Another Chance - Book Three

by Zarek Dragon

 

Saturday morning, Patrick and Scott helped Jim take care of the horses. General riding to the public was closed so when they were done, Jackson told them, "Why don't you boys head home so you're fresh for the party tonight. Patrick, I invited your friend Patrick Henry and he would like to make an announcement. Would you like to introduce him?"

Patrick became excited, "Is it the announcement that I've been waiting for?"

Jackson smiled but shook his head, "I honestly don't know what he plans to announce, but he asked if he could make an announcement right before I hand out presents. How could I tell him no?"

Patrick gave Jackson a smile and a hug, and then he said, "I'm glad that you didn't."

As the boys were parking the truck, a FedEx delivery van pulled in behind them. "That's good timing," the driver said as he got out of his vehicle. "I have a big box for a Patrick Bolt."

With a dose of curiosity, Patrick queried, "Who sent it?"

The driver responded, after looking at his pad, "Trevor King sent this. I need someone over eighteen to sign for it."

Being the only one over eighteen, Zac signed. Jim took the box and acted like it was heavier than it really was. He carried it into the living room and Patrick opened the box. Inside were two wrapped presents, one for Patrick and one for Jake. There was also an envelope addressed to Patrick Henry. Jim chuckled, "I forgot to mention that Trevor and Bobby called me and they asked about sending presents for the two of you as well as a gift for Patrick Henry."

Patrick asked, "Can we open them now?"

Jim shook his head, "They are Christmas presents, not now presents."

"Please, Dad?" Patrick begged.

"Nope, you heard Dad," Zac agreed, though he would have let the boys if Jim hadn't already said no.

"Well, can I give Patrick his gift tonight?" Patrick requested.

Jim smiled and Zac said, "I think that would be very appropriate."

Patrick and Scott took a shower together and Jim let Jake take a bubble bath in his and Zac's bathroom. After their shower, Patrick put on his red and green western shirt, along with a black pair of Levi's, his boots and hat. Scott put on a yellow western shirt with a brown yoke and a blue pair of Levi's. And of course, Jake dressed like Patrick except his shirt was green and red. Once Jake finished his bath, Jim and Zac took a shower. Then, Jim put on a red western shirt and his black Levi's while Zac put on a green western shirt and black Levi's.

As they were driving to the ranch, Jake was looking out the window. He thought he saw something and pointed it out, "Look Daddy, is that one of Santa's reindeer?"

Jim looked at where Jake was looking and replied, "No, that's an elk. They are plenteous in Wyoming, but it does kinda look like a reindeer, doesn't it?"

"What does plenteous mean, Daddy?" Jake inquired.

Jim smiled, "Simply put, it means plentiful, or a lot. There are a lot of them in Wyoming. I bet if Santa needed to use Elk instead of reindeer, he'd get them from right around here."

Patrick asked, "But can elk fly like reindeer?"

"No silly," Scott responded, "but reindeer can't fly either until Santa gives them some special corn."

Patrick queried, "Is that true, Dad?"

Jim thought that it was sweet that the boys still believed in Santa, even Patrick at his age. "Yup, Santa has to give them some special corn to make them able to fly.

Zac parked their truck and everyone got out. Once they were in the barn and removed their coats, Jackson commented, "You boys need a family portrait done with how matching you are. It'll make a nice Christmas card next year."

Zac agreed, "Yeah, other than Jim, all of us are wearing our favorite color, and they're Christmas colors. Jim wanted to match with us instead of wearing his colors."

"Because he's a cool Dad," Patrick added with a grin.

"Cool Daddy," Jake giggled.

Jim stayed silent and let them continue. Jackson did notice that he blushed a little. Jim held Jake and Zac put his arm around Jim, then Patrick stood in front of, but between Jim and Zac. Jim put his right hand around Patrick, almost in a one-armed-hug and Zac did the same with his left arm. Jackson took a picture and sent it to Jim's phone.

The boys made their way around the barn, greeting the ranch hands that they knew and introducing themselves to the ones that they didn't. After they met everyone that was there, they found the table reserved for them. Patrick Henry's family was at the same table. Patrick looked up and said, "Dad, there's Grandma, and Uncle Joe and Uncle Chris. Can I go give them hugs?"

"Why don't we all go?" Jim replied.

Jim gave Heather a hug and informed her that she, Nick, Joe and Chris were seated across from him and his family. "Where is Nick?"

"The parking lot is so full that he let us off at the door and then went to park. Every year, I think more and more people show up to this," Heather answered.

Jim grinned, "Jackson does like inviting everyone, and he buys gifts for everyone that he knows is coming."

"He is a very generous man," Heather cooed.

After everyone was in attendance, Jackson stood on a makeshift stage with a microphone. "I'd like to thank everyone for coming. Help yourselves to the buffet and then after everyone has eaten, there will be a few announcements before we pass out gifts. With so many people here, I'm thinking of using two elves this year. That, and I see two cute elves and don't want to decide which one to use." Everyone laughed. When Jackson jumped off the stage, people started getting their food.

As they ate, Patrick queried, "Are there really elves here?"

Jim had just taken a bite when Patrick asked and he started choking. Zac patted Jim on the back as he replied, "No, Jackson usually uses kids of the employees to help pass out the presents. I think he was looking at you and Jake when he said it."

Patrick's face lit up as he spoke, "Cool, I wouldn't mind being an elf for Jackson."

"That's good, I was hoping to have you and Jake help me," Jackson declared, standing directly behind Patrick and startling him.

After Jackson ate his meal, he walked back onto the stage. He wiped his eyes with a kerchief and stepped up to the mike. Jackson cleared his throat, "First, I want to thank Zac and Jim along with their boys for decorating the barn again this year. This is their third year decorating and I'm amazed at the fantastic job that they do every year. Now, many of you are aware that my husband Ryan was interviewed to become a federal judge. This was going to be our last Christmas here, but I am happy to say that we will be here next Christmas. Ryan did get the position and will be moving to Colorado with Colt and I joining him after the school year, but Jim and Zac insist that we come back every year. They are only partially buying the ranch from me. They are buying half, Jim's brother Joe is buying a quarter and I will retain the other quarter as a silent partner, but they said I have to come back every Christmas to help celebrate."

Everyone was quiet, not sure how to react. They liked Jim and Zac and knew that things wouldn't change too much, but they were saddened at the thought of Jackson leaving. Someone finally shouted, "We'll miss you, but thankfully we know Jim and Zac will be the new owners."

Jackson nodded his head, "Yes, I think they will do an excellent job running this part of the ranch. Those of you who handle the cattle won't really notice any changes. And I will miss each and every one of you as well. Now, I have a young man who would like to make an announcement before my elves pass out presents. Patrick, if you'd like to come up and introduce him…"

Patrick stood up and grabbed the envelope he had brought. He walked up on stage and Jackson adjusted the microphone for him. "As many of you know, we had a special rodeo just after Halloween for a boy with leukemia. Now I don't know what announcement he's planning to make, but I'm optimistic that he'll be able to start going to public school when we return in January. Patrick Henry, I have some friends in another state that I've been chatting with and they sent a present for you. I don't know what it is, but it's in this envelope. If you'd like to come up here and accept it as well as make your announcement…"

Patrick H. had a look of surprise on his face as he made his way onto the stage. Patrick handed him the envelope and went to sit down. "I really wasn't expecting a present, but when I heard the news from my doctor, I had to share it with those who put on the rodeo for me. There is no cure for leukemia... normally, it is a death sentence." Patrick Henry had to stop and wipe his face. "I say normally because, this last visit to my doctor, they told me that I have no signs of leukemia. I am perfectly healthy and can expect to live a normal life." Everyone stood up and started clapping.

Patrick H. was getting ready to walk off the stage and someone shouted out, "Open your present."

Patrick H. opened the envelope and saw two cashier checks and a card. He read the card out loud, hoping they didn't say anything that would embarrass him.

Patrick H. started crying and Patrick went on stage to help him walk down the stairs. "I had no idea that they were planning to do that, but I am happy for you," Patrick averred. Part of him felt like he should give Patrick's horse back to him, but he was hoping that the boy wouldn't accept it. "Ummm, now that you're healthy, do you want your horse back?"

Patrick H. was a little surprised that Patrick even asked him that, "What? No, I gave that horse to you and you've been a friend throughout all of this. I couldn't do that to you. Patrick's Dream is your horse, but I can use the money they gave me towards getting another horse."

Jackson looked at Patrick H. and said, "I'll find you the best horse and if it's more than the five hundred dollars, I will cover the difference."

"You don't have to do that," Patrick H. stated.

Jackson declared, "And you didn't have to give Patrick your horse, so I guess it's even."

"Can you get me another palomino mustang?" Patrick H. asked.

Jackson agreed, "I will search until I find the perfect one for you."

Patrick sat beside Jim and asked, "Can I send Trevor and Roger a text letting them know the good news and how their gift went over?"

Jim patted Patrick on the shoulder, "I think they would love to hear about it. Make it quick so you can help Jackson pass out presents."

Patrick grabbed his phone and said, "I wish that I could take a picture of Patrick with his check."

"Tell them that I will be sending that for them," Jim told him.

Patrick started typing,

I have some good news, somehow Patrick was cured of his leukemia. There is no cure so the doctors don't have a clue of what did it, but he is a healthy boy again, not just in remission. And since he gave me Patrick's Dream, he'll be using your gift to get a new horse. Jackson agreed to cover anything over the $500. Dad's going to take a picture of him with the check and send it to you, plus Patrick's planning to send you a thank you letter, himself. He would like your phone number so he can text you. I'm hoping you won't mind if I give it to him.

As soon as Patrick hit [Send], he was ready to help pass out the presents. Jackson called him and Jake over to the Christmas tree. Patrick would grab a present and look at the name. Some he recognized from meeting them from time to time, but their families were a different story. He had to ask Jackson where to take it. Jake would grab a present and hand it to Jackson, Jackson would then tell him to whom it should go.

After all the presents were passed out, Patrick and Jake went to open theirs. Jim wasn't sure what Jackson would give him this year. His first year, Jackson gave him full ownership of Gold even though Jim didn't have him half paid off. Then, last year it was his new car, covering what insurance didn't so he could have it exactly like what he had. This year, Jim didn't feel like he was in need of anything.

He opened his present and was amazed to see a new black Stetson. While, he was happy with his hat, he had always wanted a Stetson, but a good one wasn't cheap. Zac discovered that he received an identical one. Patrick pulled out a black leather jacket with a western yoke and fringes hanging from the sleeves. "WOW!" he exclaimed, "This matches the chaps that Sean gave me."

Jackson confessed, "You showed me your chaps and when I saw that, I immediately thought of you. It may be a little big, but you're still growing, so I hope it fits you for a while."

Jake opened his present and it was a little pair of chaps and a jacket. Jake hugged Jackson, "Thank you so much, I can dress like Patrick."

"I thought you would like it," Jackson declared, "I know how much you love your brother."

Jake just smiled and said, "Uh huh."

Jackson walked onto the stage and grabbed the microphone. He lifted it to his mouth and said, "I have one more present for everyone. In 2013, this group came in fourth place on X Factor and I was shocked. I voted for them because I believe they should have won. Since then, two of the trio have left, not at the same time, but still, there is only one original member left, but the group is still going strong and are here to sing for us tonight. My final Christmas gift for you tonight is Restless Road."

The members of Restless Road thanked Jackson for the introduction and sang three Christmas songs. After that, Zach Beeken took the mike, "I again want to thank Mr. Sprayberry for inviting us. My name is Zach, and these two are Jared and Garret. Now, for our final number, I would like to ask the two elves what they would like to hear. And thank you Patrick for handing me my present."

Patrick felt a little bashful when Zach mentioned his name. Jake looked at Zac and said, "He has the same name as you, Papa."

Zac acknowledge Jake, "Yes, he does, and I agree with Jackson, they should have won. Now what would you boys like to hear?"

Patrick called out, "O' Holy Night!"

With Zach having the deep voice in the group, he took lead on the song, but the other two did do some solo parts as well. When they finished, Jackson stated that the party was over, but everyone was welcome to stay and visit as long as they wanted.

Sunday morning, everyone seemed a little sluggish, but they got the work done. Jackson approached them, his generally chipper self, "Boys, I just got word, the company that delivers our hay had their party last night as well and well, the drivers have hangovers so we won't get our delivery until tomorrow. Can you boys be here to help unload?"

"We plan to be here, anyway," Zac replied.

Jackson smiled and said, "Excellent. Why don't you boys take off? There's no reason for you to stay today and I'm sure you'll hit forty hours this week."

As they loaded into the truck Patrick asked, "Can we stop at the mall? I have a special request I would like to ask of Santa." Zac agreed and drove to the mall before taking Scott home.

Jim took the boys to see Santa while Zac went to pick up some extra presents "from Santa" for the boys. Jim was a little surprised when he heard Patrick, on Santa's lap.

His voice was low and sounded like he was ready to cry, "I know that you're not the real Santa. My daddy used to tell me before he and Mom died that Santa is always busy getting ready for Christmas, so he hires guys to pose as him."

Santa got choked up, "I'm sorry to hear about your parents. Santa never warned me."

Patrick responded, "It happened four months ago, but God gave me new parents to replace the ones I lost. And he didn't give me just any parents, he gave me ones who love me as much as my birth parents did. And I love them the same. See, that's part of why I wanted to come and see you."

"OH?" Santa was surprised.

Patrick looked solemn as he spoke, "Yeah see, even with losing my parents, I am blessed beyond measure. My brother lived in a group home and Dad and Papa adopted him before I joined the family. Plus, I have friends in another state who were orphans before their parents adopted them. So, I was wondering if instead of Santa giving me presents this year, could he give mine to the orphans in the group home? They need the presents more than I do."

It took Santa all that he had to not cry, "I'll convey your message to Santa, but I have a feeling that he'll give you and the orphans a special gift this year. You're a very special young man." Patrick got down and ran over to Jim and hugged him. Santa asked, "Is he your brother?"

Jim was almost too choked up to talk, "No, I'm Dad."

Santa motioned for Jim to come closer and whispered so that Patrick couldn't hear, "What's his name? I'd like to get some presents and deliver them to the group home, telling them that he asked Santa to deliver his to them. And then, I'd like to find something special for him. I can meet you somewhere, if you feel uncomfortable giving a stranger your address."

Jim gave Santa all of the information that he asked for, then Jake got on his lap. "Hi Santa, I'm Jake. My brother, Patrick was just on your lap."

"Your brother is very special, and he loves you a lot," Santa said.

Jake grinned, "He's on your nice list, I hope. He did get in trouble once this year, but he's really nice."

"Yes, I overlooked that one incident. His niceness outweighs it by a bunch. And I bet you were happy when that bully moved out of the group home last year and then when your daddy and papa adopted you so you wouldn't have to go back to the home," Santa chuckled.

Jake's face lit up, thinking Santa really knows him. Jim chuckled thinking, this guy really paid attention to Patrick and laid it on thick for Jake to believe he really was Santa. He didn't catch the mention of the bully. Finally, Santa asked, "And what would you like for a present?"

Jake smiled and said, "You already gave me my present, or God did. You gave me Patrick. I just wanted to say, 'Thank you.'"

Santa looked at Jim and averred, "You have some very precious boys. I will be sure to treat them both special this year."

Jim walked the boys out to the truck as Zac joined them. Patrick, seeing that Zac didn't have anything with him asked, "Where'd you go, Papa?"

Zac didn't want to lie, but had to do something so as not to tell the boys he was buying presents for Santa to give to them, "I was just looking to see if there was anything else Dad and I could get you boys for Christmas. This is our first Christmas with you, so we want it to be special."

Patrick hugged Zac and said, "It's already as special as it can be, I have you and Dad to spend it with. You two and Jake have made me so thankful despite losing Daddy and Mom. I love you all so much."

Jim rasped, "He told Santa that he's so blessed that he wants him to give his presents to the orphans."

Zac kissed Patrick on the forehead, "We're the ones who are blessed. We have you in our lives."

They dropped Scott off at his house on the way home when Patrick commented, "We never exchanged our gifts."

Scott smiled and said, "Dad's bringing me over Christmas night and said I can spend next weekend with you, we can do it, then."

The week went by rather quickly and before the boys knew it, it was Christmas Eve. Zac kidded with Jim, "C'mon boys, we need to motivate Dad to go to Grandma's house and open one present. In case you didn't know, he hates opening presents, even a day early."

Patrick sat on Jim's lap and stated, "If Dad won't open even one present, then neither will I."

Jim gave Patrick a hug, "Let's go open one present, but I'm only doing it so that you and Jake can."

"You don't have to, Dad," Patrick offered.

Jim kissed his forehead, "Yes I do. I love you boys too much for me not to open at least one present."

Patrick winked at Zac and Zac started laughing. Patrick got off Jim's lap and they put on their coats. Patrick started for the back door, but Zac stopped him, "First, we are going to MY mom and dad's house, and second, we have no idea what anyone is getting, so we may not want to be carrying it through the yard."

Patrick chuckled, "That makes sense."

Jim advised, "Since Grandpa Vince bought an engine and transmission for your Mustang, you may not get anything major, but I doubt they would have left you completely out."

Zac responded to Jim's warning, "I told Dad that we would warn Patrick of that and he said, 'THAT was NOT a Christmas gift. That was just him filling a need for one of his grandsons.' I forgot to mention it, I guess."

Patrick hugged Zac and said, "Grandpa Vince is cool like that."

Zac returned the hug and said, "Yeah, he is."

When they got to Vince and Marilyn's home, Zac just walked in as he always has. This didn't surprise Jim or Jake any, but Patrick was a little surprised. "Papa, don't they mind us just walking in?"

Vince chuckled, "This will always be Zac's second home, or third, if you count Heather's place. All of you boys are welcome to come in whenever you like, just announce yourself when you do."

"Hey Dad," Zac said giving Vince a hug.

Patrick was next in line to give Vince a hug, "You get cooler, by the minute. I'm lucky to have you as a grandpa."

"What about me?" Nick asked, coming out of the kitchen.

Patrick ran over and hugged Nick, "Yup, I'm lucky having you as well."

"That's a lot of presents," Jake commented while staring at the tree.

Marilyn squatted down beside him, and said, "Some of them are yours, but you only get to open one tonight. The rest you get to open at Grandma Heather's tomorrow."

Heather took that opportunity to announce, "Speaking of which, Nick and I agree that with the way this family has grown, each household should have their own and then we all will get together at noon to exchange gifts."

Jim nodded, "That works for us."

Jake looked at Marilyn and asked, "So, when do we open our presents?"

Marilyn laughed and said, "We have to eat supper, first."

"Who's the big present for?" Jake questioned.

"Let's look. Do you remember your alphabet and how they sound like I taught you?" Marilyn queried.

Jake got a grin on his face and said, "Uh huh."

Marilyn quizzed him using the big present, "What are these letters?"

Jake looked at the present, said the letters and then sounded them out, "J-A-K-E, Jjjakey. Jakey, that's me."

"Except, the e is silent, and that's how you spell Jake. And that will be your present to open tonight," Marilyn declared.

After everyone had eaten, Jake grabbed Marilyn's hand, "We opening presents, now?"

Marilyn picked him up and said, "I'll race you to the tree." Then, carrying him, she walked fast to the living room.

Jake announced, "We win." Then he started laughing. Vince pulled the big present out and placed it in front of Jake. The boy asked, "Can I open it, or do I have to wait more?"

"It's all yours, buddy," Zac chimed.

While Jake was ripping his paper off, Vince handed Patrick a long box. Jim looked at the box and then Vince. Vince responded, "I should have asked you before buying it, but…"

Jim cut him off, "If it's what I think it is, you should have, but I will feel better knowing that he has it when he and Scott or any of the other boys are riding alone. Thank you." Vince just gave Jim a smile.

Jake finished unwrapping his present to see a wagon. There was a bar on top of the box. Vince picked the bar up and told him, "This attaches to the stem of your bicycle seat and then you put the handle of your wagon here so you can pull it. Or, when you're not riding your bike, you can just pull the wagon around yourself."

Jake got a big smile on his face, "Thank you, Grandpa Vince and Grandma Marilyn."

Patrick ripped the paper off his present and opened the box. He pulled a pellet rifle out and his eyes got big. Jim looked at him and said, "That is NOT a toy. It is a firearm and as such, I would like for Grandpa Vince to go over firearm safety with you and you can do some practice shooting, but as I told Grandpa, when you are riding and Papa or I are not with you, I will feel better knowing, you can at least scare a snake away if you come across one."

Patrick smiled, "Cool, thanks Grandpa and Grandma."

Heather looked at Jim, "Weren't you around Patrick's age when your dad bought you a pellet gun?"

Jim nodded his head, "It was my tenth birthday, but Dad kept mine put up until he showed me how to properly handle it and shoot it. I trust Patrick will be careful with his."

Vince told Patrick, "Make sure you have that with you on Saturdays at the ranch, and I will teach you everything you need to know. You'll have it easier than your dad or papa, they had to learn how to properly clean their rifles."

"And he made sure we could clean them before we could fire them," Zac added.

Zayne received a little cowboy outfit for his first Christmas present. Vince was holding him and said in a squeaky voice, "Thank you Mommy and Daddy for my outfit. Now I'll be ready to ride with my big brother." Everyone laughed.

Chris had a box that looked like Patrick's. He hoped that it wasn't a pellet gun. As he opened his box, he couldn't believe that he was given a rifle like Jim's and Joe's. "Thank you so much," Chris almost shouted, enthusiastically.

Nick looked at his son, "When Jim, Zac and Joe received theirs, they had to take lessons with Vince before they could have ammo."

Vince nodded, "And you already know the first lesson."

Jim, Zac, Joe and Chris said in unison, "Safety."

Vince grinned, "I thought sure you would say cleaning it, but yes, firearm safety is top priority."

After everyone else had opened a present, everyone went home. Jim sent the boys to bed so that the mall Santa could sneak presents in for the boys. He tapped on the door so as to not alert the boys. Jim answered and Santa had two identical presents for the boys, except one was slightly smaller. Santa looked at Jim and said, "No, I didn't spend this much on the boys. When all of the mall stores' managers heard what I was doing, they called Aunt Sallie to find out how many children were there and supplied presents for every child, plus they wanted your boys to have these. I didn't have to spend a thing, but they did ask me to deliver the presents to the group home tomorrow morning. There was no way I could say no."

Jim asked, "What time are you delivering them?"

Santa replied, "I'm thinking around eight, why?"

Jim smiled, "I'm thinking Patrick might like to see what good he did, offering to give up his presents for them."

Jim and Zac loaded the rest of "Santa's" presents under the tree, including a few to themselves.

Patrick woke up hearing a text message. He read that it was from Trevor. The boys texted back and forth for a few minutes.

Trevor: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Patrick: Merry Christmas back.

Trevor: I want to call you later, after you've opened presents. Please make sure it's okay with your dads and let me know when would be a good time for Roger and me to call.

Patrick: We're gonna be opening presents right after breakfast, but I asked Santa to give my presents to the orphans in the group home this year. I'm hoping I can talk Dad and Papa into going over and maybe seeing what they received and then opening our presents. And we go to my Grandma that you met at noon. I'll ask if it's OK and when you guys can call.

Trevor: Works for me. Talk to ya laters.

Patrick ran downstairs and didn't even look at the tree. He found Jim and Zac in the kitchen fixing breakfast. "Dad, Papa, I was wondering…" Patrick started.

Jim put the spatula down and turned towards Patrick. "I was wondering, too. I hear that Santa will be passing out presents to the children in the group home and Aunt Sallie thinks you might like seeing what your willingness to sacrifice did. I talked with her this morning to see if Santa was there yet."

Patrick's face lit up, "That's what I was wondering about. Can we go see what Santa would have given me?"

Jim and Zac chuckled, "You didn't look at the tree, did you? Santa still left you and Jake presents, but he's also being especially nice to the orphans because you asked."

Patrick's face lit up, "I'd still like to see the orphans being happy. Though I was one for only a few days, Jake was one for longer and then there's Trevor and Roger. I would really love to go see them."

"And you should get a chance to see what you caused," Zac added. "Plus, I'm sure that Jake wouldn't mind seeing some friends that he had there."

Jake came into the kitchen, "Who are the bicycles for?"

"Bicycles?" Patrick queried. He ran into the living room and after taking time to check out the bikes, he came back into the kitchen. "Did you two buy matching BMX bikes for Jake and me?"

Jim chuckled as he shook his head, "Nope, Santa brought them and said that it was for you wanting to be generous."

Patrick was amazed, "They're all tricked out and everything. They have all-terrain tires which will be great for when we're at the ranch and not riding horses. My bike isn't that old, but these are just awesome."

Zac said, "I'm thinking, we can add the bar to pull Jake's wagon to the bike you gave him, and then he can just ride the new bike after he learns how."

After they ate breakfast, everyone got dressed and they went to the group home. Sallie met them and invited them in. Patrick gave her a hug. "What was that for, not that I minded, but what brought it on?"

Patrick smiled, "It was your idea to put me with Dad and Papa. I am so thankful."

Smiling, Aunt Sallie said, "I did what I thought was best for you, and I'm glad that I was right. Santa arrived a few minutes ago and the children are gathering, if you'd like to see what you caused."

They walked into the common room and Santa sat in an overstuffed chair. As the last of the children gathered, Sallie spoke to the group, "I am pleased to say that someone who wishes to remain anonymous has requested that Santa bring his gifts to all of you. In so doing, Santa brought something special for everyone. Santa?"

Santa stood and looked around the room, "Ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas, I need a little elf. Jake, you once lived here, would you like to assist me?"

Jake's face lit up that Santa remembered him, but he asked, "What can I do?"

Santa answered, "Just reach into my bag and hand me one of the presents. Then I will call the person up to receive it."

Jake smiled, "I can do that." Jake grabbed a present and handed it to Santa. Santa looked at the name and called the person up. One by one the children each received a present that they really wanted. When the store managers called, they had asked Sallie for the names and what the child may have hinted wanting, within reason of course.

After everyone had received a gift, Jake said, "You have four presents left."

Santa told him to hand him the smaller present. When Jake did, Santa called Aunt Sallie over, "Aunt Sallie, for all the years you have put in taking care of these children, and putting up with those who just wouldn't listen, Santa didn't want to leave you out. Please accept this as a token from Santa to show how much he appreciates your efforts in taking care of these wonderful children."

Aunt Sallie accepted the gift and started to walk away as she opened it. "Wait a second before you leave," Santa requested. "Jake, can you hand me the biggest box?"

Jake struggled with it a little, but he managed to hand it to Santa. Santa handed it to Aunt Sallie and said, "This box is a gift from me for all the children. I once was a child here, and you were glad to get rid of me. I almost ended up in jail, but instead, I managed to turn my life around. I should have listened to you. This is my way of paying back the children still here that I used to pick on."

Sallie took the gift and looked Santa fully in the face. She almost dropped the gift as she said, "Eric?"

Santa took off his hat and beard and said, "Yeah, that's me. I am so sorry for being a bully. I'm actually taking classes to get a degree and the company I am working for is paying for it. You wouldn't believe my salary, and once I have my degree, it will get even bigger. And that's not mentioning the fact that going to work for them is what kept me from going to prison. Jake, I owe you probably the biggest apology after Aunt Sallie."

"You're not Santa?" Jake questioned.

Eric smiled, "No, I am just working for him right now."

"I forgive you," Jake declared, then asked, "So, who are these last two presents for?"

"Hand me the blue and green one," Eric requested. Jake did and Eric said, "Zac and Jim Bolt, this is in appreciation of the fine job the two of you have done with these two boys."

Jake handed Eric the last present, a green and red present. "This one," Eric said, "goes to you and Patrick."

Aunt Sallie finally opened the box that Eric had given for all of the children. It had two gaming consoles. She looked at Santa and said, "This is so nice, Eric, but we don't have a television for this. You know the one we had was old, and…"

Eric held his hand up to stop her, "I know, and I also told you that I have an unbelievable salary." Eric walked to the door and opened it. Six delivery men carried in three large screen televisions. Two would be hooked up to the gaming consoles and the third would be hooked up to cable. "I can never make up for bullying, but I'd like to at least try. Again, thank you Aunt Sallie, for all that you've done for me, even when I wouldn't listen."

Zac couldn't believe what he witnessed. Ever since he heard about Eric, he had wanted to punch him, or do worse. Now, he's beyond words to describe how he feels. Jim opened the present that Eric had bought for them. It was two pairs of matching solid gold cufflinks with horse heads and a certificate for each of them to get tailored French-cuff shirts.

Patrick helped Jake open their present. Once the wrapping was off, there were two boxes. One said PS4 and the other said Xbox. Patrick stated, "Cool, we can hook one up to the TV in Jake's room and one in mine."

Jim, Zac and the boys thanked Eric for his gifts and headed home so they could open their presents under their tree. On the way home, Zac looked back at Jake, "That's the same Eric that used to pick on you?"

"Uh huh," Jake replied, "He seems nicer."

"I'm glad that he got his life turned around. I so wanted to hurt him before today," Zac declared.

Jim nodded his head, "So did I."

Jim was surprised to see the present for Gold from Zac. He opened it to find the saddle blanket. He exclaimed, "Gold will love this!"

Patrick opened the present from Jake first. He pulled out a red shirt with green sleeves and letters that said, "World's Okayest Brother." Patrick pulled the shirt he was wearing off and put it on.

"Do you like it?" Jake asked, and added, "Papa said that you would."

Patrick hugged Jake, "I love this shirt. I plan to wear it whenever it's clean. And the fact that it came from you makes it all the better."

Jake opened the present from Patrick and it was a stuffed tiger. Jake hugged it and said that he wanted to go to bed so he could sleep with it.

Jim chuckled, "You've not been awake that long and we need to go over to Grandma's. And, you and Patrick still have Trevor's and Roger's presents to open."

Patrick asked, "Speaking of which, Trevor wanted to know if he could call me. I told him that we were heading to Grandma's at noon, so he asked me to ask when would be a good time to call. So, do you have a problem if he calls me, and if not, when?"

Jim answered, "Wait until we get to Grandma's and I'll ask if she has a problem with him calling you. I don't think she will mind if he calls."

Patrick and Jake opened their presents. Patrick's present had a box inside a box inside another box for several layers until he found a gift certificate for custom-made snakeskin boots from the Cody Boot Barn.

Jake opened his box and kept pulling paper out until he finally got to the bottom and found an identical certificate as Patrick received. Jim pointed out, "Custom boots are more comfortable on your feet since they are made for YOUR feet and no one else's."

Patrick said, and Jake echoed, "Cool. I can't wait to thank Trevor and Roger."

Zac announced, "OK, let's head to Grandma's."

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

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