December 25, 1964 Midnight

The Howells allowed everyone to sleep over at their mansion. Everyone worried there wouldn't be enough room but everyone was able to have their own room with a whole floor to spare. Captain Brandon Haddock was currently sitting in a rocking chair by the fire in the ball room with his youngest son in his arms. Thurston the Second and Talulah were sitting in their love seat sipping tea and reading a book.

Just as the Grandfather clock struck midnight muffled whispering could be heard outside the ballroom then the front door opened and closed. Then just as a car could be heard driving off the Howells butler cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow.

Thurston and Talulah looked at each other then at Brandon. He smiled and continued to rock Joseph as they slowly followed their butler out.

0o0o0o0o

Half an hour later Thurston and Talulah sat calmly in the waiting room while Henrietta's parents, Clarence and Nora, along with Theodora, paced back and forth. Henrietta had been so nervous that the Doctor allowed Thatcher in the delivery room. After half an hour he came back in smiling from ear to ear.

"It's a boy!" He exclaimed and everyone squealed. Clarence shook his hand and patted him on the back, Nora hugged him, Theodora was jumping up and down while hugging him, Talulah sobbed as she took hold of his face and kissed his forehead, and Thurston had tears in his eyes as he took hold of Thatcher's hand and pulled him into a hug.

"She's still out of it but we'll be able to see him through the nursery window!" Thatcher replied as they followed him down the hall.

Once they reached the nursery a nurse brought the baby over to the window.

"Everyone meet Thurston Oliver Howell the Fourth!" Thatcher replied beaming.

0o0o0o0o

Several hours later Thurston, Talulah, and Theodora made it home in time to see the little ones open presents. They shared the news as everyone opened presents.

"Awwww congratulations!" Everyone exclaimed over the excited squeals.

"Looking into his little eyes brings new me new hope!" Thurston began. "Miracles happen in thousands of ways so I know in my heart that they are alive out there somewhere and we must never give up! Merry Christmas everyone!"

"Merry Christmas!" Everyone replied.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!