ray's cheek, "I take that as a yes then Ben."

Placing another kiss on his cheek, "Yes Ray."

Eyes sparkling with joy and love, "Greatness Ben, well then pitter patter"

Walking up to the steps to the house Ben noticed that they had taken the time to salt the steps. He smiled remembering his first Christmas here when Uncle Joe slipped on the steps and Ma Vecchio gave out to Ray for forgetting to re-salt the steps. It was a sight to be seen, she was waving her wooden spoon as Ray looked just like a six year old after doing something very wrong and getting caught doing it.

The front door opened just as they got to it and Ray Vecchio's smiling face greeted them. "Hey guys glad to see that ye made in one piece. Those roads are a nightmare huh."

"You can say that again, but my safety here," jerking a thumb at Ben, "made me go slow, so slow people walkin' passed us out!"

Laughing at that and at Ben's face he turned his attention to the little girl. "Hey Caroline, was Santa good you?"

Running up to him for a hug, "Uncle Ray! Oh yes Santa was veeeerrry good to me, was he good to you"

Crouching down hugging her back, "Yes he sure was kiddo."

"Cool," she replied in her sweet voice.

The house was a buzz with noise and activity with people everywhere you looked. As soon as she could Caroline ran to play with other children. While Ray and Ben placed their gifts under the tree with others before going to help Ma Vecchio in the kitchen.

Of course Ma tired to shoo them away but they insisted on helping her. Ben helped with food while while Ray happily laid the table singing to himself.

Turning to Ben she smiled, "You look happy caro."

Ducking his head slightly but smiling, "I am Ma, I am very happy."

Bumping his waist with her shoulder, "I am very happy you both, you make such a wonderful couple. I was worried about Stanley, I mean Ray, he seemed so sad when I first met him. Yet he he looked after our family like we were his own."

Waving her hand, I know he was pretending to be my son, but it never felt like that. He was, he is my son and I love him dearly. Now he has you my family is just getting bigger and bigger."

Ray stopped his eyes filled with moisture at her words. It felt good to hear those words from her.

His own parents were in Arizona with his brother's family, he wished that they could be here to see all of this and to experience this wonderful family.

Ma turned to Ray, "Ray dear could you go into back yard and bring some extra chairs please?"

Kissing her cheek as he passed, "Sure Ma no problem."

Pulling Ben by the arm so they could see Ray out of the window she pointed. "Watch this caro."

As they watched they saw Ray whistle to himself then stop, their stood his mum and dad along with his brother and his family.

"Mum, Dad, James!" he ran to them hugging them, "How? What? What are you doing? I thought that you were in Arizona."

"Oh Stanley dear, Mrs Vecchio invited us all. We couldn't say no and all our family are together. It's just wonderful. You look so well, so handsome," his mum babbled as she hugged him.

Ben felt a tear slip from his eye. "You did that for Ray, Ma."

Taking his hand in hers, "It was no trouble caro, family should be together for Christmas right?"

"Yes they should, thank you so much I think you made his year." Ben smiled.

"Benton, Benton, oh there you are. You are a hard man to find," a female voice called out.

Ben turned to see his sister standing there smiling then Fraser smile back at him. In two steps he had her in a bear hug, "Maggie, how did you get here?"

Hugging him back, "Same as everyone by plane."

Laughing now, "It's so good to see you Maggie."

"You too Benton, you too. Where is Caroline?" she asked.

Looking at her with a face breaking smile, "Playing in the yard with the other children."

Kissing his cheek, "I'll just go say hey then."

Ray was just as surprised to see Maggie and introduced her to his family along with Caroline with delight.

The dinner it's self was incredible. There was enough food to feed an army and then some.

As per tradition, Ray Vecchio stood up at the end of the meal for the toast, "I would like to say thank you all for coming today. To Ma yet again you made an amazing dinner that filled us all to bursting point, but there is still room for desert right," everyone around the table laughed. "Anyway as you all can see our family has grown so I welcome you to the Vecchio's and remember once a Vecchio always a Vecchio, right Ray?"

Ray raised a glass to Vecchio, "Right."

Clearing his throat, "Anyway Merry Christmas everyone."

Everyone rose their glass, "Merry Christmas!"

In the afternoon presents were given out songs were sung.

After Ben and Ray handed out their presents the little kids and the big kids opened them with glee.

Ben had spent months hand making presents for everyone, one to fit each person.

Francesca marvelled at her hand carved jewellery box with her favourite flowers carved into the box. And inside Ray had placed a beautiful silver necklace of a chain and cross he knew she would love.

Maria, Tony and Stella were trilled with their ornaments. It was Ray Vecchio who was the most thrilled as pulled out a hand carved sled with sled dogs. Sitting in the sled was a man in a sling. He laughed knowing that it was him from their very fist case together and was very moved by the gift.

Ma couldn't believe her eyes as she held the wooded rosary in her hands, it wasn't the usual bead shape it was square and each one had a different station of the cross, very carefully carved in and shone to shine in the light. She noticed her favourite Saint Padro Pio in the centre. Tears filled eyes with joy, "Oh caro it is so beautiful thank you."

Ben blushed, "You're welcome Ma."

Ray also got a kiss for the lovely holder he had made for it just for her.

The kids got toy trains, games and puppets which they loved more then some of their most expensive toys Santa had brought them.

All the kids ran to hug their uncles to thank them for them. As did the others who just loved their gifts with all their hearts as they came from the heart.

While others fell asleep from to much food, Ben caught the eyes of his true love and with unspoken words they agreed, this was the best Christmas ever and I love you.