Its three months late, I know! Both of my jobs have been hectic. I am trying to make time for things like my writing though.

Chap. 3

Jack placed the candy in the refrigerator to set while Tony and Leroy munched on the apple cinnamon muffins from breakfast. Tony looked happy. Later, after lunch, when the candy had set and was ready for transport, the three of them would be playing Santa. Tony always found some way to give back when he was in Stillwater, and this trip was no different. Visiting the retirement home was a wonderful idea. Making baggies of candy and treats for the residents was an even better one. Tony had even taken into account the dietary restrictions when making the assortment of candies that now littered the fridge.

"This is a real nice thing you're doing Tony. Some of the people who stay at the retirement home don't have family anymore."

"Then I guess it's a good thing I visit so often."

Laughing around a mouthful of muffin, Jethro took a swig of his coffee before he choked himself. He was glad to see his Tony returning. The nightmare last night had left his boy shaken for a while. Sipping more coffee, he watched as Tony settled on the sofa with his book, his coffee, and the old quilt Jack kept on the back of the sofa.

"It's good to see him acting more like himself."

Jethro smirked. Of course Jack would worry about Tony just as much as he did.

"The nightmares are getting better. The therapist has helped with that. She great with him."

"I hear a but in there somewhere."

"But, he's been through so much I don't think he'll completely be able to stop them. All I can do is be there and help him through the aftermath. I hate it."

"He knows you're doing everything you can to help, son."

"It's not enough. He still has days where one word could send him into a flash back. I dropped a book on the table one morning and he freaked. It reminded him of being in his father's office waiting to get beaten."

"We'll just have to double our efforts then. He may not ever be able to put it all behind him, but he will know without a doubt, that he's loved and wanted. Now quit wallowing and go check the candy."

'Yes sir."

"I'm going to get the baskets from the garage. Tell Tony to start making up the bags. I want to get there by two this afternoon."

Finishing the last of the bags, Tony grabbed the scissors. Being careful, he slipped one scissor down the length of each deep red and rich green ribbon, leaving tiny swirls at the ends. Glancing up to the puzzled faces in front of him, Tony shrugged.

"Abby and Kate showed me how to do that."

Tony started placing bags into the baskets and reached for the roasted chestnuts, placing them beside the candies. He had everything ready to go. The pine scented baskets combined with the mouthwatering aroma of the treats was enough to make anyone think of Christmas. Tony hoped this little deed reminded someone of home and family.

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Watching Tony through the doorway, Jethro smiled. The boy was sleeping the sleep of the dead on the couch. Jack had covered him with the old yellow and blue quilt and pillowed his head on yet another blanket. He was safe and warm. Besides, the den was just a room away. If Tony so much as whimpered, Jethro knew he would be able to hear it."

"He's fine son. Now come, these gifts won't wrap themselves."

I know it's short, but right now, it's all I can give y'all. Hope to be able to update more now that things with both jobs have settled down a bit. As always, thanks for all the great reviews.