Christmas Day
The Children's Home kitchen bustled with activity. Drew carved the turkey. Matthew sliced the ham. Rita and the girls loaded plates with cookies and brownies. Norman, assisted by Sammy, spooned potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables into bowls.
Everyone picked up a bowl or platter and carried dishes to the long table. Drew took his place at the front.
"Each of you did a fantastic job cooking this delicious dinner. I think you may all grow up to be famous chefs one day," Drew said.
Drew looked at Matthew, who sat drumming his fingers on the table.
Drew laughed. "Let's eat," he said.
Food was eaten, dishes washed, presents passed around to excited children. Throughout the festivities, Sammy followed Norman like a small shadow.
The celebration ended and it was time for Norman and Rita to leave.
"We've had so much fun helping you with your Christmas this year," Rita said. "Before we leave, we have a present for each of you."
Rita pulled a personalized Christmas stocking from a bag. "I made these for you."
The stocking read "Matthew."
All the girls and boys crowded around Rita to receive their stockings.
"Wherever you go from here, you will always have a Christmas stocking with your name on it," Norman said. "It will make every Christmas a bit special."
The children ran up and hugged Rita and Norman, all except Sammy. He stood off to the side, clutching his stocking.
Norman went over and knelt in front of Sammy. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Will I ever see you again?" Sammy said.
"Of course. Rita and I will be back from time to time."
Norman reached over and squeezed Sammy's hand. "I'm proud of you," he said. "You did such a great job in the pageant. From now on, whenever you're afraid, or worried, remember . . . " Norman dropped Sammy's hand and made lobster claws with his own. "You're unsquashable," he said.
Sammy threw himself into Norman's arms and hugged him, hard.
Norman stood up and patted Sammy's head.
"One more thing," Norman said. "You never know what the day will bring."
Norman helped Rita with her coat and put on his. Drew came up hugged them.
"Thank you, so much, for helping us to have such a special Christmas."
Drew held out his arms to the children and they gathered around him.
"Say goodbye, everyone," Drew said.
"Bye," the kids said in unison, waving.
Norman closed the door. He and Rita ran down the steps to Rita's car.
"Hurry, Norman," Rita said as she shut the car door.
Rita peeked through a crack in the curtain. "They're here," she said.
A knock sounded on the door. Norman opened it.
"Come in," he told Drew and Sammy.
Norman took Sammy to the living room. Drew left.
Sammy stood looking around the room. Joe, Bill, Oliver, and Shane stood next to the Christmas tree.
"Where are we?" Sammy asked.
"This is our home," Rita said.
"We had an idea," Norman said. "You're such a special little boy. Rita and I don't want to see you now and then. We'd like to adopt you. What do you think about that?"
Sammy ran across the room and flung himself at Norman. Norman lifted him and Sammy put his arms around Norman's neck. Rita hugged Sammy from the other side.
"I think that means 'yes'," Rita said. She kissed the little boy's cheek.
"Now it's time to meet the rest of your family," Norman said. He carried Sammy to Oliver and Shane.
"This is Uncle Oliver and Aunt Shane," Norman said.
Oliver patted Sammy's cheek and Shane kissed the top of his head.
Norman moved to Bill and Joe.
"Grandpa Bill and Grandpa Joe," Norman said.
"Hi-five," Joe and Bill said together, raising their hands. Sammy slapped them.
Oliver, Shane, Bill, and Joe gathered close to Norman, Rita, and Sammy, laughing and hugging.
Drew slipped quietly into the doorway. He set a large suitcase on the floor, laid a personalized stocking on top of it, and backed away.
Norman put Sammy on the floor. Sammy's eyes shown as brightly as the lights on the Christmas tree, and he smiled.
Norman and Rita knelt in front of Sammy. Norman took one of Sammy's hands and Rita held the other one.
"Welcome home, Sammy," Rita said.
"My son, welcome to your forever family," Norman said.
THE END