13. Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

H ennessy glanced around the room, barely able to sit still. He was worse than some of the kids. Because of the huge amount of gifts the kids were getting and needing to attend Roam and Sprite’s wedding in Bluff Creek tomorrow afternoon, they’d decided to split the gifts. The gifts from the family were tonight, and tomorrow morning would be gifts from Santa. Richy and Lyle had cornered him downstairs where Ezra couldn’t hear. They’d informed him that Santa wasn’t real, but they would keep the secret and not spoil it for Ezra.

Hennessy had stared at them while they told him what Vivi had informed them. Santa was love and was real for all those who believe. Since this was the first Christmas that Vivi, Ezra, and Bailey would be with them, the family had done whatever Vivi wanted. She’d had Bill make her four long boards that hung on the wall with hooks. The hooks were for the stockings to leave for Santa.

Hennessy could still remember how quickly Schaefer backtracked when Vivi had stared at him and repeated, “Santa is love and real for all those who believe.” Her do you understand look had him nodding his head. His sister-in-law had a steel core that had only grown stronger with Whiskey’s love.

Hennessy had finally whispered to the boys that they should just roll with it, and they’d all see what happened. He’d bought Ellie all the gear needed for them to take a ride on his motorcycle and tickets to a Luke Combs concert because they both loved his songs. Ellie had bought him pink checkerboard Vans to add to his collection of shoes to wear when he worked. He’d mentioned in one of their late-night talks that he hated shoe shopping, which was why he pretty much stuck to motorcycle boots or cowboy boots that he’d had forever. She’d remembered that and bought him something different. She’d also bought him some beard oil and face wash that also conditioned his beard and smelled fantastic. He had no idea how much it cost; he bought the cheapest thing at the store. Having Ellie lean up and kiss him, telling him how good he smelled, was more than enough reason to change brands.

Sutton had sat on his lap and opened multiple presents from the family. She was currently sitting on the floor playing with a stable set with horses that Quinton had bought her. It was a good thing the rooms were so large in the apartment because the toys she’d received were going to take up a lot of space. He’d have them build on or build a house to make sure she and the boys had everything they’d ever need.

The boys had opened the game console that Ellie and he had gotten for them. They’d received games from the family along with some lessons in martial arts. Lyle picked up the box that had his and Richy’s names on it.

“It says it’s from The Wise Ones, Dad, and Our Uncles ,” Lyle said.

“Open it,” Hennessy said when the boys just looked around at everyone.

Lyle tore the paper off and then handed the box to Richy to open. Two sets of keys were nestled on top of tissue paper. The boys each picked up a set.

“What are these for? The bar?” Richy asked.

“Well, let’s let Papa tell you since he came up with the idea,” Hennessy suggested.

“You boys are a part of this family, so we all talked and decided you needed to do the same thing our boys did. The keys are to an old pickup that needs to be restored. We’ll each work with you to get it running so that when you pass your driving test, you can have your own vehicle. A man needs to know how his truck runs and have pride in what he’s made,” Peck said.

The boys smiled, then turned toward each other and jumped up and down, screaming, “We’ve got a truck!”

It did his heart good to see the boys so carefree and excited. He knew there would be no way he could make everything perfect in their lives, but he was going to work his hardest to make it so. Seeing the boys running around the room, hugging and thanking everyone, made this the best Christmas in years.

Last Christmas, he and the guys ended up going to Bluff Creek to help Bear with the special deliveries he’d received on Christmas. This year, Hennessy had his own special deliveries that he couldn’t imagine his life without now.

Sutton stopped playing with her toy and crawled up on Ellie’s lap, laying her head on Ellie’s shoulder.

“Can we go see it?”

“Sure, that’s why you guys had the last present, but we’ll need to hurry. It’s over in Papa’s garage so it’s close to work on. Ellie, are you and Sutton staying here or going?”

Ellie stood up, carrying Sutton over. “I think she’s getting tired. I’ll give her a bath and read her a story before bed. You guys all have fun together.”

“Thanks, Mom,” the boys said, kissing her cheek before following Hennessy and the guys over to the garage.

Hennessy reminded the boys to grab jackets and then followed them out of the bar. He was starting a new phase of life: two sons to raise, a daughter to get to know, and the woman he loved with his whole heart. Nothing and no one was going to hurt his family. Not on his watch.