December, three years later
“Brianne’s hands are so little, Dad,” Rickey said. He called out to his mother, “Mom, were my hands that little when I was brand new?”
“Almost,” she called back. “But you were a bit bigger than your sister.”
Rickey, who was leaning against his dad’s shoulder, glanced up at his father’s face. “Dad?”
“Yes, son?”
“I was wondering…” The little boy frowned and shifted uneasily.
“What is it, Rickey?” he asked with concern.
“Well, a boy at school said you probably wanted a boy instead of a girl, since I’m not your real son.”
John’s expression was stricken. “Hey, you know as well as I do that God sent you to me, and me to you, so we could be a family. And you know you’re the best son I could ever ask for.”
Evidently satisfied, Rickey smiled and began studying his little sister again. John was holding her in his arms and was also staring in awe at his new daughter.
“Dad?” Rickey said.
“Yes, son?”
“Did you pray for a boy?”
He nodded.
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
“What are you sorry about, Rickey?”
“I’m sorry you didn’t get a boy when you prayed for one.”
He gasped. “But I did get a boy when I prayed for one,” he said, smiling into his little boy’s eyes. “He sent me you.”
“Oh!” Rickey beamed as he snuggled against his dad’s shoulder. “Dad?”
“Yes, son?”
“Do you ever wish you could have met my other dad?”
John nodded. “Sometimes I do.”
“What would you say to him?”
Without hesitation, John said, “I would thank him for you.”
Rickey smiled. “That boy at school doesn’t know much, does he, Dad?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“We’ll pray for him.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” John said with a chuckle. “Okay, then. Your sister’s sleeping so…”
“It’s guy time!” he whispered eagerly.
“Yes, it is.” John rose and carefully passed baby Brianne to Maggie—his wife of two years.
Her eyes were moist with unshed tears. She’d overheard Rickey’s conversation with his father, and her heart swelled with love for them. She glanced heavenward and thanked the Lord once again for that Christmas three years before, when they were visited by three wayward animals, and the police officer who had come to the rescue and mended their broken hearts.
“Do you think she’ll nap while we’re gone?” John asked, interrupting her thoughts.
Maggie stifled a yawn. “I sure hope so.”
“Are you going to nap while she sleeps?” he asked, gently embracing her, so as not to disturb the sleeping baby in her arms.
“I intend to. You men have fun.”
“Call us if you need us,” John said. He kissed Maggie on the cheek, and his baby daughter on her forehead.
“We’re going shopping, right Dad?” Rickey enthused. “And then we’re going to get burgers and shakes at the diner, huh?”
“Yes, we are.”
“Don’t forget to stop by Gloria’s,” Maggie reminded them. “She made fudge.”
“I just love Christmas!” Rickey announced.
John ruffled his hair. “Me too.”
The End
The Happiest Season Page 17
