As a result of the saloon becoming the communication hub for the day, there were several town-folk around when Nathan came down the stairs early afternoon with a tired smile on his face. He wasn't surprised by the number of people waiting for news on their secret benefactor.
"He's tired, and still a bit confused about everything, but he's awake. Says not to remember anything about what happened to him. Claims the last thing he recalls was going out to the stall after dinner to check on Chaucer for the night."
Despite the clamouring of would be visitors, the lawmen ushered everyone out, telling them to spend the rest of the day with their families. Chris didn't let anyone leave until he'd reminded them that Ezra had done all of this in secret for a reason, even if none of them could figure out what it was. "I'm sure he wouldn't want anyone making anything out of this."
"But how can we thank him then?" Mrs. Potter lamented. "He made Christmas so special for my children, at a time they so badly needed it to be. He needs to know that."
JD looked at the crowd. "You don't have to tell him – but it wouldn't hurt to show him." Buck couldn't help but grin at the quiet wisdom of his young friend.
The sun was setting as six men gathered around the bed of their friend. Ezra sat with an extra blanket around his shoulders, propped up on as many pillows as could fit on the bed. The colour had come back to his face, which was now marred only by the bandage at his temple. As he looked back at his friends, he continued to gently massage his hands. He knew they were recovering well, but he couldn't get past the idea they were still cold, still at risk.
Nathan reached out and separated Ezra's hands as he had done about a dozen times before. "Keep rubbing like that and you're gonna start taking off skin. Just let it be."
"Easier said than done my friend. These," he held them up, "are my livelihood."
"Still see yourself as nothing but a gambler Ezra?"
"A master of the cards, Buck. Gamblers take far too many risks for my liking."
"You mean risks like riding around the country in the dead of night in a storm with no one knowing where you are?"
"Excellent example Vin – precisely the type of activity that would be completely against both my character and my better judgement."
No one spoke, and Ezra made a concerted effort to avoid eye contact.
"Want to tell us anything Ezra?"
"Not particularly."
"Like why you were in the stables at that time of night. On that night?"
"My activities when not on patrol really are not any of your concern Mr. Larabee," Ezra answered putting a hint of anger in his voice to camouflage his defensiveness.
Chris merely glared his response, but with no real heat in the stare.
"Ezra, if you wanted to give folks presents, why didn't you just do it? What's with all the sneaking around?" JD smiled, hoping the question didn't sound as much like an accusation as Chris's comments had.
Ezra sighed slightly, closing his eyes and resting back into the pillow. He was really too tired to try to come up with acceptable alternate explanations, and didn't really think they would be believed anyway. He surrendered to the inevitable.
"Contrary to my usual descriptions of my childhood, not every moment was spent with reprobates and charlatans. There are some members of my extended family who have led what most would consider an honourable life."
"Take it you don't see that you fit with that group of relatives?"
"No Josiah, I was definitely the odd man out in those situations. Nevertheless, there was usually a concerted effort to show me the error of my ways."
"You were a kid Ezra – you didn't have any of 'your ways'. Just your Mother's."
"And some of the family would agree with you on that Vin. Including my Aunt Scarlett. She was actually a great-aunt, and probably removed a branch or two on the tree. Nevertheless, she welcomed me warmly, much more so than most other temporary caregivers did. Twice I spent the Christmas holiday with her. The two most enjoyable holidays I had." He went quiet for moment, and the rest gave him the time to appreciate the memory. Shaking his head slightly, he pulled out of the memory and back to the present.
"She held to the belief that it was more important to share with others than to further one's own circumstance. You can imagine how well that went over with mother."
"And how confusing it was to a child who had been taught the opposite?" Chris asked.
"Well, it was at odds with my early understanding of the world. Regardless, Aunt Scarlett would spend the days leading up to Christmas accumulating food, treats and gifts for those she knew to be less fortunate. Toys were delivered to the orphanage, and clothing to the homeless. All delivered under cover of darkness Christmas Eve. All anonymous. She informed me that 'deeds done for the recognition of philanthropy do not count as charitable acts'." He paused, looking to the others. "I decided a number of years ago that it was a tradition worth honouring, and Lord knows my regular daily conduct would lead to the need for some action to balance the scales a bit."
The rest of the team looked at each other and smiled slightly. "I'd guess those scales aren't as far off as you think they are son."
"You have no real idea who I really am Josiah."
"No, we have no idea who you really were. Got a pretty good idea of who you are. Think you may be just about the only one who doesn't get that." Vin countered.
Ezra looked at him, and the others, astonished to see the genuine concern and compassion on each face.
"I dare say mother would think I had done an excellent job of conning each and every one of you."
Chris shook his head as he spoke to the recovering man. "I dare say she'd be deeply disturbed by your actions, and by just how much you've changed."
"Nah Chris," Buck challenged, "he hasn't changed. He's just getting to be the real Ezra Standish now. And ain't we lucky to see it?"
JD looked a tad hesitant, but couldn't keep his curiosity under control. "I know it really ain't by business, but where'd you get the money for all this."
"Why at the tables of course."
"That much woulda made a serious down-payment toward buying this place back from your mom, wouldn't it?"
Ezra looked away, reluctant to deal with the subject. Nathan chose to spare Ezra the embarrassment of further discussion by insisting they all leave him to rest for a while.
"Mary cooked us up a nice dinner Ezra – want me to bring something up for you?" JD asked, looking over at Nathan to make sure it was OK.
"Thank you JD, but I really don't feel up to it now. Perhaps I will enjoy a turkey sandwich tomorrow."
"What, you expecting leftovers with Buck around?" Vin teased.
"I'll save you some Ezra. Promise." Ezra couldn't help but grin at the young man's earnestness.
Chris reached out to the table to lower the light before leaving the room. He turned at the door to watch Ezra settling down deeper into the bed, almost asleep as his head hit the pillow. "Good night Mr. Claus – Merry Christmas." He quietly closed the door behind him, but not before noticing a small smile settle on Ezra's face.