Author Note:Happy holidays all!
It was now Christmas day. The excitement filled the air as the Inn was filled with Christmas cheer. All of the Ranger families that were in attendance that evening for the holiday get together. Colleen and her crew began working at a time span as Tommy, Kimberly, Jason, and Katherine watched with their children the ballroom change from an ordinary room to a winter wonderland.
Their friends were all scattered across the Inn as the many families began opening their presents as well as greeting their extended families a happy holidays. The children's smiles and laughter filled the Inn as the night of anticipation for a night of gathering would begin.
As the day went on, many of the veteran rangers exchanged laughs, stories, and ideas for the up and coming year. In many ways, it showed togetherness and unity.
"Thank you Mommy for my presents," Miley said as she embraced her mother in the middle of a conversation with Aisha, Ashley, and Cassie. Kim warmly smiled as she hugged her daughter in return. A few minutes later, Destiny followed the suit as Hannah fell asleep on her mother's lap.
The four women began exchanging gifts as the excitement of squeals came across the room. Taylor and Kira sat next to them, laughing as they opened their presents. With all excitement, everyone couldn't wait till the evening of fun.
That evening was a festive one. Many were already arriving at the door as they all were amazed at what they have seen. Colleen embraced the many guests that walked by as she and her escorts escorted the families to their tables.
Each of the tables were adorned with wintry snow-capped like table cloths as well as tables of food that would fit everyone's liking. It was a memorable site. As everyone was getting seated, the Olivers and Scotts greeted their guests from their table.
The sounds of Tommy's glass began to clink as he got everyone's attention. Everyone began to look up as he cleared his throat. His wife and children sat next to him as he began his speech.
"First and foremost, I would like to wish everyone happy holidays," he began as he looked around at the sea of guests. His friends began to smile as they all clutched their significant other's hands or exchanged a smile. "This is the season for family, friends, and a celebration of a wonderful new year that is coming upon us. As many of us know, we are all gathered here not only to celebrate the holidays, but to honor those around us that have become a family to all of us. May you and all of your families share the warmth of this celebration with those around you. Merry Christmas!"
As the sounds of cheer filled the room, Tommy clinked his glass with his wife as Katherine and Jason clinked theirs together, continuing with those around them. The happiness of families and togetherness brought everyone closer together.
Adam got up next as he made a short speech to the young rangers, especially the Overdrive rangers who conquered the quest against evil. Everyone chuckled at the statements as the veteran ranger joked about how Thrax ran back to his Mommy because the Rangers scared him away.
Raising his glass, he toasted with his wife and friends around him. The children smiled as they sat at their table, mimicking the adults as they clinked their juices in the air. The families laughed a little as they looked at their children with a warm smile.
Into the evening, everyone was conversing as Ashley sighed to herself. Kimberly and Katherine got up as they saw their friend, sighing away again. Andros was talking to friends at another table as she fiddled with her dinner.
"Hey Ash," Kimberly said as she sat down next to a friend of hers. Kat followed as she sat adjacent. The three began talking as the everyone was on the dance floor. She looked up at her friend, trying to cheer her up. "I know you told us what happened, but this is sudden, but Kat and I wanted to give you this to cheer you up."
"Merry Christmas Ashley," the former pink Zeo and Turbo Ranger said as she handed her friend a card. In wonderment, Ashley raised her brow at her friend, turning over the card. Her friend's eyes lit up as she hugged her two friends. "Jase and I know a friend who works for NASA and they'd love it if you'd come in for an interview after the holidays."
"You guys, you mean it?" Ashley squealed with excitement. Kat nodded as she hugged two of her friends. In a smile, Andros shortly returned as he squatted down next to his wife. "Guess what?"
"What?" he answered as he looked at her. The two girls left as they met up with their husbands on the dance floor. "Let me guess, Jason and Kat fixed you up on a job interview the next few weeks with NASA?"
"How'd you know?"
"Hey, I can't help it if walls have ears."
Ashley laughed as she joined her friends on the dance floor. The Olivers and Scotts danced closely together as they brought in the holidays with their extended family.
"Merry Christmas, Beautiful," Tommy said with a warm smile. Kimberly hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek. "This has to be the best gift for all of our friends."
"I'll say," his wife replied.
"Merry Christmas Kitty," Jason grinned as he attempted to kiss his wife lovingly. As he attempted to, his sons got in the middle of their dancing. The two laughed as they shooed them away. While bending down at the little tummy that his wife was about to show, he kissed it lightly before rubbing into his wife's nose. "Merry Christmas, baby Scott."
Throughout the night, everyone brought in a celebration of the holidays filled with great friends, but most of all – their family-like bind brought all of them closer together.