Christmas at the Fraynes

"Daddy, come on," the five-year-old said as he plowed through the snowdrifts in the woods.

"I'm coming, son" the red-haired man said as swung the axe over his shoulder and tugged the rope for the sled.

The little boy stopped and looked around. "Are we going the right way?"

"We are," he responded as he stepped up beside the little boy.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. This is the same way we came last year."

"It doesn't look the same."

"You were smaller last year and you were riding on the sled as well."

The little boy was quiet for a moment as he fell in step beside his father. "Oh, yeah. But I'm a big boy now. I don't need to ride on the sled. I can walk."

"That's right. And if you look over there, you can see the grove of pine trees. We should be able to find the perfect tree for the house."

The little boy hurried along toward the trees. The excitement swelled in his heart for the search they were about to undertake. They needed to find the perfect tree that would fit right in front of the living room window.

Reaching the grove, he circled each tree, examining it to make sure there were no bare spots, the branches were full and it was the right size to fit in the traditional spot.

Each tree he looked at had some flaw. He wondered if he would have to settle for an okay tree instead of the perfect one. He was getting disappointed and was about to go back to a tree with a single imperfection when he saw the tree.

Moving toward it, he glanced up and down at the branches. He then slowly walked around it, taking in each part. After a complete, rotation, he knew this was the one.

"Dad! I found it! I found the tree!"

He turned around looking for his father, but he didn't see him.

"Dad? Where are you?"

Waiting a moment, he strained to hear a call from his father, but there wasn't one. He began to move around the trees, looking left and right, hoping to see him. As the seconds passed by, he began to get scared.

"Daddy."

He sat up quickly, his eyes wide as he took in the darkness. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to get his breathing under control.

"Daddy."

He looked to his side of the bed and saw one of his six-year-old twins standing by the bed.

"What is it, buddy?" Jim asked gently.

"I don't feel good," the little boy said.

Jim turned on the bed and reached for his son's forehead. He didn't seem warm to him. "How don't you feel good?"

"My stomach."

"Okay." Jim slid off the bed, putting his feet in his slippers. He put his hand on his son's shoulder and led him out of the room. A quick glance confirmed his wife was still asleep.

They went downstairs to the kitchen. Jim retrieved the thermometer from the bathroom and then had his little boy place it under his tongue. As he waited, Jim poured a glass of ginger ale.

Jim checked the thermometer and his son's temperature seemed to be fine.

"Did you get sick in your bed, Jimmy?" Jim asked as he sat down beside the little boy.

"No," Jimmy said. He moved closer to Jim and climbed on his lap. "I just don't feel good."

"Okay," Jim said as he pulled him close. "Let's go in the living room. We'll be more comfortable in there and you may feel better."

"All right," Jimmy said.

He grabbed the glass and followed his son into the living room. Settling on the couch, Jimmy crawled onto his pal and leaned his head against his father's shoulder.

"Just close your eyes and try to get some sleep."

"I'm not tired," Jimmy said.

"How about we turn on the tree light and I read you a story?"

"Would you read the Christmas story?" Jimmy asked hopefully.

"Sure. You get the book and I'll turn on the lights."

"Okay."

Within a matter of minutes they were both settled on the couch again. Jim grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and covered both of them with it.

Jim opened the book and began reading to his son. Every couple of pages he glanced down to see if Jimmy was asleep, but never stopped reading.

When he finally reached the end, he could feel his son's even breathing as he closed the book. Jim had a feeling it was nothing serious and was glad his son had fallen back asleep. He contemplated for a moment about returning Jimmy to his bed, but decided against it. Jimmy was asleep and he was quite comfortable himself.

Sliding down slightly on the couch, he watched the lights blink on the tree. He felt the boys had done a great job finding their tree and decorating it with all the ornaments they had collected over the years.

* * * * *

"Jim?"

He turned his head slightly and snuggled down deeper so he could go back to sleep.

"Jim," the voice said louder.

He opened his eyes to see Trixie in her blue bathrobe standing by the couch.

"What is it?" Jim asked quietly, aware that Jimmy was still asleep beside him and not wanting to disturb him.

"What are you doing down here?" Trixie asked. "Why is Jimmy down here?"

"He came and woke me up because he wasn't feeling well."

"Does he have a fever? Did he get sick?"

"No," Jim said as he shook his head. "I checked with a thermometer and he didn't have one. He said his stomach was bothering him, but he hasn't gotten sick."

"Why didn't you take him back to bed?"

"He said he wasn't tired and I figured it would better if he stayed down here in case he did get sick," Jim explained. "So, we turned the lights on, I read him a story and we then went to sleep."

Trixie smiled at him. "You are an incredibly wonderful father."

"You are an incredibly wonderful mother."

"I think we're both pretty incredible," Trixie said. "I'm going to go start breakfast. Do you want to wake him and the others since we have a busy day ahead of us?"

"Sure," Jim said.

Trixie left the room and Jim glanced down at Jimmy, who looked peaceful.

"Jimmy, wake up, son," he said as he gently shook his son's shoulder. "Come on. It's time to wake up."

"No," Jimmy mumbled as he burrowed his face into Jim's chest.

"Come on, buddy. You need to wake up. Mom is making breakfast and we have a lot to do today."

"Don't want to," Jimmy mumbled.

"So, I guess you'll just stay here all say while you siblings help make the cookies and then deliver them. That means they'll get to eat them as soon as they come out of the oven."

"No," Jimmy said as he sat up with his eyes wide open. "That's my job."

"Then we need to get going."

"All right."

Jimmy climbed off the couch and headed for the kitchen.

He chuckled as he folded the blanket before heading upstairs to wake the other children. He reached the twin's room first and stepped inside.

The sheets and blankets from Jimmy's bed were hanging off as if his son had dragged them along when he had left the room. Jim scooped the ends up and tossed them on the bed as he proceeded to the other bed in the room.

Nearing the bed, he saw his other son curled in a ball, his forest green comforter pulled up to his chin. Jim sat down on the edge of the bed and shook his son's shoulder.

"Come on, son. It's time to wake up."

The little boy burrowed deeper into the pillow, but did not open his eyes.

"Come on," Jim said as he shook him again. "We have a busy day."

"I want to stay here."

"Then you're going to miss out on making cookies and then delivering them."

The eyes opened and focused on his father. "We're doing that today?"

"If we get the cookies baked and packaged," Jim responded. "But that only works if you get up, Matty."

"All right," Matty said as he sat up with his red, wavy hair askew. "I'll get up."

"Good. Now, hurry on downstairs. Mom is making breakfast and you may want to get down there before Jimmy eats it all."

"Okay." Matty turned and ran out of the room.

"AHHHH!" came the yell followed by crying.

Jim flew off the bed and hurried into the hall. He saw Jimmy standing in the hall while Matty was curled up in a ball crying.

"What happened?" Jim asked, crouching down beside Matty to see if he was hurt.

Jimmy remained quiet.

"What's going on?" Trixie asked as she hurried toward them.

"I'm not surer," Jim answered.

"What hurts?" Trixie asked as she picked Matty up.

Matty continued crying as he clung to Trixie's robe.

"Jimmy, did you see what happened?" Trixie asked.

Jim saw that his son was standing still, his eyes wide. He swallowed a couple times and Jim knew what had happened.

"Were you running in the hall again?" Jim asked.

"Mom wanted me to get you since breakfast was almost ready," Jimmy said quietly.

"And in your rush to tell us, you ran into your brother knocking him down."

"I'm sorry," Jimmy said. "I didn't mean it."

"What have we told you about running in the house?" Trixie asked.

"I'm sorry," Jimmy said, looking at the floor.

"What if your sister had been in the hallway?" Jim asked quietly. He knew raising his voice with his son wouldn't help the situation.

"I really am sorry." Jimmy looked up and they saw tears in his eyes.

"Come here," Jim said. Jimmy moved to his father and looked him in the eye. "You need to be more careful, okay. With running through the house like that, someone could get seriously hurt and we don't wan that to happen, right?"

"Right," Jimmy said.

"All right," Jim said. "What do you think you should do?"

Jimmy waited a moment before moving to his brother. He placed a hand on Matty's arm. "I'm sorry I knocked you down, Matty. I didn't mean it."

"It's…it's okay," Matty hiccupped.

"All right," Trixie said. "Let's walk downstairs and we'll have breakfast. We need to eat since we have work to do."

"Okay," Jimmy said and headed down the hall.

Trixie leaned back from Matty and looked his face over. "Sweetie, do you hurt anywhere?"

Matty reached up and touched the back of his head. "I hit my head."

"Let me take a look," Jim said as he touched his son's head where he had his hand. He moved his fingers lightly across the area and could feel a slight bump beginning to form.

"He's got a bump, but he should be fine," Jim said. "We'll just keep an eye on him today."

"Okay," Trixie said. She gave Matty a squeeze. "Come on. Let's go get breakfast."

"Okay," Matty said quietly.

"I'll be down in a minute."

"Let's go," Trixie said.

Jim went down the hall and stepped into the room. He was not surprised to find their little girl still asleep. Kayleigh had a knack for sleeping through everything and had to be woken everyday.

"Kayleigh. Come on, sweetheart. It's time for breakfast."

"Breakfast?" Kayleigh asked as one eye popped open.

"Yes. You don't want your brothers to eat it all, do you?"

"Mommy won't let them," Kayleigh said.

"You're probably right, but I want something to eat since we're delivering cookies today."

"We are?" Kayleigh asked, sitting up.

Jim nodded. "But only if wee have breakfast."

Kayleigh wrapped her arms around Jim's neck. "Let's go."

Jim scooped her up and swung her so she could hang onto his back.

When they reached the kitchen, Jim slid Kayleigh from his back and into her seat.

* * * * *

Later that day, the Frayne family returned home after delivering all the cookies. The children had adorned their Santa hats with their names written in glitter when they had approached each house to deliver their sweet treats. They had stopped at the house of several friends and family to pass out the items. Everyone was really appreciative that they were the recipients of the cookies. More times than not, they children left with a little present and a thank you for all their hard work.

Now that they were home, they were all ready for a break.

"Can we play in the snow?" Jimmy asked as he climbed out.

"Aren't you tired of being outside?" Trixie asked.

"No," Matty said.

"Please, Dad," Jimmy begged.

Jim and Trixie shared a look. Trixie raised her eyebrows, waiting for Jim to respond. He made a quick glance in the back seat and saw Kayleigh was asleep.

"Well?" Matty asked.

"All right," Jim said. "We'll come out for a little while before dinner."

"Yeah!" Jimmy and Matty yelled.

Kayleigh's eyes flew open and she looked around wildly.

"It's okay, sweetie. Jim said as he leaned into help her out. "We're home."

"The cookies?" Kayleigh asked, leaning her head on Jim's shoulder.

"They were all delivered," Jim said, kissing the top of her head. "You did very well."

"Good," Kayleigh said.

"Boys, go in and change," Trixie said as she closed the doors. "Your dad will join you outside."

Jim looked at Trixie and saw the gleam in her eyes.

"What?" Trixie asked innocently.

"You know what," Jim said with a grin.

"I don't know what you mean," Trixie said as she headed for the house behind the boys.

"I'll get you for this," Jim said as he followed her.

Trixie turned and smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."

Once inside, Jim removed Kayleigh's coat and placed her on the couch. He covered her with a blanket.

Jim quickly donned his winter clothes knowing the boys needed to burn off some excess energy. They had been well behaved while delivering cookies and knew this was the perfect reward.

They went outside and quickly began building a snowman in the front yard. The boys began making balls of snow. The started with one and rolled it around the yard, the ball getting larger with each step.

When the boys felt it was big enough, Jim helped them position it in the yard. Then they made another and finally a third.

As Jim hoisted the smaller snowball on top of the other two, Trixie came outside carrying all of the items to finish off their snowman.

"This should help," Trixie said, handing the items to the boys.

Seeing what they now held, the boys quickly gave their snowman life by adding an old scarf around his neck, a carrot for the nose, two black stones for the eyes, red yarn for the mouth and an old top had that belonged to Jim.

Jimmy and Matty stepped back to look at their work.

"What do you think, Mom?" Jimmy asked.

"It looks perfectly perfect," Trixie said. "You guys did great work."

"It is great," Jim admitted.

"Are you guys ready for some hot chocolate?" Trixie asked.

"Before supper?" Jimmy asked, surprised.

"Sure," Trixie said. "You've been out here for a while and could probably use something to warm you up."

"Yeah," the boys yelled and hurried for the house to change out of their snowsuits.

"It looks like you had fun," Trixie commented.

"It was. They had the idea that we should play baseball, but I told them it was kind of hard to do this time of year."

"I have to agree. If they hit the ball too hard, it would get lost in a snow bank until spring."

"Exactly. But I did promise that when the weather got much warmer, I'd give them both lessons."

"They'll pick it up quickly," Trixie said as they headed for the house. "With you and their uncles around, they should have no problem."

"You can play as well as the rest of us," Jim said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"Thanks, Jim," Trixie said, leaning into him. "You know, I'm really glad you took a couple days off. This is making it a perfect Christmas."

"Don't you mean perfectly perfect."

"Everyday of my life is perfectly perfect with you by my side."

Jim leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "That's how I feel too."

"Mommy! Where are the marshmallows?"

"Why did I make hot chocolate?"

"Because you love your children, that's why."

"Mommy!"

"We better get in there," Jim said.

Entering the house at the kitchen, they saw all three of the children were searching the cupboards.

"What are you doing?" Jim asked as he shrugged out of his jacket.

All three of them looked. Jimmy responded, "Looking for the marshmallows."

"I will get them while you two put your winter clothes back where they belong," Trixie said.

"Okay," Matty said.

Jim helped the boys hang their clothes up. When they returned to the kitchen, Jim saw that Trixie had retrieved the marshmallows from her secret hiding spot. It had been only once when the children had found the bag and devoured all of them in one sitting that Trixie realized they had to be kept hidden.

"I'll be back in a minute," Jim said.

"We'll be here."

Jim hurried up to the master bedroom and quickly changed out of his wet jeans. He figured his snow pants had gotten a tear because both of his pant legs were wet.

After changing his socks as well, Jim returned to the first floor. Stepping off the stairs, he heard two familiar voices in the kitchen, talking with Trixie.

"Mother, Dad," Jim said, entering the room.

"Son," Matthew Wheeler said shaking his son's hand and then pulling him into a hug.

"How are you?" Madeleine Wheeler asked, giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek when it was her turn.

"Sweet and lovable," Jim replied.

Oh, you," Madeleine said, swatting Jim's arm.

He smiled. "It's good to see you both."

"Your Dad was just beginning to tell me about this great idea he had," Trixie said.

"And what's that?" Jim asked, leaning against the counter.

"Well," Matthew began. "I've been thinking of a gift for all of you and I think I have one. Since everyone loves football, I got tickets for everyone to attend the Buffalo Bills game this week."

"A Buffalo Bills game?" Jim asked.

"I thought it would be a great way for all of us to spend some time together," Matthew said.

"That sounds great," Trixie said.

"The game should be a good one since the Bills are on their way to the playoffs this year," Matthew said. "I've reserved a suite so we should have a great time."

"We're going to a football game?" Jimmy asked.

"Looks like," Jim said.

"Thank you, grandpa," Jimmy said, running to Matthew and giving him a hug.

"Thank you," Matty said, following his brother's lead.

"You're welcome."

"What time will we need to leave?" Trixie asked.

"The game is at one. We will be taking the Wheeler jet, so we should be at the airport around seven, just to be on the safe side."

"Who knows what the weather will be like," Madeleine said.

"You're going?" Jim asked.

"Of course," Madeleine said. "Why shouldn't I go?"

"I just didn't think you like football," Jim said.

"Of course I watch football," Madeleine said. "I especially enjoy the moments when the reporters enter the locker room after a game." She smiled. "Those players are so athletic and to see them without their shirts and…"

"Mother," Jim warned, his face as red as his hair. "There are children in the room."

"What's wrong with listening to the players recount the plays of the game?" Madeleine asked innocently.

Jim shook his head as Matt and Trixie laughed.

"Son, you need to realize your mother has some secrets," Matt said. "And one which she doesn't like to share is that she is an avid football fan. I can't tell you how many times I've been told to shush in the closing moments of a tight game."

"Mother, why didn't you say something?" Jim asked.

"What's there to say?" Madeleine asked.

"If I'd know, I would of loved to watch the games with you."

"Who says we can't start now?" Madeleine suggested.

Jim smiled at his mother.

Trixie wrapped her arm around Jim's waist. "Would you like to stay for dinner? I made pot roast."

"I do have some work I need to get done before I get to the office tomorrow," Matt said.

"Of course we'll stay," Madeleine said.

"All right," Trixie said. "And dinner is just about ready." She looked at the children. "Go wash your hands so we can eat."

The boys and Kayleigh left the room.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Madeleine asked.

"I think everything is set," Trixie said. "We just need to grab a couple more place settings and we should be all set."

"I'll get those," Madeleine said.

* * * * *

The family enjoyed a nice dinner with the three children soaking up the attention of their parents and grandparents.

When they finished eating, Trixie asked, "Is anyone up for dessert."

"Can we have ice cream?" Matty asked.

"Sure," Trixie said. "But you need to go put your plate on the kitchen counter."

"Okay," Matty said and slid out of his chair, followed by Jimmy and Kayleigh.

"I could clear the table," Madeleine said.

"That's okay," Trixie said. "The kids have gotten into the habit of clearing the table."

Just as she finished, the children returned. Matty went to his grandfather and asked, "Can I take your plate?"

"Sure," Matt said. "Thank you."

Jimmy took Madeleine's and Kayleigh took Jim's, minus the knife.

"We'll be back in a moment," Trixie said taking her plate and following them out of the room.

"Son, you are doing a marvelous job here," Matt said. "These children are truly a gem and you deserve all the credit."

"I don't deserve it all," Jim said. "Trixie has been a marvel with them. She has gotten so much more patient with them compared to when she watched Bobby."

"You've also played a role in their upbringing," Madeleine said. "A very important role and your children are shining examples of how you are raising them."

Jim could feel the color rising in his cheeks. He didn't feel like he as doing anything special. They were just doing what they felt was right.

"Here's the ice cream," Jimmy said coming into the room carrying a bowl, with Matty and Kayleigh following.

"Thank you," Jim said as he took the bowl from his daughter.

Kayleigh giggled and hurried back to the kitchen after her brothers. A moment later the children returned with their bowls and settled in their seats.

Trixie exited the kitchen. "Does anyone need...whoa!!!"

They all watched as Trixie's feet slid out from underneath her. Her bowl of ice cream flew out of her hands as she landed on her tailbone.

"Trixie!" Jim exclaimed, jumping from his seat and hurrying toward her.

"Are you all right?" Matt asked at the same time.

Trixie started giggling uncontrollably as Jim and Matt stood by her side.

"Trixie?" Jim asked, confused by her reaction.

"That hurt," Trixie said as the giggles turned to tears.

"Maybe I should call an ambulance," Matt suggested.

"I'm okay," Trixie said taking deep breaths to calm down.

"What did you slip on?" Jim asked, trying to see if something had been on the floor.

"I don't know," Trixie admitted. "My feet just slipped out from under me." She looked at Jim. "I think I'm okay."

"Do you think you can get up?" Jim asked.

"I think so," Trixie said.

"Let us help you and we'll take it slow," Matt said.

"Okay."

Jim and Matt each took one of Trixie's arms and slowly helped her to her feet.

"Ohhh," Trixie said.

"How bad is it?" Jim asked.

"I'm okay," Trixie said.

"Let's get you over to the table," Matt said.

The three of them moved slowly toward the table. Trixie gingerly sat down in her chair, wincing slightly.

"I think that's definitely bruised."

"Maybe we should go get that checked out," Jim said.

"I'm okay," Trixie repeated again.

"I think you scared a few years off my life," Madeleine said.

"I feel like I did the same to myself," Trixie admitted. She looked at the table and saw a bowl upright in front of her. "Is this my bowl?"

"It is," Jimmy said. "It flew through the air and then landed like you set it on the table."

"I doubt I could ever do that again."

"You're probably right," Jim said, returning to his seat as Matt sat down.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Madeleine asked.

"I'm okay."

"It just goes to show that it is always an exciting time at the Frayne house, even more so at Christmas time," Matt said.

"It sure is."

* * * * *

"Dad, where's Mom?" a young voice asked.

The tall redhead turned to his son from adjusting the lights on the tree. "She's in the kitchen doing the dishes from the cookies you two made. Why?"

"Just wondering."

He felt his father's eyes on him. "Son?"

"I just wondered where she was."

"Well, why don't you go get her so that we can turn the lights on?"

"Okay."

He headed for the kitchen and saw his mother drying her hands on a towel.

"Mom?"

"What is it?" she asked, turning to face him.

"It's time to light the tree."

She set the towel on the counter. "Let's go."

They returned to the living room and settled on the couch.

"Are you ready?"

"Turn ‘em on, Dad."

"On the count of three," he said. "One, two, three."

He watched the lights click on as his father moved to the couch and sat beside him. He watched as a couple strands flashed and the others remained lit.

"You two found the perfect tree," his mother said, placing a kiss on the top of his head.

"It does look good," his father said.

As they watched the light together, a feeling of peace and love washed over him. He was happy to be with his family. He leaned back on the couch, squeezed in between his parents. This was the perfect Christmas.

* * * * *

A kiss on his lips made him smile. He slowly opened his eyes and looked into the beautiful blue eyes of his wife.

"Merry Christmas, Jim."

"Merry Christmas, Trix."

Trixie reached up and brushed a lock of his red hair off his forehead. "You look well rested."

"I slept pretty well."

"I know," Trixie said. "You weren't tossing and turning like you did the past few nights."

"Really?"

Trixie nodded. "You spent a lot of time moving about and I could tell you were having a bad dream. But when I was about to wake you, it seemed to stoop. And each morning, I forgot to ask because of the chaos we were dealing with."

"I'm okay," Jim said, reaching over and taking her hand in his own. "And I will always be okay because I have a wonderful family with a beautiful and wonderful wife and three wonderful children."

Trixie smiled. "I think you are pretty wonderful as well. And each day I thank the star that I have you in my life."

"I feel the exact same way," Jim leaned close to her and gave her a kiss.

Trixie slid closer to Jim, wrapping her arm around his neck deepening the kiss.

Small hurrying footsteps in the hall outside their room alerted them that they were not alone.

"They have impeccable timing," Jim grumbled.

Trixie kissed Jim. "We'll resume this later tonight."

She rolled over so her back was to Jim. He wrapped his arm around her waist. "I'll hold you to that."

"I hope you will," Trixie said. "Now, pretend you are still asleep."

They closed their eyes just as their bedroom door opened.

"Shh," Jimmy said. "We want to surprise them."

"Why?" Kayleigh asked.

"Because," Jimmy answered.

"Can't we wake them?" Matty asked. "We saw all the presents downstairs."

"Yeah," Kayleigh said. "Santa was here. I want to open presents."

"We can't without Mom and Dad."

"So, let's wake them," Matty said.

"Climb on the bed, but don't step on them," Jimmy warned.

The two of them stayed still as the children tried unsuccessfully to climb onto the bed without much movement.

Jim squeezed Trixie's waist and then gave her three quick taps. He hoped she understood the plan. He tapped her again, much slower.

As he was about to tap her the third time, Kayleigh said, "Mommy?"

Realizing they couldn't surprise their children, Jim opened his eyes. He feigned sleepiness as he asked, "What is it?"

"It's Christmas, Daddy."

"Okay," Jim said and closed his eyes.

"Daddy?" Kayleigh whined.

"What is it?" Jim asked, snuggling deeper into the pillow.

"Can't we go downstairs for Christmas?" Kayleigh asked.

"It's still dark out," Jim mumbled. "When morning comes, then we can go down."

"It is morning," Matty said.

"What's all the racket?" Trixie asked. "You three are supposed to still be in bed."

"Mom, it's Christmas morning," Matty said. "We think Santa was here."

"Please, Mommy?" Kayleigh asked.

Trixie waited a moment and then sighed. "I guess we can get up."

"Yeah!" the children cheered.

Trixie and Jim sat up to see their children in pajamas.

"You three need to get your slippers and robes and meet us at the top of the stairs," Jim said.

The three of them scrambled off the bed and hurried out of the room.

Jim looked at Trixie. "Let's go celebrate Christmas."

"Let's go."

The End

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