“Keep your head down,” Jim said, “Stay close to me. We should reach the shelter soon.”

Trixie Belden-Frayne stayed close to Jim’s back, trying to protect herself from the blowing and pelting snow. She was freezing cold and hoped they would make it to safety.

“We’re almost there,” Jim said.

They plowed through the snow and within minutes they stepped into the train station and hurried away from the door as the rest of the passengers followed suit. Trixie and Jim moved closer to the fireplace soaking in the warmth radiating from the dancing flames.

Jim stepped close to her and ran his hands up and down the sleeves of her coat, trying to bring her warmth.  “Are you warming up?”

Trixie nodded and glanced out the window next to the fireplace. “We’re stuck, aren’t we?”

“I think so,” Jim said. “The storm is raging and the train isn’t going anywhere.”

Trixie leaned into Jim and felt him wrap his arms around her.

“We are going to be fine,” Jim said. “We are in the safety of the station. It’s much better for us to be here than on the train. At least in here it seems there is heat.”

Trixie looked at the other passengers scattering out about the station, trying to find a comfortable place for their stay.

As she looked around, she took in their temporary accommodations. Next to the fireplace was a Christmas tree. Beyond the tree along the wall was a wooden bench. In the center of the room there was another set of benches placed back to back. On the far wall near the ticket counter was an old fashioned rotary payphone and two wooden chairs.

Trixie saw that the six other passengers that had been on the train with them were finding a way to get comfortable for their long pit stop.

A young man in his early 20s settled on one of the chairs close to the phone. He had short brown hair and looked miserable.

In the other chair sat a young woman with blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun.

On the benches back to back were two older women in the late 50s or early 60s. Both had graying hair.

The last two were a man and woman. They were sitting on the bench along the wall next to the Christmas tree. The man was wearing a black leather jacket and had a blue bandana wrapped around his head. The woman had her brown hair pulled back into a ponytail and stared at the floor.

A man came from the hallway near the ticket counter.

“Go ahead and make yourselves comfortable,” the man said. “I’m Michael, the station manager. Crews are already working to try to clear the track to get you on your way.”

“How long will it take?” the young man asked.

“We’re not certain,” Michael said. “But as soon as possible, all of you will be back in the train.”

“Oh, man,” the young man said.

“I do have hot chocolate heating up right now and will bring that out when it is ready.”

Michael turned and disappeared down the hallway.

Trixie looked at Jim. “We need to call Sleepyside to let them know we are stuck, but safe.”

“All right,” Jim said, pulling out his phone. He looked at the face and sighed. “There’s no signal.”

“Maybe the phone over there works,” Trixie said.

“I’ll go try.”

As Jim made his way over to the phone, Trixie settled on the bench beneath the window and closed her eyes. She realized this was not how she had pictured things.

Several days earlier they had received a phone call from a friend in Buffalo that a drunk driver on the slippery roads in town had killed Honey’s college roommate. They had been devastated and knew they had to pay their respects.

The Wheeler jet had dropped them off in Buffalo before taking Matthew and Madeleine to Washington state for a business meeting. They had made it in time for the wake and the funeral, offering support to her husband and three children.

It had been the morning after the funeral when Brian’s cell phone rang, telling them Petey had been in a sledding accident. Petey had been taken to the hospital, but Brian and Honey wanted to get to him.

They had gotten the last two seats on a flight to LaGuardia. Jim and Trixie were waiting for the Wheeler jet to pick them up. But a snowstorm in the mid-west kept the plane grounded. They were uncertain when the plane would get in, so they opted to take the train back to Sleepyside.

Now they were stuck at a train station, halfway between Buffalo and White Plains.

“It’s not working,” Jim said.

Trixie looked up. “They are going to be frantic.”

“As soon as the storm lets up, we will probably get a signal and can let them know we are safe.”

“You’re probably right,” Trixie said as Jim sat down beside her.

He slid off his jacket and draped his arm across the back of the bench. Reaching his arm around her shoulder, he gently caressed it.

Trixie sighed as she leaned her head against his arm. “This is not how I pictured Christmas.”

“Me either,” Jim said. “But we can’t control the weather.”

“And when the snow lets up and dawn breaks, it will probably look like a Christmas card.”

“The snow brushed pine trees as the sun rises on the start of a new day,” Jim said. “I wished I had brought my camera to capture it.”

“Maybe you’ll get the chance.”

“Well, it seems as if we are going to be stuck here for a while so it might be good to get to know another,” said one of the older women. “I’m Midge and this is my sister Abigail. But don’t call her Abby or Gail because she really hates those names and will only answer to her given name: Abigail.”

“Midge,” Abigail warned.

“You know it’s the truth sister dear, and it is better that everyone knows now so they don’t call you by a nickname and you lose your temper.”

Abigail shook her head and turned away from her sister.

Midge turned to the young man sitting by the phone. “And looking at the backpack you are carrying, I bet you are a college student on your way home for Christmas.”

“I’m on my way to see my grandfather,” he said.

Midge moved over near him. “And your name?”

“Tony, ma’am.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Tony,” Midge said, shaking his hand. She looked quickly at Abigail. “Sis, doesn’t he look a lot like the Marshall’s boy who shovels our driveway every winter?”

“Their boys has bright, curly, red hair and green eyes,” Abigail said. “That young man has brown hair and brown eyes, which I can see from here.”

“It’s his features,” Midge said.

Abigail shook her head and focused on the magazine she has found.

“And you two look so much in love,” Midge said, turning to face Trixie and Jim. “You must be newlyweds.”

Trixie smiled. “Actually, we’ve been married for 10 years.”

“That’s not possible,” Midge said. “You have a loving glow that I have seen time and again in newlyweds.”

“It’s true,” Trixie said. “Our eldest daughter will be nine next month. Our son will be four and our twins will be three.”

“Wow. Four children,” Midge said. “Did you hear them, sis, they have four children.”

“I heard, Midge,” Abigail said with a sigh. “Why don’t you come sit down and stop bothering people?”

“I’m not bothering them,” Midge said. “I’m getting to know them. And to get to know people, you need to ask questions.”

Trixie couldn’t help but giggle and felt Jim’s body shaking. She knew he was also enjoying the conversation between the sisters.

“Midge, maybe they don’t want to talk,” Abigail said.

“But what else will we do until they get the track cleared so we can be on our way?” Midge countered.

Abigail shook her head again and remained quiet as Midge focused her attention on the single woman sitting hear the phone.

“So, miss, I bet you are on your way to see family,” Midge said as she approached the young woman who appeared to be in her early 30s. Her bun did not look like there was a hair out of place.

“Actually, I am off to a new school to be a teacher after the first of the year,” she said. “I figured I’d get there before the holidays were over to get settled and acquainted with the area before classes resume.”

“Teachers are such an important role in our society,” Midge said. “They shape the minds and futures of the younger generation, giving them the tools to make them successful.”

“I love working with children, especially when I hear them call me Miss Elizabeth.”

“Elizabeth is the name of our neighbor’s little girl,” Midge said. “But she’s not as beautiful as you.”

Elizabeth blushed.

Michael returned at that moment carrying a tray with several mugs. He went around and everyone took one.

“I’ve got some cookies in back as well and will bring them out,” Michael said.

“Let me help,” Elizabeth said.

“We should figure out a way to make it feel like Christmas,” Midge said.

“How can it feel like Christmas when we are stuck in a train station?” Tony asked. “Christmas is supposed to be about being with family and none of us are going to he where we want to be because this stupid storm came in early and now we are all stranded.”

Trixie felt Jim wrap his arm around her shoulder and give it a squeeze. Tony was saying everything she was thinking. But she knew getting angry wouldn’t make things better any sooner. They had no control of Mother Nature and just had to accept what they were given.

“Tony, there is probably a really good reason we all are gathered here on this night,” Midge said. “Things like this always happen.”

“Things like this always ruin any plans I’ve made,” Tony said. “I should’ve never have waited this late.”

“Why, Tony?” Midge pressed.

“Never mind,” Tony said. He got up and headed down the hallway, out of sight.

Trixie sighed. She got the feeling this was a train trip Tony wished he wasn’t making.

“We haven’t been introduced,” Midge said, turning to the final two sitting on the other side of the tree.

The woman glanced nervously at the man sitting beside her. “I’m Cassie and this is Zeke.”

“I bet you’re on your way to see family,” Midge said.

“No,” Cassie said quietly, trying to avoid looking at Zeke. “We’re just traveling.”

“Traveling at this time of the year is so much fun,” Midge said, squeezing on the bench between the two of them. “It is so much fun to see the different towns and how they decorate to celebrate the season. Each one is so unique and the experience will be locked in your memory. I mean, when we were out west…”

“Somebody is out there,” Elizabeth said, coming into the room.

Trixie and Jim quickly got to their feet and looked out the window behind them. The others also scrambled to the windows. They couldn’t see anything as the swirling snow kept the landscape hidden.

“I can’t see anything,” Trixie said.

“I know I saw something,” Elizabeth said. “There was someone outside the window. I know it.”

“It could have been your reflection,” Abigail said from the window she was looking through.

“It wasn’t my reflection.”

“Anyone out there in this weather is crazy,” Tony said.

“This storm is worse than the one where we got stuck in the feeding station,” Trixie said.

“It would be dangerous for anyone to be out wandering in this,” Jim said.

“AHHHH!” Elizabeth screamed.

“What are you looking at?” Abigail spun around and asked.

“I saw someone outside the window,” Elizabeth said.

“You have to be mistaken,” Michael said. “No one would come out in this weather. The people in this small community have common sense.”

“I know what I saw,” Elizabeth said.

“Maybe we should check around the building in case someone is out there,” Jim suggested.

“I know what I saw,” Elizabeth repeated.

“I’ll go get my jacket,” Michael said and set the tray of cookies down on one of the benches. He quickly left the room.

“I’ll go too,” Tony said.

Trixie looked at Zeke and saw he had leaned back against the bench, his head resting against the wall with his eyes closed. She was certain he wasn’t volunteering to go along.

Trixie turned to Jim as he pulled his jacket on and ran the zipper up. She could feet the worry washing over her as she remembered a snowstorm many years ago.

“It’ll be all right,” Jim said moving close to her. He pulled her into a tight hug. “We’ll take a look around and be right back.”

“Just be careful,” Trixie said.

“I will be,” Jim said, and gave her a kiss. “We are going out together and we’ll come back together.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Trixie said.

“We all set?” Michael asked, returning to the room carrying a couple flashlights.

“Let’s go,” Jim said moving toward the door.

Tony nodded.

They pulled the door open and pressed against the blowing snow into the night. Midge closed the door behind them and they all stood by the windows watching for any sign of the men or the person Elizabeth had seen. They saw the beam cut through the snow for just an instant, but then it was gone.

“I do hope no one is out there,” Midge said. “They could be frozen.”

Trixie wished Jim wasn’t out there. She was terrified the three of them would get turned around and wouldn’t be able to find their way back in. She wrapped her arms around herself, hoping she would see them through the snow.

Suddenly the door burst open and the three of them hurried back inside, blanketed in flakes.

“It’s cold out there,” Tony said, shaking to get the snow off himself.

“Did you see anything?” Elizabeth asked as Abigail closed the door.

“Nothing,” Jim said, moving over to the roaring fire. “There is no way anyone could be out there.” He looked at Elizabeth. “We looked, but anything we might have seen was blown away in the wind.”

Elizabeth looked disappointedly at the window.

“Hopefully whoever was out there made it to shelter,” Trixie said.

“I hope so,” Elizabeth said.

“And with the way the snow is blowing, no one is going anywhere until morning at the earliest,” Michael said.

Everyone groaned.

Trixie looked at Jim. “I guess we are going to miss Christmas with the kids.”

“December 25^th may be Christmas Day, but Christmas can be any day as long as your loved ones are with you,” Jim said.

“And I do have you,” Trixie said moving closer to Jim.

“Always and forever,” Jim said, pulling her close.

Their lips met and they felt their love radiating between them.

“We all should probably bed down for the night,” Abigail said. “There’s not much we can do.”

“I’ll go see if Michael has any blankets,” Cassie said, casting a quick glance at Zeke, who was asleep.

“I wonder if Michael would mind if I turned the tree lights on,” Elizabeth said.

“I don’t think so,” Trixie said. “I think turning the lights on would brighten this place up on Christmas Eve.”

Elizabeth moved over to the tree and searched for the plug. She found it and pushed it into the outlet next to the fireplace.

The white lights flicked on and began twinkling and dancing. The only downfall was the star at the top remained dark.

“Maybe the star is unplugged,” Trixie said.

Trixie leaned in close to the tree and tried to find the plug. She moved several branches and saw it was plugged into a strand of lights. Leaning back, she saw all the strands were lit.

“The star is plugged in, but just not working,” Trixie said.

“Even if the star isn’t shining, it is still a beautiful tree,” Elizabeth said.

“It is,” Trixie said. “It reminds me of the tree I had in college. I was living in California and had found a small tree about three feet high. I had gone to a dollar store, picking up some garlands and decorations. I found a single strand of lights for a reasonable price and decorated the tree. It was beautiful.”

“It sounds like it was,” Elizabeth said. “But you don’t have a California accent.”

“I am 100% New Yorker except for those few years I was in California. My family is here and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“It sounds like your family is really important to you.”

“My family is precious,” Trixie said. “We were close growing up and when we found love, it kept us just as close because we all fell in love with our best friends. I guess you could say we all fell in love with our high school sweethearts.”

“And is your husband your high school sweetheart?” Elizabeth asked.

“We’ve known each other since I was 13,” Trixie said. “I admit I was infatuated with him, but neither of us really knew it would lead to this. We did date when I was in high school, but we stopped when I went to college. After returning home, it took some time, but we finally realized and admitted our feelings to one another. We knew then there was no one else for us.”

“That’s marvelous. I do hope you both have an eternity of happiness.”

“We’re working on it,” Trixie said, glancing to see Jim had slipped off his jacket and was sitting on the bench, fiddling with his phone. “Every relationship has some rough patches, but as long as you talk and work at it together, anything is possible.”

“Here are some blankets,” Cassie said, coming up to them.

“Thank you,” Trixie said.

“Thank you, Cassie,” Elizabeth said.

“You’re welcome.” Cassie turned and moved over to Zeke.

Trixie and Elizabeth separated. Trixie moved over to Jim and sat down. Jim closed his phone and leaned back on the bench.

“Still no signal,” Jim said.

“That’s all right. Dad is probably aware of the weather and knows we will call when we can.”

“The kids are probably worried,” Jim said.

“But they are all right,” Trixie said, resting her head on Jim’s shoulder. “They are with family and we will make it home soon.”

Jim wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “I know. I just hate being away from them.”

“So do I.” Trixie closed her eyes and tried to picture all of their children.

Before she could focus, there was a loud banging on the door. Her eyes flew open as she jumped to her feet. She saw everyone else looked startled as well.

“Quit the banging,” Zeke said sleepily as he shifted on the bench.

“Someone is out there!” Elizabeth exclaimed.

“What was that noise?’ Michael asked, hurrying into the room.

The banging came again.

“There is someone out there,” Abigail said. “Elizabeth was right.”

“Then we should open the door,” Midge said. “Whoever is out there may need shelter.”

“It could be a killer,” Elizabeth said.

“And it could be a lonely traveler seeing warmth,” Midge said, heading for the door.

“Midge, you don’t know who is out there,” Abigail said.

Midge spun on her sister. “Sister, dear, there is a storm brewing outside and I’m not going to leave anyone outside.”

“Midge,” Abigail warned.

“I’ll open the door,” Tony said, moving toward the door.

Trixie felt Jim place his hands on he shoulder. The anticipation was nerve wracking. Trixie watched as Tony’s hand slowly reached the doorknob, his hand trembling.

Bang. Bang.

Tony jumped back, startled. He grabbed the doorknob and yanked it open. Eight children hurried in, knocking Tony to the floor as they hurried over to the fireplace. They were all dressed as Biblical characters.

“What are you kids doing out on a night like this?” Michael demanded.

“We were rehearsing,” said the girl dressed as an angel through chattering teeth.

“Why are you out rehearsing on a night like this?” Midge asked, grabbing a blanket and wrapping it around the girl dressed like Mary.

Everyone followed suit and bundled the children in blankets.

“I’ll go warm some more hot chocolate,” Michael said and left the room.

“Your hands are frozen,” Elizabeth said, squeezing the small hands of one of the wise men in her own.

“Why were all of you out in this storm?” Jim asked as he worked to stoke the fire.

“We had to,” the boy dressed as Joseph said. “Tomorrow is Christmas.”

“What does that have to do with it?” Abigail asked.

“You all should be home in your beds,” Michael said as he returned to the room.

“But we had to,” the angel said.

“Karen, there is no reason, whatsoever, for the lot you to be out at this time of night in a snowstorm.”

“Michael, we had to practice,” said the boy dressed as Joseph.

“What are you rehearsing?” Michael asked.

The children looked at Karen, the angel. “Tomorrow is the Christmas service and we were going to perform the Christmas story.”

“Why are you doing it, Jacob?” Michael asked. “Isn’t it usually performed by the adults?”

“No one could agree to who would play which part,” said Jacob, who was dressed as Joseph.

“And then they cancelled it all together because they couldn’t agree,” said the girl dressed as Mary, tears in her eyes.

“It’s all right, Chelsea,” Karen said. “It’s true they cancelled it and we weren’t happy with their decision. So, we decided to surprise everyone with the story.”

“So, every night we’ve been sneaking out and meeting at the church,” Jacob said. “Tonight is our final rehearsal before the service. We were waiting for Johnny to show since he is our third shepherd, right, Billy?”

Billy, who was dressed as a wise man, nodded. “We waited, but he hasn’t show. And then the storm rolled in.”

“After a while, we saw there was a break in the storm and knew you were working tonight, Michael, so we thought we could run it by you first to tell us if we’ve got this right or are totally off base.”

“Take a breath, Eric,” Michael said as he looked at the other wise men.

“Sorry,” Eric said. “But we really need some feedback. We want it to be special.”

“So, you want to run this by me first?” Michael asked.

“Please?” Chelsea asked with pleading eyes.

Michael looked at each of the eight children. “I wouldn’t mind, but I’m not the only one you need to ask. Some of these people may not want to see it.”

“Well?” Billy asked, looking around at the adults.

Jim and Trixie exchanged a look and then glanced at the others.

“I don’t mind,” Abigail said.

“I would love to see it,” Midge said.

“So would I,” Elizabeth agreed.

“Sure,” Tony said.

“Count us in,” Trixie said.

“I’d like to see it too,” Cassie said quietly.

“I’m out of here,” Zeke said, getting to his feet and leaving the room.

“It looks like we are going to get a show,” Michael said. “So, what do you need us to do?”

“Could the benches be moved so we have some room?” Karen asked.

“Of course,” Michael said.

“Give us a second to get organize,” Jacob said.

“Take all the time you need,” Tony said.

The children scrambled to their feet and moved over to a corner. Jim, Tony and Michael moved the benches form the center of the room. The women gathered the blankets and folded them up.

They all spread out around the room and got settled with a view of the children. Trixie felt Jim slide into the seat behind her. She leaned back and he wrapped his arm around her waist.

Karen stepped forward as the other children headed for the hallway so they were out of sight. She reached behind herself and straightened her white wings with gold fringe.

Once she felt they were fine, she took a deep breath and focused on the adults. She clasped her hands in front of her and spoke.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to bed taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also wet up from the Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, unto the city of David, which is Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.”

Chelsea and Jacob exited the hallway and walked in front of Karen as she continued. “To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

Chelsea and Jacob settled on the floor in the center of the room.

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Chelsea pulled out a doll and cradled it in her arms as if it was a real baby.

Karen slipped back into the shadows as the two shepherds entered the room and moved to the fireplace.

Jacob stood up and said, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

The shepherds moved to the center of the room as Chelsea stepped back.

“And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid,” Jacob continued. “And the angel said unto them…”

Karen stepped forward. “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

“And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying,” Jacob said. “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace, good will toward men.”

Karen backed into the shadows as the shepherds said, “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is to come to pass, which the lord hat made known unto us.”

The shepherds made their way toward the fireplace again.

Karen stepped forward again as Chelsea and Jacob took their place in the center of the room. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, lying in a manger.”

The wise men entered talking quietly before they moved to the family.

“And when they had seen it, they made know abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child,” Karen said. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” *

All the children lined gathered together facing the adults and began to sing.

Silent Night. Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

The adults applauded and the eight children bowed as smiles filled their faces.

“Was it really all right?” Chelsea asked, hurrying over to them with an expectant expression on her face.

“You were wonderful,” Michael said. “You all were. I think everyone will enjoy what you’ve put together.”

“It was perfect,” Elizabeth said, pulling Chelsea onto her lap. “I think all the work you’ve put into this has paid off.”

“Hopefully Johnny won’t mess up,” Chelsea said.

“If he has made it to all other rehearsals, I don’t think you have anything to worry about,” Tony said. “It seemed to run smoothly to me.”

“We really appreciate your input,” Karen said.

“We were glad to do it,” Abigail said.

“And I think more refreshments are in order,” Michael said and left the room.

“We should probably put the room back in order,” Jacob said.

In short order the benches were back in place. Michael returned with more cups of hot chocolate.

As they spread out about the room, it seemed as if each child was matched up with an adult. Jacob seemed to have focused on Jim and Trixie.

“I bet you two are angry you are stuck here on Christmas Eve,” Jacob said before taking a sip of the warm drink.

“We are disappointed we can’t be home with our children,” Jim said. “But we know we will be with them as soon as the track is clear. Christmas is a time for family and the spirit of the season lasts more than one day.”

“That is a good point,” Jacob said.

“And I bet your parents would be really up set if they woke up and found you gone,” Trixie said.

“We’ll head out soon,” Jacob said.

“I think it is wonderful that all of you agreed to do this and put the initiative forth to continue a tradition,” Trixie said. “It shows true leadership and I’m quite certain you will be very successful in the future.”

“I think the love and lessons you teach your children will allow them to pass those lessons forward for future generations,” Jacob said. “You two seem like great parents and I think your children are very lucky.”

“That’s very nice of you to say, Jacob,” Jim said. “But how did you know we had children?”

“I just call it like I see it,” Jacob said. “And always remind your children how much you love them and tell them daily. Even if they don’t want to hear it, or feel they are too big and seem embarrassed, they will remember each and every time you tell them.”

Before Trixie or Jim could say anything, Jacob joined the other children as they gathered near the door. Trixie saw that all the adults had a dazed expression on their faces, but Cassie looked like she was going to be sick.

“Thanks for everything,” Karen said. “We really appreciate you taking the time to watch our play.”

“It was our pleasure,” Midge said as she moved toward them. “Hurry home and be safe while there is a lull in the storm.”

“Good night,” Karen said and led the other children out into the snowy night.

Midge closed the door and the adults looked at one another.

Before anyone could say anything, the wall phone rang making them all jump.

Michael appeared and quickly moved to the phone. “Hello?” He paused. “No problem. I will pass the information along.” He paused again. “Sounds good. Bye.” He hung up the phone and looked at everyone. “They are making headway on the track and said you should on your way first thing in the morning.”

“That sounds fine,” Tony said. “I’d rather give them time to make sure the track is clear so we don’t get stuck again.”

“Same here,” Elizabeth said.

“It’s definitely better to be safe rather than sorry so we all can get to our destinations,” Abigail said.

“I’ll go see if I have anymore blankets as it might get in here tonight,” Michael said and disappeared down the hallway.

Trixie looked at Jim. “If the phone is working, we should call home so Dad and the kids don’t worry anymore.”

Jim looked at the phone and saw Tony was using it. He said, “I’ll call when he is done.”

Trixie nodded and saw the others were setting up their spots to sleep. She focused on Jim. “Should we bunk by the fireplace?”

“Sure,” Jim said. “We will have the heat from the fireplace. And it’ll still be like camping.”

“I’ll go claim our spot then,” Trixie said and gave Jim a kiss.

“Let me talk to grandpa,” Tony said. “I know it’s late, but I need to talk to him. I know I would be there in person if I had left earlier. But I’m coming now. Please. Let me talk to him.”

Trixie and Jim looked at Tony, hearing the pleading in his voice. Trixie saw the others were also watching Tony as well.

“Papa?” Tony asked, his Italian accent coming out. “It’s Antonio.” He paused. “Yes, Papa. It’s me. I’m on my way. I’m halfway there. The snow has me stuck, but we will be moving in the morning. Papa, I am going to be there.” He paused. “Yes, Papa. I know. And I will see you soon. Being with you is the only important thing right now.” He paused. “All right, Papa. Rest and I will see you tomorrow.”

Tony hung up the phone and lowered his head.

No one moved for a moment. Then Midge moved over to Tony and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to listen, but is everything all right?”

Tony looked up. “I hope so. My grandfather is having heart surgery in two days. He has a lot of damage and the surgery is tricky.”

“I’m quite certain everything will be fine,” Midge said.

Tony turned and sank into a chair. “I should have gone sooner, but my stubborn self fought it. But now I know I need to see him.” He looked at Midge. “He pretty much raised me while my parents worked and I should have been right by his side from the beginning. He means the world to me and I should have been a better grandson.”

“You can still get there before the surgery,” Midge said. “And while you say the surgery is tricky, you need to be positive that things will be all right. Good thoughts go a long way.”

“You’re right,” Tony said.

“If I may ask, what happened to make this change?” Midge asked. “You didn’t seem so happy about getting there earlier.”

“I was talking to Billy and he said some stuff that made me think,” Tony said. “It just seemed to put everything into perspective.”

“Chelsea was making me think as well,” Elizabeth said.

“They were all really intelligent and talked like they really knew us,” Abigail said.

“Sometimes children cut through everything and tell it as it is,” Jim said.

“You’re right,” Abigail said. “They do. They don’t sugarcoat it like adults.”

“And maybe they need to be listened to,” Jim said.

Everyone nodded.

“Well, we might as well get some sleep,” Trixie said. “There’s not much we can do tonight.”

“You’re right,” Midge said and squeezed Tony’s hand. “And I will say a prayer for your grandfather tonight.”

“Thank you,” Tony said.

Everyone found places and tried to get comfortable. Zeke returned to the room and forced Cassie to the floor so that he could have the bench.

Trixie stretched out on her side with Jim closed behind her by the fireplace. Their coats were bundled under their heads. She used his one arm as a pillow and he wrapped his other one around her waist, pulling her back into his chest.

“I love you,” Jim said, kissing the back of her neck.

“I love you,” Trixie said.

Michael returned to the room and moved over to the tree. As he reached down to unplug the lights, Elizabeth asked, “Can we leave the lights on?”

“Of course,” Michael said.

He made his way to the hallway, turned the light off, and walked into the darkness. The lights from the tree flickered on the floor as the flames from the fire danced in the fireplace, creating a cozy setting as they all drifted to sleep.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Troll the ancient yuletide carol
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Trixie groaned and buried her head deeper into her uncomfortable pillow.

“Good morning and Merry Christmas,” came a cheerful voice. “The train is warming up and will be leaving in 15 minutes to get all of you to your destinations on this beautiful Christmas morning.”

Trixie opened her eyes and saw the sunlight streaming in through the window. She felt Jim pull her close and a smile filled her face. She said softly, “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.” He kissed the back of her neck. “How did you sleep?”

“Like I slept on a wood floor in front of a fireplace.”

Jim chuckled. “Well, you did.” He sat up as she rolled onto her back. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Absolutely. I want to see the kids.”

“Then we getter get a move on so the train doesn’t leave without us,” Jim said, pushing the blanket away and standing up. He reached down and pulled Trixie to her feet.

“Where’s Cassie?” Zeke demanded.

“She has gone to the train already,” Midge said.

“She better be there,” Zeke said and stormed out of the building.

The door slammed shut and Tony asked, “What is his problem?”

“He has to be in control of everything,” Cassie said, as she stepped out of the hallway shadows. She looked pale and scared.

“Cassie, has he hurt you?” Jim asked.

Cassie looked at the floor.

“What reason could he have to do something so cruel?” Midge asked as she moved over to Cassie.

“It’s not important anymore,” Cassie said. “I’m not getting on the train. And I ask that none of you tell him. I’m taking control of my life.” She placed her hands on her stomach and everyone knew there was more.

“We won’t say a word,” Midge said.

“And if you need someplace to stay until you get on your feet, you are more than welcomed to stay with us,” Abigail offered.

Cassie smiled. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

“We would love to have you with us,” Midge said.

Before anyone could say anything, Tony’s cell phone rang.

“Hello?” Tony answered.

They all looked at him, wondering if something ha happened to his grandpa, knowing that would put a damper on the holiday.

“Maria, calm down,” Tony said. “I can’t understand you cuz you’re crying so hard.” He paused. “What?” He sank into the chair behind him and closed his eyes. “When were you told?” He sighed as he bowed his head. “All right. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Bye.”

Everyone looked at one another, unsure of what to say.

Abigail moved to Tony and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Tony? Is everything all right?”

“He’s okay,” Tony said, lifting his head, a small smile on his face. “He’s okay.”

“Really?” Midge asked.

Tony nodded. “Sometime overnight the heart monitor hooked to him started to show a different pattern. They ran some tests and the heart problems he had seemed to vanish. He no longer needs the surgery.”

“That’s wonderful,” Midge said.

“That’s great,” Trixie said.

“I can’t wait to see him,” Tony said.

“It is the season of miracles,” Elizabeth said.

“I definitely think this is one,” Tony said.

“Well, if we’re going to go, we better head for the train,” Jim said.

The others nodded and began gathering their things. Trixie picked up her jacket and slid it over her shoulders after folding the blankets they had used.

She turned to the tree as the others left the station. She was still amazed at the beauty as her gaze rose to the star. The white lights started blinking and she was stunned.

“The train is ready when you two are,” came a male voice behind them.

“The star wasn’t working last night,” Trixie said.

“It sometimes happens on Christmas Eve,” the man said, stepping up beside her.

“What do you mean?” Jim asked.

“Well, about 30 years ago there was a group of children who wanted to do something special for the church on Christmas,” he said. “We decided we were going to do the Christmas story and on Christmas Eve, we were to have one last rehearsal before church the next morning.”

“Wait. You said ‘we’,” Trixie said. “Were you supposed to be part of the cast?”

“I was supposed to be one of the shepherds,” he answered.

“Johnny?” Jim asked.

“How did you know my name?”

“Lucky guess,” Trixie said with a smile.

Johnny reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet as he continued.  “We were going to sneak out of our homes around eleven and meet at the church. We had to sneak out because it was meant to be a surprise. But I slept through the alarm and didn’t wake until morning.”

Trixie and Jim detected a hint of sadness and guilt that he had missed the rehearsal.

“Did something happen?” Trixie asked.

Johnny swallowed as he looked up at the star. “On that Christmas Eve, there was a fire in the church.” He opened his wallet without looking. He pulled out a photo and handed it to Trixie.

She took the photo and stared at the face looking back at her. She glanced at Jim. The man in the photo was Michael.

“My grandfather, Michael, was the station manager here that night,” Johnny continued. “He saw the flames because he knew we were rehearsing. He rushed up to the church to try to rescue them. But it was too late.”

“I’m so sorry,” Trixie said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“I think there was a higher being watching that night and now, there are some special angels that watch over us,” Johnny said. “And the light from the star tells me that it is true because the only day it works is on Christmas.”

“I think you’re right,” Trixie said, knowing they had met some special angels the night before that had touched all of their hearts. “And I think you are lucky to have those angels watching you.”

“I have never forgotten them.”

“That is the best way for their memory to live on,” Jim said.

Toot. Toot.

“You should get going or the train will leave without you,” Johnny said turning to face him.

Trixie handed him the photo. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome,” Johnny said. “Have a safe trip.”

Jim shook Johnny’s hand.

As they stepped outside of the station, a light breeze greeted them. Trixie stopped and closed her eyes when she heard nine soft voices perfectly blended together washing over her in peace as they sang:

Silent Night. Holy Night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace