by Laura Acton
Jeff chuckled. “Just don’t take Runt canoeing unless you want to end up in the water. Right, Quill?”
Dan chuckled to cover his thoughts. No way in hell I’m going boating. Although, camping would be fun. Maintaining the lighthearted banter, Dan said, “To be fair, that was my first time camping, in a canoe, and I was only six, Mudbucket.”
“No. No. No. How many times must I tell you? It’s Rock, not Mudbucket,” Jeff groused with a grin.
Glancing at Kyle and Zach, Dan wished he had the chance to camp with them when they were younger. Something he planned to rectify if they could coordinate schedules. “What are your camping names?”
Zach grinned. “Kyle’s is Ivy.”
Groaning, Kyle said, “Don’t remind me. Yours isn’t any better.”
“Oh, mine is much better! It doesn’t sound like a girl’s name,” Zach teased as he joined the others on the passenger side.
Jeff snorted. “Sure it does, Bee.”
Zach rounded on Jeff with an exasperated expression. “Hornet! I keep telling you a hornet stung me.”
Adam laughed as he clapped his brother’s back. “Yeah, you keep saying that, but we all agreed it was a bee. So you are Bee, not Hornet.”
“Hook, Fire, Rock, and Quill are manlier than Ivy and Bee,” Dan grinned and teased. He ducked the snowball Kyle lob at him and ran to the front door as Zach and Kyle chased him. They were all in high spirits and laughing by the time they spilled into the house.
Dan enjoyed the time with his cousins. Content with his decision inviting them to accompany him. They all rallied around him during his emotional storm and helped him to smile and laugh—a terrific time which created some cheerful memories and fulfilled one of Brody’s requests.
They all skidded to a stop in the foyer, facing the formidable expressions of their mothers who were all dressed up. Oh, boy!
Connie eyed them up and down. “Do you know what time it is?”
Each glanced at their watch checking the time. Dan spoke for the group. “My fault. We won’t be late. I promise.” Then they all raced for the stairs with only fifteen minutes to dress for dinner.
The women all laughed as the young men scattered. Kim smiled as she said, “All grown men, but one look from us turns them into little boys.”
Yvonne beamed. “We are so blessed with our children. Today has been one of the happiest days of my life.”
Ann hugged her sister. “You deserve the best of everything. Now that Danny is home perhaps …”
“Yes, my heart is healed.” Yvonne kissed her sister’s cheek. “Let’s make sure everything is set.” She strolled arm-in-arm with Ann to the kitchen feeling on top of the world.
Christmas Spirit Shines Brightly in You
67
December 25
General Broderick’s Home – Dining Room – 6:30 p.m.
Dan and the rest of the guys arrived in the room smartly dressed. They cut it close—reappearing barely under the wire—grateful they all could change rapidly. Incurring the wrath of the Broderick women, who worked all afternoon to put together the feast, by being late wouldn’t have been an intelligent move. Despite their ages and physical stature, they could’ve been relegated to the kid’s table for such an uncourteous action.
As he scanned the room, Dan’s lopsided grin appeared. Tonight is special. The entire family wore formal attire for dinner. All his nieces wore special dresses of red and green. They emulated the berry-laden sprigs draped in tasteful decorations throughout the dining hall. Little Courtney merrily spun around making her red velveteen skirt flare out. His mother, aunts, and female cousins all donned gowns in festive colors.
The men were no less handsome in their suits. Even two-year-old Tony wore one. Dan chuckled when he spotted Courtney’s twin Caleb in a red suit accessorized with elf ears. He noted Joss tugging on his tie, who at thirteen, equated his suit to a straightjacket. Fifteen-year-old David was the only one of his nephews who appeared comfortable in his black suit with a burgundy shirt. He, his cousins, father, and uncles all wore dark suits with holiday ties. The military uniforms put away for the night.
He spied his mother and gave her a WOW smile striding toward her. Dan embraced her and kissed her cheek. “Merry Christmas, Mom.”
All bright smiles, Yvonne hugged Dan. “Happy Christmas, Dan.” Yvonne took his hand and started for the head of the table. “I’ve placed you right next to me.” She wanted to ask where he went with the boys, but she respected his privacy. If he chose to tell her, she would listen, but if he decided to keep it private, that would be okay too.
William grinned at his son. “Merry Christmas, Daniel. You made it back in the nick of time. Glad you’re not spending tonight in the doghouse, particularly since we don’t have one. Might get a little cold on the porch ...”
His brows shot up, surprised by a rare example of his father’s droll humor, Dan chuckled. “Yes, sir.”
Pulling Dan into a hug, William whispered, “I hope everything is alright. If you need anything, anything at all you can talk to me. I’m here for you, always.” He released him, his smile broadening as Daniel met his gaze and he saw the light in Daniel’s eyes.
Everyone found their places. Dan sat between his parents at one end. He felt special—his entire family showed him how much they wanted him here. Today fulfilled all he yearned for—a day which helped soothed his soul.
William stood and picked up his wine glass. He surveyed the family—the first time in nineteen years they had all been here together on Christmas. A wish come true. His heart filled with joy.
Raising his glass and turning to Dan, William’s voice rang clear, “A toast to my son. Daniel, you orchestrated all of this. Family is important. You are important. I am extremely proud of the man you are. The joy you brought to your mother and me this day … well, it is immeasurable. The Christmas spirit shines brightly in you. Thank you for foraging a path home for everyone.” He sat down as Yvonne gave Daniel a gentle kiss and the others clinked glasses and took a sip. Our son gave Yvonne a gift no one, not even I could give her.
Kyle picked up on his uncle’s wrong word foraging not forging and couldn’t resist as he sang, “Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, we go.”
At his brother’s discordant notes, Scott playfully yelled at his sibling, “Stop caterwauling! We’re trying to eat and you’re setting a bad example for the kids.”
Zach turned to his cousin, staring at Kyle with a quizzical expression. “Don’t quit your day job. Geez, you could use that voice to scrape barnacles off the hull. Why’d you sing that anyway?”
“Uncle Will said Dan is foraging his path. Just brought that song to mind.” Kyle grinned as everyone laughed at his singing and for calling out William’s word choice as William eyeballed him with a sniper’s precision.
“I believe he meant seeking,” Scott said attempting to save his brother from sticking his foot in his mouth further.
Getting in on the fun, Jeff teased, “Nah, I’m pretty sure he used the right word. I can see Runt scavenging his way home.”
Dan gave Jeff the evil eye but couldn’t maintain it as he laughed.
Chuckling, Adam offered, “I think he could’ve meant hunting. Which reminds me, we need to invite Bambi on the next hunting trip. With Dan’s stealth and sniper skills, he’d bag us a stag for sure.”
“Call me Bambi again and I’ll be sniping you,” Dan quipped as he stared at Adam but couldn’t stop his chuckle. Damn Jim for sharing my almost code name with my cousins. I’ll have to figure out how to best serve cold revenge.
Adam started to retort, but his aunt beat his timing.
“Now, boys. Let’s play nice.” Yvonne admonished as she beamed at each one of the men at the table.
As the family set about passing the bowls and platters of food and filling their plates the good-natured teasing continued and morphed into other conversations. Leaning back in his chair, Dan observed the entire extended Broderick family
enjoying a family Christmas. This is what he remembered and how this was supposed to be.
He was pulled out of his musings when Becca asked loudly, “Where did you all go, Dan?”
Conversation stopped, and the whole Broderick clan turned to him.
Dan smiled softly. “To pick up the present Brody gave me.”
Confused, Becca squinted at Dan. “Brody’s been dead for a year and a half. How did he give you a gift?”
William put his hand on Daniel’s shoulder when he noted the fleeting flash of pain crossing his face. Annoyed at her lack of discretion, William turned his eyes to Becca and firmly stated, “Becca, it is impolite to ask.”
Dan dropped his chin and put his hands on his lap as the pain of killing Brody lanced through him. He felt his mom take hold of his hand and squeeze delicately. Lifting and turning his head, he glimpsed understanding in her eyes. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
Gaining control and tucking the hurt away, Dan focused on Becca. Her question was innocent and not meant to cause him harm, so he shared, “Brody acquired a present for me five years ago. Since I remained in the field every Christmas we exchanged things like bottled water, nuts, or power bars.
“The years I spent with other units, Brody always managed to put a gift on my bunk no matter where the base camp was located. I never figured out how he accomplished the feat when he wasn’t even in the country. This present he planned for years. He said he wanted me to receive it on the second Christmas after his passing so I would enjoy his gift.”
Becca nodded and forged ahead wanting to know as she asked, “So what did he leave you?”
Multiple emotions and thoughts raced through Dan’s mind but settled on one. Brody’s real gift is a piece of himself—Brody’s voice. A reminder of the man who helped me cope so many time. Dan kept those thoughts private.
He answered Becca, “Brody gave me the truck we went four wheeling in with Zach. The one I rented when Mom and Dad held the party for me after Brody and I graduated Special Forces training.”
Yvonne squeezed Dan’s hand again. “Oh, my. That is special!”
William patted Daniel’s shoulder as he stood, raising his glass again. “A toast to Brody Hunter. An honorable man and an exceptional friend who is admired and missed by all who had the opportunity to meet him and many who never did. Any man would have been proud to call him a son.”
Dan stood and raised his wineglass. “To my brother in all ways which matter.” He clinked glasses with his dad and his mom then downed half the contents.
He grinned at his mother—grateful she filled his goblet with sparkling apple cider. It looked like the chardonnay all the adults were drinking but was a safer choice for him. Mixing alcohol and pain meds was never a smart idea, but for him, that would be an absolute recipe for disaster.
Peace washed through Dan as he relished the festive atmosphere swirling around him as conversations resumed. He dug into the delicious food before him. Merry Christmas, Sara, and Brody. Wish you both were here.
General Broderick’s Home – Library – 11:00 pm
Dan lowered his aching, tired body down to the soft cushions of the sofa. He popped two pain pills and an antibiotic, following them with a sip of his now warm cocoa. Wiped out after a full day with little sleep the night before, Dan pulled the afghan Mom made him over his legs and settled in to relax.
The house all quiet now with only his parents and Becca here. The rest of the family left for their homes about nine-thirty. His sister went to bed about a half hour ago. Mom said she’d join him here after she changed into something more comfortable.
As he gazed at the fire, his mind replayed the day as he waited for mom. Once things got rolling, dinner had been rowdy, cheerful, and filled with humor. There was so much laughter his cheek and chest muscles ached. Everyone, young and old joined the fun.
After dinner, the guys took care of all the clean up so the ladies could relax, only fair since the women spent the afternoon cooking. With so many hands helping, they made short work of the dishes. He, Zach, and Kyle entertained the kids with video games while the other adults packed up all the gifts and load them into their respective vehicles. When they finished, the whole family gathered in the library to sing Christmas carols and enjoy hot chocolate, more cookies, and chocolates.
This was a Christmas to remember. The pure joy in Mom’s eyes warmed his heart. Dad embraced him tightly and conveyed he did exceptionally well in planning the surprises. In fact, all his aunts, uncles, and cousins did and said much the same thing as they all took their leave and headed home.
Once they were gone, Dan enjoyed his quiet talk with Becca on the floor in front of the fireplace. He shared some memories of Sara with her, and she told him one Mom and Dad told her before dinner. He didn’t remember trying to take Becca bike riding with them. Sara’s cleverness occasional got him in trouble, but he would never change a thing because her ideas were always done with the best intentions.
He and Becca engaged in their longest conversation ever tonight. He liked reconnecting with his youngest sister. Before she headed upstairs, Becca hugged him and said this was her best Christmas ever and hoped he would come home each year from now on. She thanked him for the stuffed pony too. A silly gift for a grown woman, but Dan couldn’t think of anything which would be more meaningful.
Flicking his eyes to the glittering angel at the top of the Christmas tree, a soft smile grew as newfound serenity settled in him. “If there are guardian angels, Sara, I bet you are an excellent one. Becca reminds me a bit of you—kind hearted and full of life. Though she is a little directionless right now. So, if you can, please keep an eye on Becca for me. Love you, Sara.”
A slight swish of fabric caused Dan to tear his gaze from the angel and peer up at his mom. She wore the robe he gave her for Christmas. Likewise, he had on the warm flannel pajamas his parents gave him. This was probably the only time he would wear them—he usually slept au natural even in the dead of winter. He grinned at his mother. “Join me?”
Yvonne sat down on the sofa next to Dan and smiled warmly. They had not shared a moment alone, only the two of them all day. She enjoyed the family but was happy to have Danny all to herself. William had to take an urgent call about twenty minutes ago. His life was never his own—even on Christmas.
Dan set his mug down on the end table. “So, am I entirely forgiven for telling you I must work today?”
Yvonne reached out, cupping his jaw as her emerald eyes danced reflecting the lights twinkling on the tree. “My precious boy, did you need to ask?”
“I guess not.” Dan chuckled and did something he enjoyed as a boy and while recuperating here last summer. He shifted and lay his head in his mother’s lap. He covered himself with his new blanket and glanced up at his mom.
Yvonne’s voice came out soft, “You knew precisely where I wanted you.” Her hand began to brush through his hair tenderly. She sighed, and her eyes became distant as if looking at a faraway spot. “I remember on your sixth Christmas, sitting right here, and doing this as we talked about angels.”
Dan closed his eyes enjoying the touch. He breathed in deeply and the fragrance of his mother—vanilla and cinnamon, warm and inviting—intermingled with aromas of hot chocolate and pine. The of scent Christmas. Relaxed, he murmured, “Hmmm … I recall too.”
Yvonne carefully avoided the bruised side of Dan’s head as she massaged. Recalling a Christmas twenty-two years ago, she felt a moment of déjà vu, as if no time passed. Except now, instead of a six-year-old boy, a grown man’s head occupied her lap. “I still believe in angels. You asked me if I thought your dad had a guardian angel. I’m sure he does and so do you. Very special ones.”
Content and becoming sleepy, Dan replied, “Hmm, angels … feels good.”
Yvonne continued to lovingly card her fingers through his hair as she gazed into the fire. Warm, cozy, and relaxing—home.
Hearing the change in his breathing Yvonne’s smile grew, her son was wor
n to a frazzle after the two weeks he experienced at work and events of today. He needed a peaceful night’s sleep. She wanted to slip him a sleeping draught in his cocoa, but refrained, deeming his trust was more important.
She didn’t yet possess the same trust level Dan had in Jim Shea. The phone call she took earlier, while all the boys were out, had been fortuitous. Jim called to check on Dan, and after a few direct queries, she learned of the plot. She chided Jim slightly after learning the truth of Dan’s health condition, but she recognized his noble intentions. Though she believed Dan might be miffed once he discovered Jim had been less than honest with him.
That call clued her into their secret surprise and allowed her to arrange a surprise of her own for all the men who supported Danny through harrowing times. Yvonne didn’t need to know the details to comprehend Dan experienced horrible things while in Special Forces.
The impending court-martials, and the screams which accompanied Dan’s nightmares were proof enough. She knew they saved her son’s life more than once. She and William owed them more than they could ever repay. Her little gift would be a small drop in the bucket, but hopefully, they would all enjoy it.
“Sleep well, my little prince.” Yvonne smiled gazing at Dan while he slept, enjoying a quiet moment. So much for talking, but this is far better … a most rare and precious gift.
Yvonne’s eyes moved to the decorated tree, singling out an ornament. A simple handmade one from Sara’s last Christmas. Ann helped the kids make it—the top of a soup can, one opened with a can opener which left the sides smooth. In the center, a picture of her children sitting together in front of their tree. Each wore a silly headdress, Dan a Santa hat, Sara reindeer antlers, and Becca elf ears which were too big for her. Around the edge was red and gold lace glued in place with evenly spaced dots of puffy green paint.
This ornament previously caused her sorrow and tears … it was the first one she hung on the tree and the last item she would remove each year. On Christmas day, Yvonne used to hold it and pray for Danny to be returned to her then she would cry. But not this year. Today the decoration brought her joy because her prayers had been answered.
