Christmas Miracle M7 ATF AU
Buck stood next to Chris and watched as Vin pulled up the long driveway in Larabee's black Dodge Ram with the blond's big horse trailer hooked on behind.
"What'd he need the pickup and large trailer for anyway?" asked the brunet with a puzzled expression on his face as Tanner pulled over next to the barn and parked.
Chris shrugged. "Said an older man he knew had to go out of town for a few days and needed someone to watch his stock for him since his wife wasn't feeling up to it. The man's place is a long way out, so Vin figured it'd be easier to bring the animals here than to drive over twice a day. Since I've got plenty of room, didn't see any reason to tell him no. The man's supposed to come by here when he gets back and take 'em home himself."
Wilmington nodded. Vin was always helping people, so the explanation made sense.
"Will be interestin' to see what kinda horses the ol' man has." the tall figure offered as the pair strolled to where the sniper was getting out of the king cab truck. The rest of the seven had heard the Ram arrive and were now stepping off of the porch and following along behind, curiosity evident in their demeanors.
Vin motioned at Chris and Buck. "Y'all wanna open the corral gate? Figured I'd put 'em in there until they get kinda used to the place."
Both men nodded and headed that way as Tanner moved to the back of the trailer. Chris did ask a question though.
"You sure they don't need to go in the barn? We can double up some of the stalls if we have to."
The sandy-haired figure shook his head.
"Nah. Nick said they're from way up north and the temp here won't bother 'em. They're used to lots colder than this."
Buck tried to peer between the slats of the trailer. "How many are there?"
"Eight."
Wilmington couldn't see much, mostly just rumps moving around restlessly.
JD and the rest arrived in time to hear the answer.
"Wow! No wonder the old man's wife didn't feel like taking care of them." murmured Dunne as he imitated the ladies' man, craning his neck to try to see into the crowded interior of the trailer. Even taking care of their seven horses was a bit of a chore on particularly cold days when they had to carry feed and make sure the heated water troughs were full and fork hay, etc. in the freezing weather.
The other three gathered around as well, all eager to see what sort of animals Vin's friend had. When the slender form swung the trailer gate open, all six goggled in amazement at the creatures inside. Huge racks almost reached the ceiling and eight sets of intelligent eyes turned to look at the men.
Buck was the first to find his voice.
"What the hell are those?"
Ezra shut his mouth with a bit of an undignified click. "Well, they certainly aren't horses!"
Chris tilted his head to one side as he took in the eight forms.
"We're taking care of reindeer?"
Vin nodded. "Yep. Nick owns a toy business and he said he used to use 'em on Christmas Eve t' hand out gifts to poor families, 'cause the kids liked to see 'em. They're gettin' up in years now though, so he uses more modern transportation when he's givin' out toys now."
JD looked impressed.
"So he plays Santa. Cool!" He reached inside to pet one of the reindeer on the nose. "I would have to loved to see them when I was a boy, too."
Wilmington laughed as he watched the younger man.
"You're not foolin' anyone Kid. You're thrilled to see 'em now!"
Nathan pulled out his phone to take a couple of pictures, a big grin on his face.
"Hate to admit it, but he ain't the only one. My dad and mom took me and my sisters to see a couple at Christmas one year. We were all so excited, but ya had to stay behind a fence unless ya paid extra money to pet 'em. Ain't never been this close to one before."
Josiah was peering inside the trailer as well.
"I've seen lots of God's creatures in my life, but have to say I've never been up close and personal with reindeer either. They're beautiful animals."
Even Ezra was checking out the impressive forms.
"There was a wild animal farm that had a drive through trail at Christmas where we were stayin' once when I was a kid. Reindeer were advertised, and I begged Mother to take me, but of course the only ones making money were the owners, so Maude saw absolutely no reason to waste the time or cash in such a frivolous pursuit. I've always regretted that I never got to go…"
Vin gestured to the corral gate. "Well, let's get 'em outta the trailer, then we can all look at and pet 'em. Nick said they're real gentle and like people."
That said, the men backed out of the way as Tanner started leading the first deer toward the enclosure. Apparently the animals were tired of being cooped up however, and on seeing the wide expanse of yard, decided that some freedom was in order. Vin wasn't expecting rebellion, so only had a loose hold on the rope that was attached to his reindeer's halter. When it gave a powerful tug, the rope slid out of the sniper's gloved fingers and the big creature dodged him and darted around the trailer door.
JD yelped as the huge antlers pushed him out of the way, stumbling into Nathan as the reindeer brushed past him.
The rest of the animals immediately followed their leader, jumping out of the trailer and scattering the shocked agents. Two started down the drive, the rest spreading out in the yard.
Chris suddenly came to life. "Shit! Buck, you and JD go head off the ones going that way!" An ebony-garbed hand waved to the pair trotting toward the mailbox. "Vin, go turn that one that's headed for the porch! The rest of you try to get 'em goin' toward the corral." The blond cringed as one of the creatures paused to investigate the wooden swing near the deck, antlers sending the seat flying upward and then over the rail at the top of the frame. When it came back down and bopped the deer on the head, a bellow escaped and the large animal backed up in surprise.
Unfortunately Josiah had just stepped behind it to try to herd it toward the corral, and the deer stepped on his foot when it moved away from the swing. Giving a yell of his own, the profiler tried to push the heavy creature off of him. That just startled the buck even more and it made a dive to the side to get away from the hopping and cussing figure.
When the animal jumped to the right, it scared the deer next to it. Nathan was beside that one, trying to turn it and he got bumped by its rump, which threw him into Ezra. Standish was attempting to avoid getting too close to the animals' hooves, but tripped when Jackson hit him from the side. Instinctively trying to stop himself, the undercover agent threw his arms around the neck of the nearest reindeer.
Unsure what had it, the big creature started twirling in a tight circle like a dervish, Ezra's legs flying out behind him as the deer swung him around. After a few minutes, the deer flung off his excess baggage and bolted for the pasture fence.
Vin happened to be in front of it and he waved his arms trying to turn the animal. Instead it came to a screeching halt, head butting into the sniper's chest. That flipped Tanner upward, eyes wide in surprise as he went flying.
Wilmington and Dunne were jogging to get in front of the pair headed down the driveway, breath fogging as they went to circle around them. Finally working their way where they wanted to be, they started turning them back toward the barn. The deer weren't ready to give up so easily though, so they veered and trotted toward the yard instead, Buck and JD cursing as they had to run to try to head them off again.
Chris by now had decided enough was enough. Calmly striding toward the first reindeer who was trailing the rope Vin had dropped, the blond grabbed the piece and then hopped up on the animal's back before it knew what was happening. Touching his boot heels lightly to its sides, the impressive form began herding the rest of the deer into a clump. The creature was used to being controlled by reins, if not ridden, so it proceeded to do what the human on its back wanted.
Vin hurried in to get ropes. When the other seven deer were bunched together, the rest of the men quickly got the lassos and threw them around the impressive antlers. Once they realized they were caught, the animals allowed themselves to be lead toward the corral.
JD decided Chris looked cool riding his, so the younger brunet decided to try it himself. Jumping lithely up on the back of the one he was leading, he gave a grin when it simply turned its head to look at him. Feeling festive, he gave an "On, Dasher", squeaking a bit when the deer broke into a trot.
"Hey, maybe they really are Santa's reindeer!"
Chris let one corner of his mouth quirk up and then coaxed his 'steed' into a matching gait with a soft "On, Dancer."
Vin was now in the Christmas spirit, so in spite of being a bit sore, he hopped up on the one trailing behind him. Trying "On, Prancer", he laughed out loud when the reindeer picked up its pace to join the other two.
Not to be outdone, Buck climbed up on his, calling "On, Vixen". When the deer started jogging with the others, a big smile made his mustache twitch with enjoyment.
Nathan was the next to give riding a reindeer a try, long legs propelling the tall form onto the back of the one he led. Following the others' lead, he uttered a chuckling "On, Comet", his amusement getting louder when the animal obeyed.
They were now almost to the corral, so instead of going in right away, those astride turned their 'mounts' and started circling the yard.
Ezra's back was aching from his unplanned tilt-a-whirl ride earlier, but the youngster in him who had been denied seeing the reindeer as a child couldn't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. Wincing a bit, he vaulted to the back of his reindeer. Gold glinted in the afternoon light as he drawled "On, Cupid" and gave a huge smile when the animal obeyed.
Josiah tried for a minute or two to convince himself he was too old and that his foot hurt too much to follow the others' example, but it only took that long to decide that even at his age, he didn't want to be left out. He and Hannah had sat up on Christmas Eve when they were kids hoping for a glimpse of Santa's reindeer, so to have the opportunity now to ride one was something he couldn't pass up. Giving a deep "On, Donner" he beamed in pleasure when the deer started jogging with the rest.
'Blitzen' didn't have a rider, but he trotted along with the others as they made a circuit of the expansive yard and then entered one by one into the corral.
Laughing, the seven men dismounted and rubbed their 'steeds' down. Vin and Buck forked hay for them and JD poured grain in the feed trough while Chris topped off the water. Taking the ropes inside the barn, the team then headed for the house. All agreed when JD bounced up the steps declaring that it had been the most amazing Christmas Eve ever!
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Two days later, a bright red extended-cab pickup with a matching trailer pulled up the drive and parked next to the barn. When Chris and the others went out to meet the driver, all but Vin gaped a bit when it turned out to be an older man with a white beard. He was wearing jeans and a red bib-front shirt, along with a light-colored barn coat lined and trimmed with sheepskin. Shiny black boots came to his knees and matched the dark Stetson that sported a red band. He walked toward Chris and Vin with his hand out.
"I can't thank ya enough for takin' care of my reindeer!"
Both men smiled, as did the other five. Larabee shook the extended hand.
"Our pleasure. We were a bit surprised, but it turned out to be a unique experience."
The other man laughed. "Yeah, I imagine so. Did they behave? I forgot to tell Vin that they like to take a little detour every once in a while now that they don't get out as often…"
Buck chuckled. "We figured that out about the time they made a break for it right out of the trailer!"
Nick shook his head. "Figures. Sorry about that. Was probably Dancer… he still misses gettin' the exercise deliverin' the toys and once he gets his mind set on somethin', the rest just follow along."
JD eyed Nick. "So they really do have the same names as Santa's reindeer?"
The older man smiled. "Yep. When you look like I do and hand out toys, it's expected!"
Grinning in agreement, Chris opened the corral gate while Vin and the rest lined up to try to catch the animals if they decided to run for it again. However, all Nick had to do was say "Come on now, and no funny business" and the eight deer trotted right to the trailer and climbed up inside with no effort from their owner at all.
Nick shut the door and then held out his hand once again to shake with all seven of the men.
"Can't thank ya enough, since the missus was feelin' a bit under the weather. I know it's a day late, but there's a few things under the tree for ya to show my appreciation." As the men looked puzzled, he hopped in the truck with a spryness somewhat surprising for his apparent age.
"Better get back and check on my wife. I'll call on you boys next year if she doesn't feel up to takin' care of the deer, if that's alright."
The team nodded. Josiah called a question as Nick put the truck in gear.
"Hey, what's your last name anyway?"
Giving a broad smile, the other man answered as he started down the drive.
"Klaus! My family's German!"
Seven mouths gaped a bit as he pulled away, then they turned to head back into the house. JD still looked bemused.
"Do you think he really is Santa?"
Buck swatted the kid on the back of the head. "JD, ya know there really isn't a St. Nick…"
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When they got inside however, even Wilmington wasn't so sure. Although Nick hadn't gone anywhere near the living room, there were indeed seven new gifts on the floor under the tree that had been bare just moments before.
JD was the first to get down on his hands and knees to check out the colorful bags and boxes now neatly stacked there. Spying the one with his name on it, he carefully opened the appropriately reindeer patterned thin box. Inside was a yellowed newspaper page tucked in protective tissue. Looking puzzled, the brunet took it to the end of the couch next to one of the lamps so he could see the faded print better. Buck followed, reading over the younger man's shoulder. Both then gaped in shock, so Ezra carefully took the piece and read it out loud.
"In other news, city native John Dunne has been made captain of the fishing trawler "Mary Jane". He is an experienced fisherman and has worked on the boat for a couple of years, but is now taking the place of retiring owner Jackie Fitzpatrick. Dunne's new wife works at one of the big houses on the outskirts of town." The article gave a little more information on Dunne, JD's eyes huge as he listened to the words be repeated.
Josiah looked at the younger man.
"Is that…?"
Dark bangs flew as JD nodded.
"Yeah. It's my dad. Momma told me he was lost at sea on a fishing boat just before I was born, and that I was named after him, but I didn't know he was the captain or this other stuff it tells about. Guess she just didn't want to bring up old memories, or maybe she didn't even know some of it. They had only been married a little over a year when he died, so I never knew much about him." He then took the paper back with a sparkle of tears in his eyes.
"This is so cool! How did Nick find it do you think?"
Nathan looked puzzled. "How did he even get it in? We were with him the whole time he was here…"
The others just shook their heads, as mystified as the medic.
The electronics tech then hurried back to the tree. Grabbing a similar box with Buck's name on it, he handed it to the ladies' man.
"Come on, open yours next!"
Wilmington hesitated a minute, then took the proffered package. Slipping off the red ribbon that fastened it at opposite corners, he slowly removed the lid. Inside, nestled in green tissue paper was a 70s Vegas magazine that showcased several of the town's showgirls on the front cover and in the featured article. Vin started to make a joke about Santa giving Buck a girlie magazine, but stopped when he noticed the transfixed look on his friend.
Chris leaned forward when the brunet didn't speak. Noticing a familiar face on one of the dancers, the blond turned to eye his companion's features, then the pretty dark-haired woman standing with her arms outspread and feathers and rhinestones adorning her costume.
"Buck… isn't that your mom? That picture you've carried since the Navy is similar."
Wilmington dipped his head in assent. "Yeah. This must have been taken about the same time. I was just a kid." He stared at the photo a bit longer, then flipped to the story. There indeed was his mother included with the other showgirls. A smaller pic showed her standing with Elvis, the King's arm companionably around her shoulders and a smile on both faces.
JD's eyes got almost as big as they had when he saw his dad's name.
"Is that her with Elvis?"
Buck nodded. "Yeah. He played at the casino where she worked. The girls did a routine before his set started. She had a live recording of one of his shows that she played all the time when I was little."
Chris patted the taller form on the shoulder. "That explains the Presley fixation and why you're so good at imitating him."
The brunet gave a slightly misty smile. "Yeah. I grew up with stories of him and listening to his music and watching his shows. She'd stow me away backstage sometimes so I could see everything. I don't remember too much, but I do recall being fascinated by his voice and almost mesmerized by those rhinestone jumpsuits he wore. He caught me one time, but didn't turn me in. Just said 'Hey there, son. Keep takin' care of business!' Momma got me a little rhinestone 'TCB' necklace after that. I've still got it with my keepsakes."
Larabee gave him a compassionate squeeze on the shoulder, then they all turned back to the tree while the ladies' man stood lost in memories for a few more minutes.
JD handed Vin a small, colorful sack with his name next. A bit hesitantly, the slender figure opened it and looked inside. On seeing what looked like an old photograph, the sniper carefully pulled it out. His mouth opened, but nothing exited for a moment when he turned it around and his mom's face stared back at him. The petite sandy-haired form had shoulder-length locks and piercingly bright blue eyes, though the color on the picture was somewhat faded. She was wearing a sundress and held a young Vin in her arms as they stood in a field of wildflowers. Both wore matching big grins as they looked at the camera. The current incarnation of the brilliant gaze turned to Chris, a hint of moisture in the corners as one thumb reverently caressed the picture. It was smudged and worn in that exact spot, suggesting that the action had been repeated over and over. Chris tilted his head as he and the rest waited for the sniper to tell them about the snapshot.
"Only thing I had time t' grab when my ma passed away. She said my pa took it where we lived in Texas, right before he was killed in a wreck goin' back t' visit my grandpa on the reservation. I lost it when I was in foster care. Cried in secret for months, since it was the only pic I had of her. Hunted all over, but finally figured it got thrown away or somethin'." The sky-hued gaze went back to the picture. "Can't imagine where Nick found it, but it means the world t' me t' have it back."
Larabee reached to squeeze the sniper's shoulder like he'd done Buck's, the others patting the slim form on the back or otherwise offering encouragement as Tanner wiped at his eyes unashamedly.
JD picked up a similar bag with Josiah's name on it and handed it to the profiler. Now wondering what could possibly be in it for him, the impressive figure took it almost gingerly. When he opened the bag, what appeared to be an envelope rested inside. Reaching for it with fingers that actually trembled just a bit, he pulled it free of the Christmas star-patterned tissue paper. Turning the somewhat yellowed piece around, he saw his name and an old address in his sister's handwriting on the front. The postage was much less than the current amount and the postmark was over twenty years old, but the envelope was still sealed.
Chris handed over his pocket knife for the former preacher to carefully slit the top. Handing the knife back the way it was given to him, Josiah reverently slid out the folded sheets of paper. They shook just a little as he slowly opened them. His eyes got misty and a nostalgic smile curved his lips when he realized the letter was indeed from Hannah and had been written before her mental health deteriorated so much. The others stepped aside to give him some privacy, patting the broad back as they had Vin's. Gaze raptly fastened to the feminine script, the tall form moved to the couch and settled near the lamp, everything else for the moment forgotten as he read the missive that had been undelivered for over two decades.
The last three packages were larger than the previous ones. JD was now sitting on the floor, so he picked up the closest one. It had Nathan's name on it, so he handed it up to the medic. Like Sanchez, Jackson's hands quivered just a bit in a mixture of anticipation and nervousness as he proceeded to open the bigger sack. At sight of the rope inside, his mouth fell open and he delved excitedly inside to see if it was what he suspected and admittedly now hoped it was.
When he pulled out the neatly braided strands, the attractive form gave a sigh of amazement and happiness. JD looked at the tangle of rope in confusion.
"What is it, Nathan?"
A huge smile curved the healer's mouth. "It's a halter my daddy made when he was here."
Chris nodded in memory. "That was when he was accused of murder and the judge had us go get him so he could have a fair trial."
Nathan dipped his head. "Yeah. He worked on this to pass the time. When Judge Travis released him into your custody, he finished it and gave it to me not long before he passed away. When Rain and I moved into the new house, I couldn't find it when I unpacked. I checked all th' boxes, but finally decided it had gotten lost somehow." He paused to swallow thickly for a second. "Means more than I can say to have it back…"
Larabee reached to pat a powerful shoulder in understanding, the others reaching to do so as well. Josiah had finished his letter and he came over to wrap a big arm around his friend in a companionable hug. They all then turned to where JD was back on the floor.
The young brunet picked up a package about the size of a boot box this time and handed it to Standish. Vin jokingly wondered if Nick had left Ezra the pair of Lucchese boots like Chris' that he'd wanted. However, there was a dull rattle when the chestnut-haired figure lightly shook it, so they quickly decided that wasn't it.
Moving to the couch, the gambler borrowed Larabee's knife and carefully cut through the tape holding the tasteful red and gold paper together. Peeling the wrapping off, he folded it neatly, much to JD and Buck's impatience. He then paused to lick his lips, somewhat nervous after the personal things that the rest had received. When Wilmington waved him into action, he acceded, long fingers gently lifting the lid of the now bare box. Emerald eyes then widened in amazement at the sight that met his gaze.
A shiny red HO scale train engine, seven assorted cars, and enough track to form a large oval were nestled in green tissue paper. Several appropriately-sized accessories including crossing signs and a depot were included as well. JD got up to see what everyone was looking at, figuring it had to be something unusual for Standish to be speechless. He appeared a little confused when he saw that it was a fairly common model set.
"A train?"
Ezra nodded, still wordless for a minute. Then a wide smile showed his gold tooth as he eagerly delved into the container and reverently pulled out the bright engine. Talented hands turned it carefully as the green gaze took in every detail.
"Yes JD, a train. But not just any train… this is the Standish Express. It was given to me when I was five by one of mother's paramours. I was fascinated by the rich color of the engine and intricate detail of the pieces. The fact that I could configure it however I wanted and in my imagination go wherever I pleased was infinitely appealing to a child who was taken wherever the whims of his parent dictated, or left with often disapproving relatives when it was inconvenient for her to have him with her. In my mind I traveled thousands of miles on this train, going where I wanted to go, not where Maude drug me. I got books and looked up all the exotic locales I would like to see, studying rail maps to see where various lines went and imagining the wonders I would experience at each stop. This train set represented freedom to me for over two years."
Josiah looked intrigued. "What happened after the two years?"
A look of sadness washed over the smaller figure. "When I was seven, Mother tried one of her land scams on a wealthy banker. Unlike some of the other marks who were smitten with her however, he chose to do some research and quickly discovered that the 'prime housing development property' was in fact a muddy swamp. He called the authorities, which meant Mother and I had to leave hurriedly in the middle of the night with just the items we could carry with us. A train set didn't fit in the one small overnight bag I was allowed, so I was forced to leave it behind. I cried all the next day, but that quickly got on Maude's nerves, so I had to hide my grief after that. She promised to procure me a new set later on, but of course she promptly dismissed it from her mind since it was of no use to hone my 'God-given talents'. I actually bought one or two when I got old enough to have my own money, but it was never the same. This was the one my dreams and fantasies were built on." The sparkling eyes blinked a couple of times. "It means more than even I would have imagined after all this time to have it in my possession once again."
The rest nodded in understanding, imagining what the model had meant to their friend as a youngster caught up in Maude's schemes and cons.
Their gazes then turned to the remaining present. JD reached down and handed the large box to Chris.
Taking the gift, the blond moved to his recliner. It was a little over four feet wide and tall and about three inches deep. Getting his knife back from Ezra, he carefully slit the taped ends of the elegant blue and silver paper. It reminded him of some that Sarah had used the last Christmas. Sliding the foil wrapping off, he paused to take a deep breath before long fingers carefully removed the top. After what the others had been given, he was unsure what he would find.
Inside was a layer of Styrofoam, and then beautiful snowflake patterned blue and silver tissue paper. An open note and sealed card rested on top, nothing of the actual contents currently visible. Picking up the note first, the hazel gaze scanned the handwriting.
'Dear Mr. Larabee. My father was a portrait painter who just passed away. He had to stop working several years ago due to advanced arthritis. When we began cleaning out his shop a couple of days ago, we found this in a corner where it had been finished but never delivered. Apparently your wife ordered it as a gift for you, but never came to pick it up. She left a card to be attached to it. Dad put it aside and then must have forgotten it, since he gave up painting shortly after that. We ordered some toys from Nick Klaus and he delivered them personally just as we were starting on Dad's studio. He recognized you and said that he would be seeing you the next day, so he offered to deliver the portrait to you. We deeply apologize for not realizing it was here for all these years and hope that you enjoy it now. Sincerely, the family of Everett Long."
Expression now a mixture of sadness and intrigue, Larabee gently opened the card. A lovely woodland scene in blues and white with snowy glitter said 'To a wonderful husband and father at Christmas' on the front. Inside was a moving verse and then a loving message in Sarah's flowing script that brought tears to the handsome blond. Underneath was 'Merry Christmas Daddy' in Adam's five year old printed letters. Looking up, the lean form swallowed deeply and then dropped his gaze back to the package.
Breath held, the talented hands reverently folded back the tissue paper. Underneath in an exquisitely carved walnut frame with gilt accents was a beautifully done portrait of the three of them as they looked just a month or so before the fire. Chris recognized the poses from a snapshot that Buck had taken. Sarah had apparently taken the picture to the painter and had him do a large version as a surprise for Chris. Sparkling glass covered the work. The lean figure lightly ran one fingertip over the laughing faces of his beautiful brunette wife and dark-haired son. He'd worn mostly black for so long now, that it seemed a bit odd to see himself in blue jeans and a tan western hat and boots. The other six gave him a few minutes, then they clustered around to see the painting. Buck put his arm on his old friend's shoulders and nodded in memory. When Chris just seemed nostalgic instead of depressed, the lanky form began reminiscing about the day the original photo had been taken. Soon a smile curved the blond's lips as he listened to the amusing details as relayed by the ladies' man.
When Buck finished, Vin looked at Chris.
"Ya alright, Cowboy?"
Larabee nodded. "Yeah. It's been long enough now that this brings back happy memories. I can't think of a more perfect Christmas present." Carefully pulling the painting out, he handed it to the sniper to hold. "In fact, I'm gonna hang it up right now. It can go over the fireplace where that landscape is. Buck, wanna get the stepladder?"
Wilmington eagerly complied and suiting actions to words, Chris swapped the paintings out. Stepping back, they all smiled as they took in the new décor. Ezra poured them all some spiked eggnog, and they settled in their usual seats, each passing around their presents so the others could see as they reminisced. The discussion then turned to Nick.
Vin looked over at Chris. "Nick hadn't even met ya yet, how d' ya suppose he recognized ya in the painting?"
Chris shook his head. "How did he get any of this stuff?"
Nathan cocked his head in thought. "And how did he get it in here?"
JD nibbled on his lip for a minute in thought, then gave a happy grin as he took back the article about his dad.
"He must really be St. Nick!"
The rest wanted to shake their heads, but in reality there was no other explanation they could come up with.
Josiah finally nodded as he looked at the precious gifts from their past they'd all been given.
"Well, whoever he is, there's no doubt but that between getting to interact with the reindeer and these amazing presents, meeting him was like a miracle."
Dipping their heads in agreement, the other six clinked their mugs with the preacher.
"To Nick and our very own Christmas miracle!"
By DMA