And love
Chap 45 Christmas
1 Police Plaza (1PP)
To his amazement, DCPI Garrett had convinced PC Frank Reagan to do a live nativity this year. It was being set up in the plaza in front of the law enforcement tower. Christmas was Friday and Saturday this year; the live nativity would be up and active Wed-Thurs evenings.
Frank had heard of Joseph, the donkey that Mary Rose was learning to ride. He asked if Palmer might let them use Joseph in the nativity. Jamie asked, Palmer and Deborah agreed.
The arrangement was that Joseph would be brought down to Bay Ridge on Tuesday afternoon, and stay in Frank's garage overnight. Then to the nativity on Wed-Thur. Then home Friday morning.
Frank had invited Palmer & Deborah to stay with him and Henry; to take care of Joseph and do his transporting. They accepted, and were looking forward to it.
MARY ROSE WAS OVER THE MOON! She insisted on staying at GG's and helping with Joseph's care. Nobody knew him as well as her, right! He just needed her! She would not be denied. Jamie stayed out of this one.
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SUNDAY, 2 WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
The family asked Jamie and Eddie to stay late after dinner. Linda had volunteered to go home with the girls. They were nervous about the topic.
After they settled in the sunroom, Erin started.
"At our recent Tet-a-Tet I remarked, in a rather teasing way, that you would need more room if you were to regularly host family dinners. Well, the family has joined me in that thought."
"No one has talked with me!" Jamie snorts.
"Because of the tgopic, Jameson," Pops huffs. "Just be patient."
Eddie grasps Jamie's hand a little tighter, and moves even closer.
"It is challenging for all of us to think of meaningful presents to give to each other on special occasions," Frank poses. "This has become apparent now at Christmas. It is easier with the girls; but, you and Eddie? Not so much."
"We have put our heads together and come up with something we would really like to do for you and Eddie – and the family," Pops picks up the baton. He passes it to Daniel.
"The four of us would like to provide you the down payment on a house, sized for your family."
"And room for a little growth," Erin adds.
"Not an orphanage," Frank chuckles.
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, total surprise on their faces. Maybe disgust. Anger? Eddie can tell that her husband is about to explode. The proud Reagan man is about to erupt.
The family watches in awe as she gently places a hand on his forearm. He stills so very slightly. "May we have a few minutes alone, please?" She voices.
Frank nods; the 4 exits to the kitchen.
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"I've seen that before," Erin voices softly.
"What?" Danny huffs.
Erin points at their dad, "Dad and mom."
Frank nods slowly, "Yes, you are correct, Erin. Mary could do the same for me, it was awesome to feel her touch at a time like that. Really amazing, the touch of LOVE!"
"Betty couldn't do that," Pops sounds sad.
"Pop, Betty loved you as much as Mary loved me. It was just different. People are different. I see Linda do somewhat the same for Daniel."
Danny huffs, "But it doesn't work like that with Lin and me. Eddie has control over the kid!"
Erin rejects that. "Danny, that's not it! It's not about control! I can see the difference; it's that dad and Jamie are more responsive to that touch. As dad said – the TOUCH OF LOVE!"
"And those girls are going to grow up seeing that, and be better for it!" Pops expresses.
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IN THE SUNROOM
Eddie cuddles closer, "Jamie, hon?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"This is an amazing opportunity, you know. I get why it rubs you the wrong way, though."
"You think you do, huh?" He is still quite tense.
"I know you very well, you know."
"I know."
"A man is supposed to take care of his family, right?"
"Exactly!"
"But sometimes it takes a village, or a family." Eddie opines.
"So, is this one of those times?" He questions.
"I think so. With 3 girls, and maybe 1 more baby we'll need 5 bedrooms, I think. Are we financially ready to look for a 5-bed home, sweetie?"
"No," he moans. "This is embarrassing, Eddie!"
"It is, only if you make it so. Let our family love on us, babe."
He nods slowly, without speaking.
Eddie gets up, goes to the kitchen door and motions for the family to join them.
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Jamie squeezes her hand, giving Eddie the go ahead to speak. She responds-
"We are amenable; can you explain how you see this working? A loan? Other?" Eddie poses.
Frank takes the lead, "We have agreed that we would pay in full your downpayment. Now this would mean no more large gifts; and Pops and I would adjust the dispensation formula in our wills. I can say, that for me Jamie's share of my estate wouldn't go to zero. But it would be reduced."
"So, it is a withdrawal against my future inheritance? Dollar for dollar?" Jamie asks.
"That cannot be determined exactly at this time."
"I understand. May Eddie and I have another moment?"
Thet\y all nod.
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Jamie and Edie step into the kitchen.
"What's up, babe?" Eddie asks. "You are taking me into the weeds."
"I know. I am asking questions they either cannot, or do not want to answer."
"Maybe we should just trust them? They are your family, after all." Eddie hugs him, her cheek against his chest.
"Yes, they are. You, OK?"
"Yup! Let's go house hunting!"
"With the girls?"
"Of course!" She grins. 'How many bathrooms will we need?'
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BAY RIDGE, TUESDAY
"GG, Joseph needs more straw on the floor!" Donkey caretaker Mary Rose shouts commands.
Palmer and Henry roll their eyes.
"Coming, dear," Deborah mutters as she brings another half bale and shakes it out onto the floor. 'I love that girl, good thing.'
Cassie has been chosen to play Mary; Jack will be Joseph, Mary's betrothed husband. They will be coming over this evening to meet Joseph (the donkey). Mary Rose will introduce them, of course.
While Mary Rose is the self-proclaimed donkey handler, Eddie is the designated Mary Rose handler. By popular acclaim, Eddie has the harder job! By a country mile.
Cassie has a baby belly, and she & Jack are dressed in costume. The introductions go smoothly; Cassie mounts and dismounts smoothly; Jack leads a mounted Cassie out of the garage and around the block without incident. Mary Rose follows at a discreet distance, and is pleased with the performance of 'her boy'.
Wednesday & Thursday the nativity is live from 6-9 PM. The performances come off without a hitch; to the relief of all.
Mary Rose has stayed with GG throughout; as have Palmer and Deborah. Frank & Henry have formed a new friendship. They have asked about coming out to the ranch and observing a lesson. They will be welcomed with open arms!
Friday morning Palmer packs up the horse trailer with Joseph and supplies; at 11:00 he and Deborah are off. She and Henry had done some baking together during their stay. She left behind several dozen rolls. Pops had rolls for several Sunday dinners on hand in the freezer.
Then it was final prep for Christmas!
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CHRISTMAS
Eddie and Jamie had gotten matching outfits for the girls to wear for midnight mass on Christmas eve. The sisters were resplendent in starched white blouses; red sweater vests; pleated green skirts; long white stockings and black patent leather Mary Jane's. This family was, WOW!
Eddie and Jamie were no slouches. They had on a matching long-sleeved burgundy silk shirt/blouse; light grey sweater vest; black slacks & shoes/hose. They both had on a black leather jacket. Eddie accessorized with platinum jewelry; Jamie with silver JR/ER cufflinks. The family was quite admired.
After mass all the clan gathered at GG and Frank's for hot chocolate, spiced cider and Christmas cookies.
Danny, Linda and boys stayed the night; Jamie, Eddie & crew went home because of Christmas morning plans.
Christmas morning Paula and Joe came over to Jamie's for breakfast/brunch. After eating and clean-up they had an abbreviated presents session. Joe & Paula had (in consultation with J/E) gotten the girls a giant-sized doll house. While Cassie was close to outgrowing dolls, sort of, all 3 sisters were delighted. The girls had worked with their parents to decide on a couple of small gifts for their guests. All were pleased.
BAY RIDGE 12:30
The big presents session was here! Since the family mess had cleared at least 2 weeks prior to Christmas, there had been plenty of shopping time. GG, grandpa, aunts Erin and Linda; even Danny, Nicky and the boys got in on the fun:
Clothes,
DVDs, movies & music,
Smart phone apps,
Books,
Dolls with clothes,
Board games,
Music downloads,
A cook-book – from GG,
And more. It's a good thing they had the Honda. But they did need 2 trips. (And a bigger house!)
OH YES! The final present was for Eddie & Jamie.
A GOLD KEY!
"What is that for?" the girls exclaimed.
"You get 3 guesses," Jamie told them.
A car – NO
A closet – NO
We give up
Jamie walks over to the big doll house that was sitting in the corner. He bends down, puts the gold key into the keyhole in the front door.
The girls watch with big eyes.
He turns the key and opens the door!
The sisters squeal – A HOUSE?
"Let's go See it!"
Eddie slows them down, "We need to go house hunting, and find it."
"OK!" They dash for their coats. The house descends into laughter.
"Next week, calm down," Eddie announces.
GG and Frank agree. Next week it will be.
3:00 PM ROAST BEAST
Henry puts out another fabulous holiday meal. This one augmented with Deborah's home-made rolls. GG thinks his are just as good. Eddie casts a side eye at that; Jamie pleads the 5th.
All the others didn't hear the comment.
The girls get pumpkin pie again; the jury is still out. (Me too!)
Once home and all presents in their room, getting the sisters to bed is a mission well-nigh impossible. The parents give up, close and lock their door, cuddle in bed and fall asleep. Tomorrow is Sunday; family dinner is cancelled; we'll see you Monday AM.
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TBC
A/N: I have started publishing "Beyond Fishing". A sequel to my JAMKO one shot "Fishing". Take a look at both, and give me a review. I love your comments!