Epilogue

As the house settled down for the night, Rick reflected back on the day as he went out to close the barn. He had told the Chief about the extra gift they needed, and he came through with a brown leather saddle that would fit Crystal to a T. Selecting a 2 year old named Valentine, Jaime fell in love with the charcoal-colored horse and talked Steve into renting a car and horse trailer so they could take her home the next day. Despite their protests, he and Laurie had refused to charge Steve and Jaime anymore than what they had paid for the colt originally.

As he came back into the kitchen, he found his wife waiting, watching the blinking lights on the Christmas tree and he thought about how very happy they had made their friends. "Sweetheart, I'm done locking up, let's go to bed now, so that Santa can come even faster!" he teased.

"I've had my Santa visit, but I have something he left for you under the tree, come see what he brought you!" she giggled, taking his arm. Smiling at how excited she was, he let her pull him down the steps of the living room, then stopped in amazement at the large box sitting in the middle of the living room.

"What the," Rick stared, then the lights in the room went on and Robbie and Ramona and Robin and Ian all stood around, saying "Merry Christmas!" "Ok, well, it's not big enough for a horse!" he chuckled, then realized the box had no bottom. Lifting the top off, he was surprised to see a new leather rocker, comfortable enough to lounge in, watch the ballgame, maybe even rock a baby to sleep.

"Darlin', it's perfect, thank you for getting me a comfortable chair!" he grinned, then kissed her.

"Robbie had the original idea, but I wanted something just for you, and look what else you get!" she added. Robin handed him a card, in which he found a picture of Ricky sitting in a new office chair.

"Santa gave me an office chair, too! I love it, thank you!" he hugged his son and daughter-in-law, then embraced Robin and Ian. "I hope you like it, Mr. Simon, I know Ricky does!" he laughed. "Thank you, son, I have a feeling Ricky's going to see that chair a lot. Now you all go off to bed, remember, the earlier you go to sleep, the sooner Santa's back!" he snickered.

After Laurie kissed and hugged their children and Ian good night, Rick scooped her up in his arms and carried her laughing to bed.

Calling "Merry Christmas!" to their parents as their door closed, Robbie looked over at Ramona, then smiling, picked her up and said, "Last one to bed gets ashes!" then carried her to their room and closed the door.

"Maybe we should follow their lead?" Ian laughed, then kissed Robin. "Merry Christmas, honey!" "Merry Christmas, Ian!" she whispered back, then embraced him.

Suddenly a stern voice said, "Tell her good night, Ian!", startling Robin and Ian. "Yes, sir, Merry Christmas!", Ian gulped, then kissing her again, went to the guest room. "Merry Christmas, Uncle Oscar!", Robin called softly, then went to her room.

Laughing quietly, Oscar Goldman put some blankets on the living room sofa, then was startled by the sound of a footfall. "Oscar, is that you?" Laurie's voice came from the bedroom, then she and Rick appeared in the doorway.

"Yes, honey, I decided to stay the night, if that's okay with you two. Rob came out to bring Crystal's saddle, then Steve asked him if he wanted to stay and he decided not to drive home. Too crowded there right now." he answered.

"Sure it's okay. Do you want another blanket, it's cold out here!" Laurie added. Rick grinned, "Better say yes, she'll bring them anyway!"

"I'm fine, now you and Rick get some sleep!" Oscar told her, then embracing her, said "Merry Christmas, baby! I love you." "I love you too, Oscar,." she replied, "Merry Christmas!" As she went back down the hall, Rick said his good nights, then followed her.

Watching Rick go back to bed, Oscar wished he done the one thing he'd hoped to do, ask Laurie if he could adopt her legally. He knew she had once told him he had her father's place in her heart, but he wanted to make sure she was taken care if anything happened to him or her husband. This was his family now, and he was anxious to make sure they would be okay.

"Oscar?" She was back in the living room, this time with a pillow. Deciding not to wait, Oscar took the pillow from her, then reached for her hand. "Laurie, I have something to ask you. You know I love you, and no uncle could ever be prouder. Would you let me adopt you, to make sure if anything happens, you'll be all right?"

She stared at him, then whispered, "Nothing's going to happen to you, and you already are all the things a father should be, but I would love to be your daughter!" Opening her arms, she hugged him, tears of joy in her eyes. "My girl, you've given me the best Christmas gift ever!" he smiled, just as emotional.

As Rick came to see what was keeping Laurie, Oscar looked at him over her shoulder, then nodded at him. "Merry Christmas, son!" Rick realized what it meant for him to say that, and he grinned.

"Merry Christmas, Dad!"