Orville trudged through the snow toward his home. The visit to the Mercer family had been needed. Children were always subject to colds and croup during the Christmas season. Not enough sunshine and not enough food were the usual culprits. The Mercer children would survive. And Orville would open the bottle of whiskey the Mercers had given him for his trouble on Christmas Eve.

The large flakes of white snow stirred his heart. While Pineridge often experienced a snowy Christmas, the accumulation never ceased to make Orville thankful. He was being blessed with yet one more day to celebrate. Cold and half a foot deep snow were part of the season. He loved it.

He found John on the back porch. The former hunter was dusted with snow, but he didn’t appear cold. Orville handed John a glass of whiskey.

“Merry Christmas.”

“It’s Christmas Eve, isn’t it?”

“It is, John, but I wanted to start early. How are you feeling?”

“Fine, Doc, just fine.”

Orville swept the snow off his rocker and sat. “We both know better. And I’m going to chase you indoors in a few minutes. Your heart can’t abide the cold.”

“Don’t shove me indoors yet. I miss the mountains. I spent many a winter up there.”

“And I think you’re paying for it now. The cold and snow wear out a man.”

“You might be right. I am worn out. I can barely walk up to my bedroom. When I first came here two years ago, I could take the steps two at a time. Now, I go one step and hang onto the railing.”

Orville understood John’s loss of energy. His heart had regressed to a slow beat. Walking more than a few feet caused dizziness. And there was nothing Orville could do about it.

“You hang in there, John. When spring comes, you’ll be singing along with the birds.”

John laughed for a moment before it became a cough. “Not a chance, Doc. I’m hoping to see the new year. That’s my goal. I would like to welcome one more year.”

“That won’t be a problem.”

“So there you are.”

Orville turned to a familiar voice. “Abe, you made it.” He stood and hugged his son.

“We weren’t going to miss this one.”

“Did Daphne come with you?”

“Yes sir, all three of us have arrived.”

“Three? I don’t understand.”

Abe grinned. “You’re going to be a grandfather.”

Orville beamed. “Daphne is… Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, I have to congratulate her.”

“Give her a few minutes. Travel doesn’t sit well, and it is her first.”

“Did you hear that, John? Abe and Daphne are going to be parents.”

“I heard. Congratulations, Abe. A baby is the Lord’s blessing.”

“Get up, John. It’s time to go inside where we can drink by the fire.”

John held out his hand, and Abe grabbed it, helping John from his rocker. The three men shuffled through the snow and into the warm house. For Orville, the Christmas celebration had begun. He would drink to the good health of Daphne and the coming baby.

“Abe, I trust you have prepared for the child?”

“Yes, Father. We both have. And we’re terribly excited.”

“Well, this will be a Christmas to remember.”

“Dinner tomorrow?”

“With all the trimmings.”

*****

The dining room was resplendent with candles. A small, decorated tree was in the parlor. Wrapped presents waited under the tree, but Orville paid them no mind.

On the table was a stuffed chicken perfectly roasted—at least, Orville hoped it was perfect. The family china and silver added to special occasion. At ever plate was as glass of red wine, the best Orville could find. There was nothing like red wine to warm the heart.

When everyone was seated, Orville said grace. The ritual had been part of Christmas for as long as Orville could remember. Even in the dark days of Fort Dodge, thanks was given before every yuletide feast.

Grace said, Orville grabbed his glass of wine and stood.

“I would like to offer a special toast. This is a Christmas I will never forget, and I hope none of you will either. My son and his pregnant wife have made this a banner year. I ask for no more. Yet, I have received more. My friend John is here to add to our merriment. I can’t imagine a better gift. Our future looks bright. So, raise your glasses to family. We have achieved much, and, the Lord willing, we will achieve more.”

The others answered, “Hear, hear!”

Orville sipped his wine and smiled.

“Now, Abe, how about you carve that bird.”

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