CHAPTER TWENTY

Irene held her breath as she saw her favorite ghost walk into the cafeteria, holding the hand of another ghost.

“I told you it would work,” whispered Matthew to his bride. One big arm was draped around her shoulders, his hand squeezing her flesh just above her chest as he spoke softly into her ear.

“Yes. Yes, you did. He looks happy,” she smiled.

“He is happy, and they are perfect for one another. Jonathon will be asking the children if they want to move to our property after the holidays. He doesn’t want to disrupt their lives any more than necessary, but I’ve assured him that they would be welcomed here.”

“I agree with that,” said Irene, nodding. “Besides, even if they didn’t want to move here, Grip would be close and can come back whenever he wants. Maybe it would be good for him not to see Doug and Miguel every day.”

“I think he’s happy for Doug and didn’t realize how much until he met Jonathon. The children are wonderful. I can’t wait for you to meet them,” smiled Matthew. Irene kissed her husband taking stock of what they’d done, all the people they’ve loved sitting around the room.

“Well, it’s almost time for you to get things ready,” smiled Irene.

“I’m about there, my love. The boys have been a great help this year, and I expected nothing less.” The huge truck pulled up outside with two long trailers attached. Sniff honked, and Trak and Miller smiled through the windows at Matthew.

“I believe that’s your ride,” said Irene.

“Grandpa? What’s going on? Where are you going?” asked Luke.

“Are those the animals?” asked Ben. “Are they leaving?”

“Hold up on the questions,” laughed Matthew, raising his hands in defense. “There are some children who need a little cheer before the big night, and for some, this may be their last night here on earth.”

“I see,” smiled Luke. “You’re taking the animals to them.”

“We are,” nodded Matthew. “Santa needs to give them something special. These children are in the hospice ward of the Children’s Hospital. I’m just trying to give them something special one last time.”

“Grandpa,” said Ben, shaking his head. “Do you want some company?”

“I appreciate it, but we’ve got your father and a few others going with us. Some of them are already there unloading the presents. I’ve gotta run, Ben,” he said, kissing his forehead. He stopped in front of Luke, his hand on his shoulders as he stared up into his grandson’s eyes. “Have I told you boys how very proud I am of you lately?”

“You tell us every day, Grandpa,” smiled Luke.

“Well, I need to do better. That’s not enough,” he said with a wink. As he walked out to leave with the seniors, Luke and Ben watched their grandfather. Luke wrapped an arm around his brother, kissing his temple.

Irene watched the exchange and smiled. She wasn’t sure Luke knew it, but he was showing affection to his brother, the same way Gaspar, his father, showed affection to his own brothers. Love was hereditary.

“How are they doing?” asked Matthew with some concern etched on his face. His naturally white beard was longer than usual, his thick head of hair sprinkled with auburn, gray, and white. The red suit was stuffed to make it more believable.

“Some are close, Mr. Matthew,” said the nurse, frowning at him. “Cecile and Neakita won’t make it the night, but they’ve been waiting for you. Tommy and D’Aquan are close as well.”

“I wish I could do more for them,” he said with sad eyes, “but I cannot interfere in this.”

“I know,” she nodded.

Shaneal Bryant was the head R.N. in the children’s hospice ward. Her compassion, angelic nature, and love made her perfect for the job. She’d known Matthew and Irene since she was a child. In fact, she’d been a patient in this very ward when she first met Matthew.

“I realize every year how very lucky I was,” she said, watching the men take the animals out of the trailers. “I still don’t know why God chose me to survive, but I’m grateful.”

“He chose you so that you could be here, doing this,” said Matthew.

“Oh, Trak!” she said, waving at the stoic man. He turned, giving her a half-grin, and waved. “I’m so glad you’re here. We have a young girl, Neakita. She’s from our Choctaw nation. Unfortunately, she’s one of our children that won’t make it through the new year. I’m not sure what’s happened, but her parents and grandparents stopped coming to see her. We’ve tried calling them, but they aren’t answering their phones. I think she could use someone who looks familiar to her.”

Trak stared off toward the glassed-in atrium and immediately spotted the little girl in question. Her hair was gone, but the dark eyes and familiar features sliced through his heart.

“Of all the animals that you were bringing, she’s most interested in meeting the alligator. Such a strange thing,” said Shaneal.

“Not so strange,” smirked Trak. “I will make sure she and Alvin are best friends before we leave.”

Matthew entered the atrium with a roaring ‘Ho-Ho-Ho,’ much to the children’s delight. He gently spoke to each one, holding them as if they might break. In some cases, they could very well have broken in his large palms.

When the children asked to meet the animals, the men wrapped them warmly, carrying them carefully outside toward each of the animals. The bison, the elephants, the giraffe, the lion, and, of course, the alligator were all gentle and calm, as if knowing the children needed them today.

“Hello, little one,” said Trak, kneeling beside the little girl. “Santa said your name is Neakita. I am Joseph Redhawk.”

“Like the bird,” she said in barely a whisper.

“Exactly like the bird,” he nodded. His chest tightened as he saw his grandfather standing behind the little girl, frowning.

“You see him, too, don’t you?” she said.

“See who?” he asked.

“The old man. He’s very nice to me, but the others don’t see him. He tells the most wonderful stories about the spirit world and how beautiful it will be for me. I’m not afraid any longer.” Trak swallowed as emotion threatened to overtake him. Nodding, he bent down and carefully lifted the child, wrapping her in several blankets.

“Shall I take you to meet my very special friend?” She nodded as they stepped outside into the brisk, cold breeze. Trak took the girl to a bench, took a seat, and held her close to ensure she was warm.

“Who is your special friend?” she asked. Suddenly, the little girl felt something nudge her and looked down. “An alligator!”

“Yes,” laughed Trak. “He won’t hurt you. He’s my very good friend. Alvin, this is Neakita. Neakita, this is Alvin.”

“He’s beautiful,” she smiled. “He’s amazing. His kind has been around forever, like mine.”

“Yes, that’s right,” smirked Trak.

“Can I pet him?”

“Of course you can,” he nodded. Alvin sat very still as the little girl touched the scales on his back, then his snout. He licked the little girl’s hand, and she giggled, gasping for air.

“Is there any other animal you wish to meet?” he asked. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“No. That was perfect,” she whispered. “Thank you, Trak.”

“I-I never told you my nickname.”

“Silly man. Every angel knows who you are,” she whispered, her eyes still closed. “You are the most special warrior ever. Even Nathan thinks so.”

Matthew gripped his shoulder, and Trak looked up at him pleadingly.

“Matthew…”

“There is nothing I can do, son. If I could, I would. She will be well taken care of where she is going. She is at peace now. You gave her the only thing she wished for.”

Trak ran his long, strong fingers over the child’s bald head, kissing her forehead. Alvin nudged the child’s hand, then closed his own eyes. Standing, he carried the little girl back inside, and the nurses took her away.

“This is the part of my job I hate the most,” said Matthew. “But it must be done, and she will be better for it. I’m so very proud of you.” He gripped Trak’s face, his rough, weathered hands squeezing the cheeks slightly. Trak bent his head, making it easier for Matthew to kiss his forehead, as he knew he would.

“Matthew? Thank you. You and Irene, for loving me.”

“Easiest job in the whole world, son.” He watched as Matthew disappeared inside the hospital, then he felt another hand, then another, and another at his back. Turning, he stared at the faces of Gaspar, Miller, and Nine.

“You alright, brother?” asked Miller. He nodded, not saying anything.

“We could use your help over here,” grinned Gaspar. “Crazy kid over there wants to know how to shoot a bow and arrow. We thought you could help him.”

“I do better with knives, but I’ll try,” he said with a smirk.

The men were quiet on the drive back to Belle Fleur. Visiting the hospital wasn’t easy. In fact, it was the most difficult part of their entire year. But it had to be done. The children needed it, and so did they. It reminded them that they were still human. They still had hearts filled with compassion.

When the animals were back on their island, and the men thanked them all with special treats, they took the boat back to Belle ?le, where they were greeted by a bonfire, spiked eggnog, and cookies. But the most beautiful sight was their wives.

“We thought you could use a little cheer,” smiled Erin. Lauren rose to hug her husband, kissing him soundly.

“I’m so proud of you,” she said in his ear.

“News travels fast,” he said, looking at Irene. “Is Matthew back yet?”

“On his way, love,” said Irene. “Let’s just enjoy this family time, rememberin’ all the things we’re grateful for.” Matthew suddenly appeared from behind them, wrapping an arm around his beautiful wife. He stared at his sons, all of them, and raised a cup to them.

“Amen, my love. Amen.”