Chapter 13 A Christmas To Remember

...but in this group he saw strong, brave men who loved Jesus, and the tears sat in his eyes, daring him to let them fall.

Christmas was just around the corner. Alex and Bobby were excited to have this first Christmas as a couple. They had decided to make it a big event. Invitations went out to Anne Kingston, now Peterson, her kids Norman and Sasha, and her husband, Greggory. Jason and Kathryn, Justin Knight, Natasha Windsor, who would be alone as he father had passed away, added to the list. Alex also decided to add Peter Paxton, whose family has iced him out since his inheritance from his aunt. She also decided to see if she could find Kelly Peterson. Her matchmaking sonar was tingling, and she though maybe she and Justin would hit it off.

Bobby added his niece Cassie and his friend John Cook. All were people who had been clients over the past couple years, and whom Alex and Bobby had become friends with. It was quite the cast of characters. From a millionaire to an ex, two-bit con, it was not a group of friends you would ever expect to have fallen together. Few of the group had crossed paths over the course of time, so this gathering would be a get-to-know-you time.

Gladys was in cooking heaven. She had menu plans strewn across the kitchen island, and she hummed Christmas songs as she arranged each tempting dish. She wanted to make Alex look good to this group of friends. She knew how much heart and soul Alex had poured into each one.

Two weeks would go by faster than they cared. Alex and Bobby were on official leave, but in Bobby’s case, he was never really off work. Since that was the situation, in all reality, Alex was never off either. They hoped that nothing big would come up.

Plans swirled as wildly as the weather. What looked to be shaping up to be a green Christmas, very quickly changed. Storms swept through, making holiday time come to a standstill. Nothing was flying, no one was driving far, and every driveway was wrapped with a heavy winter blanket. Bobby had not been out to Alex’s place for the whole week. It was a busy time for him as he had to respond to accidents all over the county. The sheriffs office pulled out the snow machines and responses were made over the snowdrifts.

Alex’s phone rang early one morning, it was Bobby.

“Alex, I have had enough snow. If I never see another snowflake, or ride another mile on a ski-doo, it will be too soon. It looks like the worse is over, as soon as my phone slows down ringing, I will pass off the station to the rest of the team and get back to what is left of my leave. So sorry to have had you swamped with all the plans.”

“Not a worry at all. I have three helpers coming out tomorrow, or as soon as the travel advisory is lifted from the…county… sheriffs office.”

Alex emphasized the last words, knowing full well that it was Glace who gave that final order for their county.

“Jason, Kathryn and Natasha are coming early. We will have lots of help, and a wonderful time to relax. Still a week to get the rest of the plan in play. So far no one has cancelled. We will have a houseful, and Gladys and I are in our glory.”

“Sounds wonderful. I actually just finished writing up the official order to lift the advisory, it is ready to send as we speak. I will be packing up my truck this afternoon, and will be there by 3pm at the latest. What is for supper?”

“I am sure you and Gladys are in league together. She must be able to read your mind. She is already in the kitchen preparing your favorite, lasagna. I really do not know how your stomach does that, but for some wild reason it one of your most endearing qualities. I can always read your moods, based on your stomach.” Alex laughed playfully and said bye for now to Bobby.

Not 5 mins after the call, Jason called. “The advisory is lifted, we are on our way.”

“Are you sure you did not just talk to Bobby, we just got off the phone, and he just sent the notice out.” Alex guessed. The two men had become fast friends even though they were nearly 30 years apart.

“You caught us,” admitted Jason.

Jason had flown to Kathryn’s before the storm, so with weather cleared for flying, they would be there in time for supper. Natasha Windsor had emailed that she was going to drive down from Rice Lake late afternoon and would also be there for supper. The Christmas gathering was coming together, and this core group of 6 was going to have a few days of fun and preparation before the rest of the crew would arrive.

The next phone call was from Anne Kingston/Peterson. They were on their way. Anne was a treasure, and she had changed the shy Greggory into an open, chattering socialite. This man would never be invisible again.

“Gladys, plan four more for supper.” Alex called out to the kitchen. Gladys would not be ruffled. It could be 20 more and she would be prepared.

By the time 6pm rolled around the house was a beehive of activity. Jason and Kathryn pulled in right behind Greg and Anne, and the “kids”, young adults, the only part of the group that had children. Natasha Windsor had been at the house for an hour and was finding her way into Gladys kitchen and heart. Gladys was in Grandma mode, and was teaching the young woman how to roll a jelly roll so it would not fall apart.

“Wax paper is our friend dear, it holds the roll so nicely.”

Alex stood at the thresh-hold of kitchen and living room and watched the wonderful scene. It had been a long time since her house was this full , at any time. Something she was determined to remedy when they married and moved.

The group, all assembled gathered around the dining-room table.

“Well, we are almost all here, just 6 more to arrive later in the week. Kelly Peterson has invited her Grandfather, James Harper. We will be 16 when all is done. Gladys, you may get your 20 if this keeps up. Bobby, could I ask you to ask the blessing on this wonderful meal.”

Bobby had grown in his walk, and praying in public was still rusty, but he was glad to begin his role as head of the home.

“Father, thank you so much for this wonderful time of the year. Thank-you for sending Jesus for us. We do not deserve any of your blessings. Thank-you for Gladys wonderful cooking, and the aroma of this great food. Be with all of our conversations, and be with those who still have travelling. Help us be joyful at this time. In Jesus name, Amen”

“So who is yet to arrive?” asked Greggory as they passed around plates of food, that was very quickly disappearing.

“Well, lets see, there is Justin Knight, Peter Paxton, John Cooke, Cassie, Glace’s niece, and Kelly Peterson and her Grandfather James Harper.”

At the mention of Kelly Peterson, Greg visibly sat alert. No one but Alex noticed, and they exchanged quick glances. This was news they had shared, privately. The meal went on, with chatter about how they all knew Alex and Bobby. Each one told their story, cases that were solved by Alex, and put to rest at the Sheriffs office.

“So”, ventured Jason,” Natasha, are you and Alex related? You look so much alike.”

“That is a mystery,” answered Alex. “One I have not yet explored.”

“Well,” piped up Bobby. “I have explored, I wasn’t going to say anything yet but it would seem that this mystery may have been solved as well. There is nothing as fun as a Christmas mystery.”

Bobby handed Alex a brown manilla envelope. “ Merry Christmas, my dearest.”

Alex read over the papers.

“Really, is this for certain Bobby? How did you find the time to do this research?”

“Between cases, and a lot fell together during the storm. After Natasha’s Grandfather passed, she found some papers in his belongings. It would seem that he had a brother. Herbert Windsor was estranged from the family when he was a boy. A wild fellow, who was always in trouble with the law. Seems that mystery, and legalities is in your blood Alex. Herbert, possibly was your Grandfather. So you and Natasha may be cousins. We are still waiting on some final confirmation, but it is safe to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak.”

The chatter around the table got extra excited. Alex could not believe her ears, and eyes, but there it was in front of her. She had no family that she knew of. No mention was ever made of this great uncle, and a cousin. Alex rose from the table and went to Natasha.

“I am so overjoyed, you cannot imagine. I rattled around the Drs. question all this time….are you related to the family?…he asked. I did not have the time to search. Thank you Bobby….for giving me a wonderful gift. Family.” She drew Natasha into a huge hug, and both were crying.

“Even if for some reason, this is not correct, you will always be family. There are more things that make family.” Alex took her place, and the group enjoyed a wonderful dinner. There was more chat about the cases that had brought each to this place, and Alex and Natasha kept exchanging smiles. Like they had 30 years to catch up on.

“So when are the rest scheduled to arrive.” asked Jason. “I am looking forward to meeting Justin. All his wild hobbies sound fantastic, and the hang glider stunt is a work of genius.” Kathryn gave Jason a little kick under the table.

“No fancy ideas Mister, you are not 20 anymore.” she chuckled.

“No worries, I am content to flying in something a bit more substantial. Although we are looking at trading in my Cessna for something a bit bigger. I am looking into a six seater Piper Comanche. It would serve my purposes, and give me enough excitement, in…my…old…age. “

The evening rolled on with dessert, games and confirmation phone calls. Each of the remaining friends had called and confirmed that they would be there by dinner the following day.

“Tomorrow the house will be full. All guests have confirmed,” announced Alex as she got off the phone for the third time that evening.

“John and Cassie have both confirmed as well.” added Bobby.

“Gladys, you will have 16 for dinner tomorrow night.” Alex knew her dear housekeeper was up for the challenge.

“You will have a lot of hands to help.” assured Natasha.

The morning broke bright and clear….and cold. The smell of waffles, steak, eggs and something even Alex did not recognize, filtered through the house.

“What is that smell”, Alex asked as she came into the kitchen. “It is wonderful, and overpowering even your perfectly cooked steak.”

“That, my dear is an old family recipe. One I have never made, as we have never had as large a gathering as this, and it is specially made for large groups. You asked about some of my odd shopping choices, well they are for this dish. I like to call it Rice with Attitude.”

“Whatever that is, give me seconds,” chimed Bobby as he entered the kitchen. “I would forgo steak for whatever that is. It smells fantastic, and my nose is never wrong.”

Soon the whole crew was assembled at the table for what was the feast of feasts.

“If this is breakfast, what is Christmas dinner going to be like?” commented Jason, as he reached for the rice bowl. “Kathryn, you must get this recipe.”

“No no my dear boy, this stays with me, and goes to Alex when I go to Glory. It has been passed down for 4 generations. I will make it for this group, and special requests. It has been a favorite. I am so glad to have a large group to make it for.”

Jason knew better than to argue, and was glad to have this dish reserved for gatherings. He made a request then and there to have it at the wedding. He planned to be with Bobby and Alex a lot.

Breakfast over, the group found their way to activities that were planned, resting and waiting for the rest of the party to arrive.

Kelly Peterson, and James Harper pulled in first. Kelly had met her Grandfather at the train. Right behind them was Justin Knight. Justin retrieved their bags, and helped Mr. Harper past the snowbank. Kelly caught the mischievous glint in Justin’s eyes, and was immediately drawn to the man. They knocked and were let in by Alex, who caught the atmosphere, as the trio came in like they were old friends.

Just a few mins behind them came Bobbys friend, John Cooke, and niece Cassie.

“Just Peter Paxton to arrive,” announced Alex, to the group now seated at the dining room table.

“Peter Paxton, how do you know him, Alex? I went to grade school with a Peter Paxton. Could it be the same one? Odd enough name. Did he have older brothers?” asked Cassie.

“Why, yes, he did, or does. They have kind of shunned him since he was the only one to inherit from his aunt.” answered Alex, with that match-making grin of hers.

“I helped him settle the estate, and find a good financial planner.” added Alex.

“Oh my, he was so smart in school, a real nerd kind, but even though nearly everyone teased him, I liked him. He was funny, in a dry kind of way. It will be fun to see how he turned out.”

“Oh, I am sure you will like him, he is a kind-hearted young man, which was why he ended up being the one to inherit. When he comes we will have to get him to tell you his story. It is wildly hilarious.

Alex had barely gotten the statement out when there was a, ‘Knock,……knock, knock……..…..knock, knoch,knock’, at the door.

“That will be Peter. That knock is his signature.” Alex went to let Peter in.

“Just in time for lunch, I think you must be related to Bobby, or at least your stomachs are related.” chuckled Alex as she led the young man into the dining room. “I think there is someone here you know, Cassie Glace, from school?”

Alex wasted no time in reintroducing the old school mates. She knew they would hit it off, even as she sent out the invite to Peter. Having a past connection was icing on the cake.

“Oh, yes, Cassie, I remember you. One of the few who did not tease me constantly. You grew up nice, um I mean, you look nice, ummmm.” Peter stumbled over his words, but his awkwardness sent color to Cassie’s cheeks. He took the seat that was offered, and went silent.

“No worries Pete, you look like you turned out nice as well,” Cassie added graciously, using his school name, and easing Peter’s nervousness immediately.

“Dinner is ready.” announced Gladys, as she brought in a steaming bowl of butternut squash soup. “Be careful it is very hot, and there is a lot more where that came from.” Gladys brought in several trays of fresh baked breads, and crackers, along with a lovely tray of cheese.

“Wow.” was all Bobby could muster.

“My thought exactly,” said Peter. this looks wonderful.

“You should have been here for breakfast. This looks like a snack compared to that. I sure hope no one is on a diet.” Added Natasha. “I have been learning a lot in this dear lady’s kitchen.”

The group chuckled, and all gladly passed the food around, and around. The soup was almost as big a hit as the rice dish.

After lunch, the group gathered in the living-room, and all made introductions. As requested Peter gave his story, and it drew peels of laughter from everyone. He and Cassie had managed to sit beside each other, and it was clear they were getting along wonderfully.

Kelly and Justin exchanged glances. Justin was warry after a bad marriage, and Kelly was naturally reserved, but they felt a connection.

“Well everyone, ” announced Alex as she rose, seemingly to make an announcement. We have two days until Christmas, and I have learned that James Harper used to be a missionary, so I have asked him to give us a real Christmas story. Please, this is the reason we are all here. It is a time for Jesus. So James, tell us what the Lord has laid on your heart to share.”

James pulled out a very worn Bible from his bag.

“This is the Christmas story,” he said as he held up his Bible. “It is all about Jesus, from Genesis to Revelation. The Christmas story did not begin with Jesus in a manger, or even the announcement to Mary. It began in eternity past. The Father knew that man would need a Saviour, so His Master Plan was rolled out through the ages. God mad man a three part being, body soul and spirit, in His image, even before He had given Jesus a body. The Gospel was right there in Creation.”

James went on to give a clear message of the Gospel. Every ear was listening to him, and every heart was listening to Him, the Holy Spirit was at work in hearts. Some in the group had not met Jesus, and some were walking, but far away. James gave what God laid on his heart, and it reached every heart. Gladys was the oldest Christian in the group, and her eyes were full of tears as she remembered what Jesus did for her. Greggory Peterson was probably the farthest from God. His past life had kept him from the seemingly weakness of religion, but in this group he saw strong, brave men who loved Jesus, and the tears sat in his eyes, daring him to let them fall.

By the time James was done his brief 10 min. talk, there was not a dry eye in the room. All were moved. After the talk, Greg sought out James.

“Hey, can we chat. You said some things I had never heard before. I really want to know more. Anne has told me some, but we are not church people. I really think we should be. When I think of all that happened that brought me to this place, to marriage with Anne, and friends with Alex, I know that there must be Someone in charge.”

James was more than happy to give an explanation of the redemption plan to Greg. Greg accepted Christ with no reservations, He certainly had no problem realizing he was a sinner, in need of saving. Afterwards he went to Alex.

“Thank-you for everything. I have no idea where to start in thanking you. Mostly thank-you for today I guess. I just talked with James, and asked Jesus to forgive me. I have never felt more forgiven in my life, and I have had plenty to be forgiven of over the years. Now Anne and I can make our family whole, and real.”

Greg was in tears as Alex gave him a big hug.

Alex went to chat with Bobby.

“This day could not get any better. Greg just got saved.” she said as she sat beside Bobby on the loveseat.

“Well, maybe it could, Norman came and talked to me about the Lord, and he accepted Christ as well. This is the best Christmas ever!” Bobby took Alex’s hand.

“You, my dear, are the best. I never would have thought to bring this wild cast of characters together, but you have done it and more. You showed them The Saviour. I can hardly wait to be your husband.”

The group drifted to small conversations, and games for the afternoon.

Sasha, Norman. Peter, and Cassie all went out to “Play” in the snow. Seeing those young people in the snow brought tears to Gladys’ eyes. James came up behind her as she watched out the kitchen window.

“Makes you wish you were young again?” he asked.

“Who is not young sir?” Gladys challenged. “I am sure I could beat you in a snowman making contest.” The challenge was on, and the two dear old souls donned their winter gear, and braved the cold and snow. Before long the whole party was outside, and a full snowman making contest was on the way.

“Okay, “announced Bobby as the group was good and cold. “Who is going to judge this contest?”

John Cooke had a brilliant idea.

“Let’s post all of them, and give the world 2 hours to judge. Whoever gets the most thumbs up, wins.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Peter took up the task of posting all the pictures, no names, no tell-tale markers, to his social media, as he was by far the most media saavy one in the group. They they all stomped their way into the house where Gladys and James had gone ahead to make hot chocolate, apple cider and put out plates of cookies.

Alex whispered to Bobby, “am I wrong, or do we have another romance blossoming?”

“You are on to something there. Kelly and Justin, and Cassie and Peter have hit it off as well. You may have created an avalanche of romance.”

“Well, love is in the air…God’s love, and it is contageous.” laughed Alex.

The next two days passed in a whirl of food, fun, laughs, sharing and more food. Much to Bobby’s delight. Christmas morning came with the promise of clear blue skies, a bit warmer temperatures, and gifts galore. Everyone had placed their gifts under the tree, either on arrival, or overnight. By morning the tree was nearly dwarfed in gifts.

“WOW!” exclaimed Jason as he came up from the “Men’s Den”, as he called the downstairs sleeping area for all the guys. The seven single men were given cots, and air mattresses in the recreation room downstairs. Even James, at his near 80 years, was having fun bunking with the boys.

Gladys had given up her room to the only married couple, Anne and Greg. They balked at first but Gladys was happy to have a girls sleepover in the large guest room, which was right beside Alex’s room. The seven single ladies had just as much fun as the men, maybe more.

The kitchen was aromatic with a light breakfast. Since Christmas dinner was set for 3:00, a lite brunch was in the plan. Gladys did not skimp, even on this lite meal.

“I am sure I have gained 10 pounds,” noted Kathryn as she sat to brunch. “Everything has been so good. I am glad that Gladys has agreed to cater the weddings.”

“Well,” interjected Gladys. “We may have to rethink that. James asked me to marry him, and he chatted with Jason and Bobby. Looks like it will be a TRIPLE wedding.”

Alex was up from her chair in a flash, to hug and congratulate her dear friend.

“And, do not worry, Alex dear, James and I plan to work for you and Bobby, if you will have us. You are not losing a cook, you are gaining a gardener.” Gladys chuckled as James took her hand.

It was a fast romance, but Gladys explained that at their ages, time was not to be wasted. After brunch, it was obvious that two more romances were in the works. Cassie and Peter were inseperatable. Thankfully they were young, so the wedding was not going to grow to 4 or 5. Kelly and Justin had also become close, and Justin had made it clear they were looking at a new adventure.

Gift exchange time was a flurry of activity. Peter, who had been enjoying his new-found wealth, made it a point to find out something about every member of the party. Each gift was thoughtful, and planned, and loved. Cassie snuggled in her faux-fur blanket, and smiled at Peter. Anne had also made enquiries, and found a common thread. Every member of the group loved the snow, as had been displayed by their snowman contest. Anne knit 16 pair of warm mittens, and lovingly added their names to each pair.

Jason’s gift was in the form of homemade coupons. Seemingly insignificant until they read them. Each coupon said,

THE BEARER OF THIS CERTIFICATE IS ENTITLED TO FREE AIR TRANSPORT TO ANYWHERE I CAN FLY, FOR AS LONG AS I AM ABLE TO FLY.

“This is why I planned to upgrade my plane. This group of people has become family, and we need not waste a moment sitting in airports, or bus stations, or driving, if we do not have to. My gift, a gift that keeps on giving.”

The chatter over trips to take was all that could be heard for the immediate time.

Greggory had sat a bit quiet. He had gifts for all, but one special gift.

When there was a lull in conversations, Greg took his time to speak.

“As you all know, I was a rough character. There was a reason why James had to search for Kelly. He probably was about to search for me as well. When our parents separated, I stayed with our dad, and Kelly went with our mom. We had zero contact. James is our mom’s father, but the turmoil around the breakup caused him to lose contact with both sides. Alex mentioned the case to me that Kelly had brought to her, because of the last names. We researched, and found the truth. Kelly, here are our birth records.. Not only are we siblings, we are twins.”

James added, “I knew there were two, but had not found any link to you or your dad. I had hoped to find you. I guess God found you for me!” The old man was in tears as he went to hug his long lost grandson. Kelly came and hugged the pair of them.

“Well, this has been a Christmas to remember. New love, found loves, new births in Christ, and mysteries solved. It is all here.” added Alex as the group sat quiet, taking all the happenings in.

Bobby added, “and a lot of really, really, really good food, oh and Peter, who won the snowman contest?”