by Laura Acton
Dan settled into the chair and picked up his favorite Christmas story, Frosty the Snowman—his favorite because it had been Sara’s. He recalled when he was six and she four they enjoyed building a snowman with Vicky and Ashley.
He peered down at the four kids who came to sit on the carpet and started reading. By the time he finished the story, a group of ten children had gathered around him. He selected Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and when he ended, almost twenty kids sat before him listening with rapt attention.
Holding up two books, Dan asked, “By a show of hands, which one should I read next. How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Polar Express?” As he held up a book, the hands went up. He counted the votes for each, and there was a clear winner. Dan began, “Every Who down in Whoville …”
Nick, Lexa, and Jon stood just outside the kitchen and observed Dan reading to the kids. The rug was now packed full with thirty or more, having drawn all the children who were here to him.
Lexa sighed when a small girl crawled up into Dan’s lap and a soft smile formed on his face. “He’s so gentle with youngsters. They’re drawn to him. Bram’s Allie. Sara Clarry. The Kettle boys. Skyler Rider, the skateboarding boy who knocked me over last Valentine’s day. And the runaway boys he spoke to here and encouraged to go home, Jeff and Max I think were their names.”
Jon quirked a brow. “Kent too. You should’ve seen Kent’s face when he learned Dan fell today. Kent’s made a strong connection with him. I believe Dan intuitively understands how to communicate with teens.”
Nodding, Nick said, “I made the same observation. I think we should focus on developing his negotiating skills in that area first. He can draw on his natural affinity to make connections. With everything he’s been through, I’m glad he’s having a Merry Christmas.”
“He deserves one. Thanks for agreeing to help today,” Lexa remarked before returning to assist Gladys. The grandmotherly woman was infatuated with Dan and sang his praises while lamenting the fact she wasn’t younger. Silently, Lexa gave thanks too. Dan’s all mine!
Toronto Airport – 8:00 p.m.
Adam enjoyed the flight down from Ottawa. He rarely had the opportunity to spend time with his brother. This past summer, helping Dan recover, was the most time they spent together for quite a while. It took Dan being nearly killed to knock some sense into him.
The death of his fiancée, Sophia, fourteen years ago changed the course of his life drastically. Adam pushed his baby brother away for a long time—avoiding family and future. All that changed this summer when his faith and outlook on life was influenced by the sheer determination Dan showed in fighting for what he wanted so desperately.
As he strolled to the private jet terminal, Adam wore a rare smile—well less a rarity lately. This year was too long in coming—something he never thought would occur but was damned glad was happening. For the first time in decades, he looked forward to Christmas.
Many things for many years prevented him—all of them—from having a genuinely joyful Christmas. Nothing like those he remembered before Sara died. Christmas was always a jubilant time, and the extended family made extra effort to gather together. Back then it was rare that someone was missing. Usually, it was one of the dads—Uncle Will mostly.
But after Sara’s death, it was never the same. They all lost Dan that year too, his zest for life vanished leaving only a solemn boy. Adam equated Dan’s appearance to a burnt-out Christmas bulb the few times they saw each other. Never again did Dan join them in Ottawa because Dan’s parents were concerned about his mental health. They wished to avoid the possibility of him going catatonic again, so everyone agreed to different locations. The logistics were difficult given the mix of duty stations and little kids with activities.
Once he joined the Air Force, Adam was one of the ones who often couldn’t swing leave. He had been low man on the totem pole and had to cover for more senior men. It bothered him the most because Zach was little and he wanted to be there for him as his only sibling. With thirteen years between them, he missed a lot of Zach growing up.
Though he always kept in touch with him. They corresponded in letters and email often. He knew about Zach’s girlfriends before their parents did. He knew many things about his brother his parents didn’t due to Zach confiding in him and seeking his advice often. Adam’s random musings stopped as he caught sight of Dan in one of the chairs.
Dan appeared relaxed with his feet propped up on one of his bags, his eyes closed, and headphones on. As he came close, Adam noticed the bandaged hand and the colorful facial bruise. Damn, today must have been a rough one for his TRF team. Wonder what happened.
Adam came to a stop in front of his cousin. “Hey, you ready to take off?”
Kicking back listening to Christmas tunes, Dan opened his eyes at the voice. Not Zach. Dan grinned as he sat up, pulling out his earbuds. His voice came out a little gruff, “I didn’t expect you.”
“Decided to keep Zach company on the trip down. He’s taking care of refueling. I came to fetch you,” Adam explained. “You’re not coming down with a cold, are you? You sound a bit ragged.”
Standing, Dan shook his head and took a sip of his coffee. “Little dry. Spent hours reading aloud to the kids at Mayfield.”
“Don’t you normally do all the fetch and carry and washing stuff?”
“Yeah, but they wouldn’t allow me to this year. I’ll tell you all about it on the way home,” Dan said and bent to get his luggage. He recalled Caroline asking him about Jon calling him Wyle E. Coyote and her giggles as he explained the nickname to her. The past two weeks of mishaps undoubtedly strengthened his nickname. He only hoped come the new year, less weird crap would happen to him.
Adam grabbed his baggage before Dan could. “Well if they didn’t let you, there must be a reason. I’ll get these for you.”
Dan chuckled and didn’t put up a fuss as he retorted, “You’d make a decent porter if you ever decide to leave the Air Force.”
Chuckling Adam responded in kind, “From the looks of you, you would make a first-rate crash dummy when you’re ready to hang up TRF.”
“Some days it feels like I already am.” Dan slipped his hand into his jacket pocket checking again he had his pain meds and antibiotics. As they headed out to the airplane, Dan added, “Got some wonderful news.”
“What? You got a girlfriend you’re gonna introduce to the family?”
Dan questioned if he was transparent as he honestly answered. “Uh, you are aware I’ve only been back in Toronto a few weeks. No, my news is that my boss told me the team’s time off will be extended until January second. Commander Gambrill said the Lieutenant Governor wanted to reward us for protecting him from rioters. So, I can stay a couple extra days.”
Adam clapped Dan on the back. “Excellent!”
Best Christmas Eve
59
December 24
Jon’s Home – 8:00 p.m.
Lexa knocked on the door, smiling as Kent opened and cheerfully greeted her, “Hi, Aunt Lexa! Dad’s in the living room. Gotta finish something.” Kent bounded back up the stairs calling back, “I’ll be down in a minute.”
The house was warm and festively decorated. Boss and Jon were seated in front of a glowing fire, talking. Delectable aromas filled the Hardy home. Lexa waved to Jon and Nick, and they acknowledged her with nods as she continued towards the kitchen to find out if Jennifer needed a hand.
Jen glanced up as she pulled a roast from the oven, a bright smile gracing her features. “Lexa, you made it. I began to worry.”
Lexa set down her purse on the telephone desk. “Sorry to be later than expected. Had to take a detour due to an accident and a few road closures. Can I help with anything?”
Putting a foil tent over the standing rib roast so it could rest before carving, Jennifer answered, “Everything is done. Just need to let the roast rest a moment. Would you like a glass of wine? A nice red is opened.”
“Sounds fabulous.”
Jennifer poured wine for both of them, handing one glass to Lexa before taking a sip herself. “I’m glad you were able to change your plans at the last minute. When Jon requested to dine later so he and Nick could go help Dan, I thought that you two might like to join us.”
Sipping her wine, Lexa surveyed the feast Jennifer prepared. “Actually, my friend was glad of the change. She wasn’t feeling well. Everything smells delicious. Looks like you were busy in here all day.”
“From what Jon tells me, so were you. I enjoy cooking for my guys, and they are appreciative, but having guests to entertain is a pleasant change.”
The men entered the cozy kitchen, and Jon asked, “Dan get off okay?”
Lexa glanced at the wall clock before answering. “Yeah, I dropped him outside the private terminal about seven thirty. He expected Zach about eight, so they should be in the air about now.”
“Thanks for driving him, Lexa. He appeared in high spirits when he left.” Jon held his wine glass out to Jennifer for a refill.
Nick sipped his coffee. “He did. I believe he wholly enjoyed his light duty task. When Ms. Bennett requested I was unsure if he would play along.”
“What did she ask him to do?” Jennifer’s brows furrowed.
Jon’s eyes conveyed his delight. “Read Christmas stories to the children. Dano enjoyed it as much as the kids. Probably ‘cause he is nearly a kid himself.”
“Um, you do realize, he’s almost twenty-nine.” Lexa’s mind shifted gears as the others chuckled. “Caroline sure got a kick out of his nickname.”
“Which one? Dantastic, Blondie, or Dano?” Jen asked.
“Wyle E. Coyote. Should’ve seen her face when we listed his encounters over the past two weeks. Freezing in a tree, a bullet to the vest, straining his muscles pulling me up, going ten rounds with that crazy prop manager, exposure to cannabis, and the list goes on.”
“Don’t forget his milk bath!” Kent quipped with an amused smile. “Oh, and throwing up all the ice cream after being slammed into the squad car?”
Jon cringed as he eyed Kent.
Nick didn’t miss the exchange and the guilty expression on Kent’s face. “What’s this about vomiting and being banged into a car?”
“Something my son should’ve kept confidential.” Jon pinched the bridge of his nose as he settled his gunmetal gray eyes on his son.
“Sorry, Dad.” Kent hung his head.
Jon dropped his hand and blew out a forced breath. “Not me you need to apologize to. Go get Joey. I believe dinner is almost ready.”
Lexa eyed Jon. “Now that the cat is out of the bag. What happened?”
After a quick version of the sundae contest, and recounting Gould’s treatment of Dan, Jon ended with, “I got a distinct impression Gould and Dan tangled in the past, but Dan avoided my questions.”
Lexa crossed her arms. “He has a right to privacy. We all do. You better not plan on digging.”
Jon met Lexa’s gaze. “No, I don’t. It only worried me. Didn’t so much like Fouquet’s behavior either. I’m right. He doesn’t possess the right temperament to be part of TRF. Hopefully, he doesn’t apply again.”
Jen laid her hand on Jon’s shoulder as the boys returned to the room. “Family time. Put away the job for now. Jon, will you slice the beef? Lexa, could you help me take the side dishes out? … Thanks.”
Nick smiled at the deft way Jen stopped a discussion which had no place in this holiday evening.
Jon nodded and moved the meat to a platter and started to carve it as the others transferred many dishes to the dining room. Once finished, Jon carried the tray in as they all took their seats and a strange thought popped into his mind. “Reminds me of the Who-ville feast, right down to the roast beast.”
Lexa and Nick chuckled recalling Dan’s animated reading of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
Kent surveyed the plentiful banquet before them, his eyes shining with exuberance. “I genuinely enjoyed helping today. We have so much more than some families.” He pulled five wrapped items out of his pocket and handed one to his mom, dad, Joey, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Lexa. “I made these for you today. I hope you like them. You can open them now if you want.”
Jennifer recognized the snowflake wrapping paper she gave Kent when he got home from Mayfield. He had been secretive when she inquired why he needed it and raced up to his room.
After creating a snowstorm of shredded paper, Joey excitedly shouted, “A reindeer!” He held a brightly painted piece of wood in the shape of a Christmas bulb. Around the top, which was the base of the light, a pipe cleaner was twisted and the ends shaped like antlers. Two googly-eyes had been glued to the wide part of the bulb and at the tip was a small red pompom.
Kent beamed. “I got a kick out of lending a hand as the little kids made them. Ms. Bennett said they had more than enough supplies, so she let me make one for each of you. Got one for Dan, Loki, Bram, and Ray too.”
Jennifer hugged Kent until he squirmed away blushing a bit and groaned, “I’m starving. Can we eat now?”
Everyone laughed, thanked Kent, and started passing the food. The six of them had a delightful dinner, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
As Lexa finished her dinner, she smiled thinking that she was having a joyous Christmas with her chosen family. The ones who would never let her down. The only way this could be better was if Dan were here, but she understood how important being with his family this year was to him.
Nick sipped his after-dinner coffee as Jennifer served them all pie. His gaze turned to Kent as the teen regaled them with his stories of volunteering. A pang of longing zinged through his heart. He could imagine Martin and Kent working together today. Alas not to be. Merry Christmas, Martin. I miss you son. Nick refocused on Joey who started to complain about going to bed. “Hey, how ‘bout I read you a bedtime story.”
Joey’s eyes widened, and he grabbed his uncle’s hand. “Tell me a racing story. I like your racing stories.”
Nick grinned enjoying the moment as Joey dragged him towards the stairs and up to his bedroom. This team was his family, and though he missed his wife and son, this family brought joy to his life.
Airplane En Route to Ottawa – 8:30 p.m.
Dan’s stomach started growling as Zach took off. He should have stopped to grab something or accepted the ham sandwich before he left Mayfield, but he didn’t want to make Lexa late for dinner at Jon’s. As he tried to recall if he had packed any power bars in his bags, a baggie of cookies landed in his lap. Dan peered at Adam.
Adam chuckled. “I heard your stomach roaring from here. There’s only a few left. Zach and I ate most on the way down, but it should tide you over until we get to Scott’s.”
“Thanks.” Dan opened the bag and withdrew a cookie, taking a huge bite.
Becoming serious, Adam said, “I talked to my dad today. They received the results of the investigation into the crashes.”
“What were they?” Dan hoped the crashes were not due to mistakes made by Kettle or Bunge. That would be hard for the boys to accept.
Adam’s expression darkened, clearly disturbed by the findings. “Not pilot error. Apparently, the cause was a recent software upgrade. An error caused the altitude calculation to be off. One lousy missing decimal in thousands of lines of code cost us, two pilots.”
“Wow! So what happens now?” Dan chewed and swallowed, then checked the time finding it was still too early to take another dose. He shifted to find a more comfortable position.
“The contractor will remedy the error, and all flights on aircraft installed with the software are grounded until the fix is fully retested. The families will receive settlements from the insurance policy the company maintains. The Kettle boy’s funds will be placed in a trust to assist them with education and living expenses while in university, and if they don’t choose to continue their education, they will each get a lump payment when they turn twenty-five.” Adam handed Dan a can of soda from the cooler.
Dan popp
ed the top and took a long drink. “Pleased they will be able to go to university if they desire, but that’s no doubt of little comfort to them right now. I’m sure they would rather have their father.”
Adam indicated understanding with a gentle smile forming as he shared more cheerful news. “Osmund and Carol are in seventh heaven. They never had kids of their own. Carol loves having the boys there. They will provide a loving home where each boy will be nurtured and grow strong and true.”
Dan agreed based on what he observed last night. His mood lightened as he changed the subject. “I can’t wait to surprise Mom. I almost came clean the other day. Her voice was a touch melancholy when I told her I had to work and wouldn’t be there. After so many years of unintentionally causing her pain, it will feel amazing to bring her joy. Though, I still didn’t like lying.”
Finding another grin on his face, muscles now sore from smiling so much today, Adam assured Dan, “You will be completely forgiven for your ruse once she sees you and the entire family.”
Zach called back to them, “So Dan, what is your other surprise? Adam still won’t tell me no matter how much I bug him.”
Mischief danced in Dan’s eyes. “You’ll see tomorrow.”
Zach groaned as Adam chortled and thought, fun to tease my baby brother.
Content after devouring the cookies, Dan inadvertently dozed off while Adam related a story of one of his trainees.
When things became quiet, Zach glanced back. “Is he okay, Adam?”
Staring at his sleeping cousin, Adam sighed. “Yeah, he’s likely tuckered out from non-stop shifts.” He rose to go to the cockpit, stalled, and lowered his voice so he didn’t rouse his tired cousin. “Danny, we’ve both searched for a path home. Thanks to you I found mine, and I hope you find yours.”
Scott’s Home – 10:00 p.m.
