Meadow567- It's so hard to picture Rizzo goofing off, being horny, getting drunk etc. LOL Love the pic on your site. And I could so see OC doing that kind of shaving…and if your roommates as long as those two have been, you're bound to pick up on what's going on! And Rammer, well he is just taking a beating between Emador and I. LOL And your private message was right on.

Flowersc781- Let me tell you, clubs have things like that. There is a huge strip club about 30 minutes from where I live and they have billboards along the road advertising their special floorshows! I liked Craig's line too. Loved your review!

Prettypinkcheer5- I hope you like this chapter too. It's serious and funny. Also, well the Pens will come into play later!

Lia06- Would you believe a strip club around here advertises as 'Great for couples'. I am like you, who takes a woman to a strip club?

Emador- Those boys are funny and I do feel bad for Rammer. Maybe we should write a story and give him a nice girl! ;-)

December 24, 1979

"Kylah, come on. We need to get to Doc's for the party." Craig said walking into my apartment. "Some of the boys have already left."

"Craig, I got some bad news." I said.

"Are you sick? Did something happen to Smokey?" Craig asked.

"No…a friend of mine from the network called about twenty minutes ago. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan earlier today. They've captured the Afghani president and replaced him with someone of their choice." I explained.

"What next?" Craig sighed. "So what now?"

"I don't know. President Carter is all over it, trying to decide the best plan of action. This is possibly a first move in the Soviets invading more countries to advance on the Middle East. And on top of everything else, this has the Iranians on alert." I sighed.

"We should be getting to the party Kylah. If we're late the boys will think that something is wrong." Craig said.

I nodded. "Don't mention this to the boys. They don't need anything else to worry about right now. Let them enjoy the holiday." I said.

I grabbed my jacket and followed Craig out of the building to his car. He drove us across town where Doc and his wife were hosting a party for the team. The boys had been looking forward to this for over a week.

We walked up the steps and into Doc's home where several of the boys were already drinking beer and sitting around.

"Kylah, Coach Craig…about time you two got here. We thought you were…" Verchota started.

"Having car trouble!" Baker interrupted and glared at Phil.

"Nice cover up." I giggled. "I am going to see if Mrs. Nagobads needs any help in the kitchen."

I helped get dinner on the table as the rest of the boys arrived. Even Herb arrived seeming to be in good spirits.

"Kylah, what did you ask Santa to get you for Christmas?" Ramsey asked me.

"I didn't get what I wanted for Christmas." I said with a slight smile.

"Then you need to talk to Craig about loosening up behind closed doors." Janny snickered.

I rolled my eyes. "Rammer, how did you enjoy your lap dance at 'The Gentleman's Club'?"

Ramsey nearly choked on his drink. "How did you know about that?"

"I'm a reporter, investigating is what I do." I winked.

"Rammer was so nervous he started reciting the Gettysburg Address while some stripper called 'Holiday Holly' was between his knees." Christian said.

Ramsey blushed so red I thought he'd pass out.

"Who talks about strippers over Christmas dinner?" Bah asked.

"Hey you were there too and enjoyed every minute of it." Mac said.

"But OC was the one we thought we'd have to pull off those stripper twins- 'Comfort' and 'Joy'." Buzz said.

"That sounds like he worst tribute to Christmas ever." I giggled.

"Got me in the holiday spirit." Verchota smiled.

"I've heard of going to church for Christmas. I've heard of going on vacation for Christmas. I've heard of going to grandma's house for Christmas. But I've never heard of going to see strippers for Christmas." I shook my head.

"That grandma thing is more for Janny….his liking of older women and all." Broten snickered.

"So what are you all doing tomorrow for Christmas day?" I asked.

"My folks are having a bunch of the guys over." Mac said.

"My parents are going to a veteran's hospital in Raleigh and serving dinner tomorrow." I said. "Then in the evening they're going to my dad's cousin's house."

"What are you and Craig doing tomorrow?" Pavelich asked. "Verchota don't even say it!"

"Craig says he has some big surprise planned for me." I shrugged.

"Don't say it Verchota!" Buzz said.

"How do you all know what I'm going to say?" Verchota protested.

"Because there are only two things ever on your mind. Hockey and sex." Cox said.

I shook my head; glad to see the boys relaxed and enjoying themselves. They'd worked hard and deserved a break. And if we couldn't go home, I was glad we could all be together for the holidays.

As dinner wound down, Jimmy appeared dress as Santa. He looked adorable. Jimmy began passing out presents to everyone. It was obvious that they were just gag gifts for fun. Then it dawned on me…Mac had asked for my underwear as a gag gift! I started looking around to see if any of the boys had them but couldn't find them.

"McClanahan, where is my panties?" I whispered.

Mac motioned for me to hush. I sat back and wondered if anyone would figure out they were my underwear. Better yet, who was going to end up with them?

"Did you wrap up my panties as a gift for Craig?" I whispered again.

"No, now be quiet about it." Mac said.

"Kylah, we couldn't forget out favorite PR agent." Jimmy said and handed me a box.

I eyed the box and then looked at Mac. Surely he wouldn't have wrapped my own panties and given them to me as a gift. I knew I had to open the box, and a few of the boys were watching.

"McClanahan, if this is what I think this is…..in my next press release I'm telling the world you need an extra-small jockstrap." I said.

"No need to lie to people." Mac laughed.

I scowled and started opening the box. I peeked inside so no one but me could see. I saw stuffed toys and breathed a sigh of relief. I opened the box and saw a stuffed moose and several smaller toys.

"A moose?" I asked.

"A moose for the person most concerned about our four-legged friend from Thief River Falls." Rizzo smiled.

It was a cute, little brown moose, with large antlers. "Where did you find him?"

"I found him in a gun shop downtown." Baker said.

"And the smaller toys are cat toys for Smokey." Janny said.

I smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure he'll love them…..and the moose is adorable."

Jimmy tossed a small box to Mac who in turn gave it to Silky. I was busy looking through the kitty toys and only half paying attention. Then Silk opened the box and I saw my underwear inside.

"You're girl left these at my place." Mac told Silky as everyone started laughing and clapping. "With some milk and cookies. Give her a hug for me."

Silky was chuckling, "You guys are unbelievable."

I didn't want to let on to anyone that the underwear was mine, but I wasn't sure which would be less obvious. Laughing and clapping or ignoring them. So I did a little of both and avoided looking at Craig.

"Hey boys, we still got two more presents to open up." Jimmy said holding up two packages. He handed Craig a package. "Coach Patrick from the boys."

"Thought you forgot." Craig said taking the package. He read the card. "To Craig……that's beautiful boys."

We all chuckled and watched him opened the small box. He laughed when he saw what it was. "Oh you're gonna like this one." He said to Herb and pulled a small plastic whistle out of the box.

We all laughed as Herb turned around and muttered something at us. Craig blew the whistle.

"Again" a few yelled. Craig blew the whistle again.

"Again." We all yelled and laughed. Craig blew the whistle.

"Again."

Herb took the whistle, "It's going back in the box." He said and put it away. We all laughed.

"And Herb, Merry Christmas from the boys." Jimmy said and handed a package to Herb.

Herb took the package and looked at us. The boys started a drum roll as Herb opened his gift. Herb opened his gift to find it was a bullwhip.

"Ah yes, the gift that keeps on giving!" Herb said and we all snickered.

The boys started calling for Herb to make a speech. Herb stood up and faced us.

"Well this may come as a shock to some of you guys, but I'm really not very good at making sentimental speeches." Herb said.

We all feigned a shocked reaction.

"And I don't think I should start tonight, so…" Herb hesitated and actually smiled. "Hey thanks for having me over Velta."

"Goodnight Herb." Velta said with a wave.

"Merry Christmas, Doc." Herb said and shook Doc's hand. Herb waved at Craig. Herb looked at all of us. "You guys have a great holiday!"

"Goodnight Herb." We called after him as he walked out.

"Let's play some football!" OC yelled and a lot of the boys jumped up.

The boys all put on coats and gloves and ran outside. I went to join Craig on the couch.

"Are you having fun?" I asked him.

"Yeah, what a great way to have the boys altogether for Christmas." Craig said. "How did Mac get your underwear?"

I looked up, Craig was snickering. "How did you know?"

"The uncomfortable look on your face during the gift exchange gave it away. I wondered why you looked like you were sitting on a cattle prod." Craig laughed.

"It's a long story." I sighed. "By the way, have you ever gone to a strip club?"

Craig did a double-take. "What? What kind of question is that?"

"I want to know. Tonight I've heard stories about the boys going to one, and I just want to know if you've ever been to one." I giggled.

"A few times at different bachelor parties." Craig said.

I laughed. "Did you ever start reciting the Gettysburg Address?"

"Kylah…..did you drink any of the eggnog?" Craig looked at me.

"Nah…poor Rammer." I kept laughing. "I mean when they told me the story I didn't want to laugh in front of him…..but that is so funny. I can just see him sitting there, blushing beet red, sitting totally still, the girl dancing on him and he starts 'Four score and seven years ago…'"

"How many beers did you have?" Craig asked.

"I'm not drunk. I'll tell you the whole story later." I giggled.

"Want to go join the boys outside?" Craig asked.

"Yeah." I said, and jumped off the couch.

Craig and I put on our coats, scarves and gloves, and then walked outside to find the boys playing football. The boys had also built a small bonfire and a few of them were standing around it.

"Looks like the game is well underway." Craig said.

"I just hope no one gets injured. Getting too close to the opening ceremonies to get injured now." I said. I shivered. "This cold is great but I am still getting used to it."

Craig put his arm around me. "But you look so cute with a red nose."

I laughed. "It has been fun having snow for Christmas."

I looked at the house across the street. They had a nativity lit in the front yard. I smiled and thought of Jake. If he were alive, right now he'd be watching Christmas classics on TV and eating mom's homemade cookies.

"Kylah…you okay?" Craig asked.

"Yeah, I was just thinking of Jake." I said.

"Speaking of your brother….was he involved in you not getting what you wanted for Christmas? You mentioned you didn't get what you wanted." Craig asked.

"Sort of. The night Jake came to me in my sleep…he told me a miracle was coming. Something that would help me have faith again……Well I really thought that it would be the hostages in Iran being released." I explained.

"I know that the hostages are on your mind a lot. Something will work out there." Craig tried to reassure me. "And what Jake said could be interpreted a lot of ways……maybe you're going to have a baby in the next few years or something."

I nodded. "The boys' game seems to be winding down. Maybe we should go make them some hot chocolate. I am sure Velta has some around."

Craig and I walked inside the house. A few of the boys had started to come in.

"Velta, do you have any hot chocolate? I thought the boys might like some. I'll help you make it?" I asked.

"Sure, it's in the kitchen." Velta said. I followed her into the kitchen.

XXXXXxxxxxxXXXXXXXXXXxxxxxxxxx

"That was a great party." I said and walked into my apartment. Craig and I had just driven home from Doc's house. It was late.

"It was fun. And the boys really enjoyed it. Although every time I looked at Ramsey he was blushing about something. And the guys seemed to be joking with him about something." Craig said.

I started laughing. "Four score and seven years ago our forefathers…."

"There you go with that again." Craig sighed.

I sat on the couch and pulled my toy moose out of the box. "This is the cutest little thing. I am so glad the boys got me this instead of something really embarrassing." I said.

Craig sat next to me. "It was nice that they got Smokey some toys too."

"As macho as those boys try to act, they've all got soft sides." I chuckled.

"For this to be Christmas away from home, it's been good." Craig said.

"Yeah…I thought I'd miss my parents a lot more. But having you and the boys here…and of course the strippers." I giggled. "It's been fun. And I know that mom and daddy have plans so it's okay."

"It's late. I should be getting back to my apartment to get some sleep." Craig yawned.

"You don't have to leave. Why don't you stay here tonight?" I said. "I mean, it's Christmas Eve and we'll be together tomorrow anyway. And I really don't want you to leave."

Craig looked at me. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"It's Christmas! I want you here with me. And after all we talked about; I know you're not going to try anything." I insisted.

"Well, I really would like to stay….and your apartment is decorated so much nicer than mine." Craig smiled.

"Hey I tried to decorate your apartment, but the minute I walked in with a poinsettia, you said it was too girly." I giggled.

"Men don't have potted red flowers in their apartments." Craig laughed.

"Well I couldn't keep it here. Poinsettias are poisonous and Smokey is at that age where he is into everything." I said.

"So what did you do with it?" Craig asked.

"Pavelich is babysitting it for me….and Verchota gripes that it makes his room look girly." I mock pouted.

"You're cute when you do that." Craig smiled.

"So you say." I giggled. "I'm going to get ready for bed…you coming?"

"Right behind you." Craig said and stood up.

Christmas Day 1979

"Kylah, its morning. Wake up." I heard through sleep.

"Unless there is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, good-ole boy wearing boots, tight jeans and a yellow shirt under my tree, forget it." I mumbled.

"You want me to go get OC?" Craig snickered.

"Only if he has an orange car and a hot dark-haired cousin." I said.

"Come on. Its Christmas morning. Time to get up." Craig said again. "Besides, I had to sleep all night with Smokey trying lay on my head."

"Oh alright." I said. "Do you want breakfast?"

"Just some coffee. I have to go to my place and get your Christmas gifts." Craig said.

"Okay. I'll get some coffee brewing." I said.

I climbed out of bed and walked into the kitchen to put on some coffee to brew, while Craig did some running around.

"Looks like we got more snow last night." I said.

"That works out great." Craig said and went to his apartment a second time.

I shook my head and got out a few mugs. I heard rattling behind me and knew that Smokey had climbed up into the Christmas tree again.

Craig walked back in and walked over to the couch. "Okay I am all ready."

"You're worse than a kid." I giggled and joined Craig on the couch. "You can open your present from me first."

I reached under the tree and pulled Craig present out and handed it to him. "I hope you like it. I made it myself and it took awhile." I said.

"I'm sure I'll love it." Craig said and started opening the box.

Craig opened the box and pulled out the blue and white blanket I had crocheted for him.

"I knew you liked the Detroit Lions and thought maybe you'd like a blanket for the back of your couch or something. I looked around to buy one, but couldn't find any in the area. So I just made one instead." I explained.

"How did you get the logo and everything on there?" Craig asked.

"That was a bit tricky. It was trial and error a few times, but I finally got it right." I said.

"Kylah, it's a great gift. And it feels so warm. How did you get it done without me knowing?" Craig asked.

"It wasn't easy. I worked when you were at meetings, or late at night after you'd go back to your own apartment. And I kept it hid in my closet to keep you from seeing it." I explained.

"I love it. Thank you…..and it's not too girly." Craig winked. "Now time for yours. But I warn you….for me to get yours, I had to snoop through your things."

"If this is anything to do with panties, I am going to scream. I had enough of panty antics last night." I said.

"No, just open it." Craig said.

I tore the paper away from the gift which was large and flat. When I turned it over my breath caught in my throat. It was a large collage and painting of Jake. There were pictures of him dressed in uniform around the edge and in the center a painted picture of him with his name under it, 'Jake Felix Jenkins'. At the top of the picture were his branch, serial number and 'KPOW'.

"It's beautiful." I said, and ran my hand over the glass.

"I hoped you wouldn't mind, but I had to go through that box of pictures you keep in the liquor cabinet. I took some of them to that printing shop downtown and had them make this up for you. I found Jake's serial number on the back of one of the pictures." Craig explained. "I know you don't believe in God anymore, but I thought that verse was so fitting. I hope you don't mind."

I looked at the bottom of the picture. 'Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for a friend.-John 15:13' And beneath that '1952-1973'

"It's perfect. Just the way Jake would've wanted it. No words could better explain him." I said, starting to cry.

"I just thought it'd be nice if you had a memorial for him that you could keep in your home. And that you could show people what a hero Jake was. I know you struggled with that for years, but don't ever hesitate to share Jake with others. He was a hero and more people should know what he and thousands of others did for us." Craig said.

"Thank you. I couldn't ask for anything better. It's a great way to remember Jake." I cried. "I'll hang it up later today."

Craig pulled me into a hug. "I am glad you like it. I figured it was something you were ready for."

I hugged Craig again, and looked at the picture. Part of me wondered if this was some kind of sign from Jake…..but what would it mean?

"Now, I have another surprise for you." Craig said.

"You didn't have to do anything else for me. This was more than enough." I said.

"Open that big box." Craig said.

There was a big box leaning against the wall. I walked over to it and untied to string around it and pulled open the box. Inside was a sled, coal and a carrot and a pair of ice skates. I looked at Craig confused.

"You said when you were a kid you never got to play in the snow living in the south and all. Well we got more than enough snow up here." Craig smiled.

"That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard." I said.

"And with the campus being deserted because of the holiday, we have lots of room to play." Craig winked.

"This is your Christmas surprise?" I giggled. "I've always wanted to play in the snow for Christmas."

I ran and jumped on Craig's lap. "I am glad you like it." He said. "Dress warm and we'll go outside after dinner. Right now the parade should be on."

"I can't wait. Right now I have to get the ham in the oven. Turn on the TV." I jumped up and kissed him quickly. "Don't forget, this evening a lot of the boys is coming over for cookies, eggnog and such. Just a way to unwind after being with the families for the day."

"I know. I invited them to come join us playing in the snow when they get back from dinner with their parents. That way we'll have time to ourselves and time with the boys. And I figured with all of us we could build a snow fort." Craig smiled.

"They actually agreed to play in the snow?" I giggled.

"I told them why I was buying a sled and stuff and jumped at the idea. Verchota accused me of being whipped." Craig smiled.

"Dear ole Philip." I sighed.

"Sounds like a great Christmas. I can't thank you enough for everything." I said.

"That smile is thanks enough." Craig kissed me.

"Now, I'm going to the kitchen. See if you can find the parade. I'm going to call home too." I said, and went to get ready for a big Christmas day!