Conclusion
Matt, Frank and Jesse rushed through the door carrying a large pine tree. You could hear the wood crackling in the fireplace. The snow was falling. The smell of honey baked ham, turkey, fresh vegetables, potatoes and home made pies were all coming from the kitchen. All the smells of the holiday's were present.
"Women of the house, we're back!"
"Matt Dillon, no one better be tracking snow in the house."
"You won't mind, when you see what we have."
Entering the front room, "Oh, Matt! Where did you find... Where did you go?"
"Well, Kit, they wanted the biggest and best."
"Yeah, Grandma. Santa needs to know we have lot's a kids here in our house."
Smirking at the kids, "Ohhh, is that so?"
"Yeah, he needs lot's a room under the tree."
"Oh, I see now." Biting her bottom lip.
"Grandma?"
"Yeah, honey?"
"Will Santa bring Aunt Grace's baby presents?"
"Hmmm, he just might. But I'm sure you all will share your presents too."
"Ah, yeah. When it's bigger. Grandma, is it Christmas yet?"
Shaking her head, "No. Not until you all go to bed. Santa doesn't come until you all are in bed." Furrowing her brow. "You know that."
"Is Grandpa going to tell us the baby Jesus story?"
"Uh huh. When you are all ready for bed."
And as promised, they all sat around at Matt's feet by the fire as he told them the story of the birth of baby Jesus. One by one, the children began yawning.
"Ah, let's go up to bed with you all."
"Awe, Grandma." They protested in harmony.
'Well, okay, I guess I'll tell Santa to skip this house."
Suddenly, seven sets of feet ran as fast as they could up the stairs. Kitty laughed as hard as she could. "We should have Christmas every night round here." Kitty just began to sit and relax next to Matt.
"Momma?"
"Uh huh?"
"Oh, Momma?"
"Yeah. Gracie." Kitty began to yawn.
"AHHHHH! Momma!"
Kitty's eyes sprang open. "Matt?"
When she turned she saw the look on Grace's face. "Momma, I think it's time."
"Ok. Ok, honey. Stay calm. Matt, help her upstairs to our room."
Matt and Chet carried Grace to Matt and Kitty's room.
"Mom Kitty, maybe we should take her to our room?"
"Ok, if you want."
"Mom Kitty?"
"Yeah?"
"What are we gonna do?"
Smiling at him, "Chet, you're gonna be a daddy. You can start by getting me some water and some linens. Mary will show you."
Several hours had gone by. Chet paced like a hungry lion. Matt tried to calm him. All the kids were up wondering what was happening. Adam asked if Gracie was having a baby Jesus.
Tessie laughed. "No, silly. Only blessed Mary had a baby Jesus. Ma's just gonna have a baby baby."
Suddenly, a loud cry filled the house. Matt turned to Chet. "Well, Son. Congratulations."
Stunned, Chet stood speechless. "I'm a dad!"
Tessie and Eva looked up at him. "Of course you are. Now you have three."
Quickly he hugged them. "Yeah, we have. Ah, we have... I don't know."
Just then, Kitty opened the door. "Chet, Tessie, Eva. Come on in. There's someone that wants to meet you. As they walked in, Chet sat beside Grace. "Ah, Honey."
"Ma!" Tessie and Eva smiled.
"Chet, Tessie, Eva. It's a BOY!"
Kitty stood with her arm around Matt. They both looked at Grace. "Merry Christmas."
Grace looked up, surprised. "Yeah, sweetheart. It's 12:10."
Later, lying entwined in their large brass bed, in the afterglow of a passionately intimate mesh of mind, heart, body and soul. It was one which they had mastered of a lifetime.
"Cowboy, this is how it was meant to be. Our lives have come full circle. We've been through our trials and tribulations. Oh, there were many of those Deja' Vu moments, but we've always come out on the top side and stronger for it all. Cowboy, no matter what, I wouldn't change not one day if it meant you not being part of it with me. I can't imagine my life without you."
Snuggling in closer. "I love you, Cowboy."
Pulling her in closer, "Kit. You'll never have to find out. I love you too." Kissing her forehead. They were in harmony. "Good night!"
FINI
A/N: Thank you so much to all my loyal readers and reviewers for sticking with me and being patient. If I've disappointed anyone, Sorry!