Chapter 12
“M erry Christmas, Lucas,” Nan grabbed me, hugging me at the door of her apartment in the senior housing.
“Merry Christmas, Nan,” I greeted, returning the hug and moving aside so Becks and Nat could get theirs. I set a gift for Nan on the counter and was immediately scolded.
“Lucas and Rebecca. I told you all I don’t need anything. I am an old woman. What on Earth?” glaring at us as sternly as she could, Nat snickered then spoke.
“This is my first Christmas with a grandma though,” she pouted, “I helped pick it out.”
I watched my tiny grandmother’s eyes well with tears causing her to sniffle.
“Well,” she shook her head, “I guess I can’t be too mad then.”
Becks chuckled and carried the presents for Monica, the girls, and Nan,into the living room to set under her small Christmas tree.
“Everything smells so good, Vi!” she cooed, standing to take off her coat.
“Now! Young lady. I’ve told you to call me grandma or nan just like everyone else.”
“Okay, Nan. I’m sorry.” Beck’s eyes sparkled at her feisty tone. “Nat, can you run these coats to the guest room and lay them on the bed?” she asked softly.
Nat was up and off within a blink.
“How was your all’s first Christmas then?” asked Nan, shuffling to the stove to check on the food.
“Wonderful ” Becks and I answered in unison.
“Jinx. You owe me a coke!” Becks laughed.
“Did you like your surprise?” Nan stood, her knowing eyes sparkling.
“You knew?” Becks accused, trying to sound affronted.
“Well, of course.”
“Is there anyone who didn’t?” Becks’ asked shoving me lightly. “How on Earth did you all manage to keep it a secret?”
“I have my ways.” I answered, slinging an arm around her and pulling her close. “That library is absolutely nothing compared to the gift you and Nat gave me.”
“Oh?” said Nan, distracted with something in the fridge now. “What did they get you?”
“Nat’s adoption papers. All I have to do is sign and file them. Then I’m her legal father.”
Nan jerked upright, nearly hitting her head on the fridge's ceiling, eyes full of tears again.
“Oh, Lucas,” she murmured. “Rebecca, that is the best gift you could have given either of us this Christmas.”
Becks sniffled again and mumbled, “Dammit, I’m always crying lately.” even as my tiny grandmother drew her in for a tight, lingering hug.
“Nan. Did they tell you you’re gonna be my official Nan now?” asked Nat sliding back into the room.
“Slow down.” scolded Nan. “And yes, beautiful. They did.” she drew Nat in for a tight hug herself and smiled at me over her head. “Your Papa would be so proud of you, Lucas.”
I nodded, clearing my throat.
“Dammit.” I grumbled to myself.
Becks laughed, poking me when there was a knock on the door behind us.
Running to open it we heard Nat squeal“Merry Christmas, Lexi!”
“I’m here too.” growled Lacey, predictably.
“Don’t start,” came Monica’s tired voice.
“Gangs all here.” I laughed as Becks ran to greet them herself.
“Congratulations, Dad.” whispered Nan, wrapping an arm around my waist and looking up at me proudly.
“Thanks, Nan.” I whispered softly, smiling down at the tiny woman that had raised me to be the man I was today.
“Vi, that was amazing. You truly outdid yourself.” Monica said, sitting back in her chair.
Lacey, Lexi, and Nat had finished their meal and were in the living room watching a Christmas movie.
“It truly was amazing.” Added Becks. “I would love to come over and have you show me your recipes sometime. Spend the day together.”
Nan smiled warmly at her, “I’d like that, Becks. It was no trouble. Usually I’m just cooking for Lucas and myself. This was enjoyable. Having a brood to cook for. Everything is so convenient now.”
I snorted, looking at all the disposable pans and dishware she’d used.
“Easy clean-up.” I nodded. “You’re such a modern woman, Nan.”
“Don’t be a smart ass, Lucas.” Nan sassed as I choked.
“Nan, language.”
“I’m in my eighties, Lucas, not a nun.”
Monica and Becks were laughing hysterically at this point, looking adoringly at the feisty little woman.
“Shall we open presents?” asked Nan. “Even Lacey looked excited. It's been so long since I’ve watched children open presents.”
Monica smiled at her fondly, “Of course. We’ll help you with the easy clean-up after.”
Following my shuffling Nan into the living room we all took empty seats as the girls took turns playing Santa. Soon the room was filled with wrapping paper and laughter. Exclamations of surprise and adoration.
Nan had a fit over the new flatscreen television Becks and I had gotten her, knowing hers was on its last legs and from the 80s. She even grew teary again at Nat’s coffee mug that said “Greatest Great-Nan”.
She’d given each of the girls a scarf and hat set she’d knitted herself. Each seemed to understand the love that had gone into such a gift.
Monica and Becks had each gotten one too, Becks getting misty-eyed yet again. These women and their tears. I was beginning to understand what Paul had always talked about, being outnumbered.
I had to shake my head at the fact that he’d left me here with all of them, remembering a long ago conversation.
I looked around at my tiny family that had come together so perfectly and smiled at my blessings. Leaving Nan to visit with Mon and Becks I snuck into the kitchen to clean up and throw things away.
Nan came shuffling in after a few minutes, scolding me for doing all the work.
“You cooked for us Nan,” I countered, “It was the least I could do. If you hadn’t gotten in my face when you did, I may have never been a cop. I may have never been who I am and who I need to be to deserve Rebecca and that little girl out there. This is the least I could do.”
Feeling sentimental myself suddenly and a little overwhelmed at the emotions that came with a first Christmas with a family.
Also the first Christmas, in a long time, without my best friend.
Nan just patted my arm, drawing me down into a hug, like she understood. Just like she always had as I’d been growing up.
“You deserve all this and more, sweet boy,” she assured me softly. “You may be bigger than me now, and all tatted up, but I’m still your Nan,” she said a little more feisty to break the mood.
I laughed at her. “I know Nan. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Later after we’d cleaned up, had dessert, and watched a Christmas movie together. We said our good-bye’s and I-love-you’s.
“Thank you for inviting me and the girls over tonight.” said Monica softly, standing by her car.
Lexi, Lacey, and Nat were hugging and chattering goodbye behind us.
“It means a lot. It’s been different this year,” she said, trailing off, her eyes seeming to shimmer in the streetlight.
I scooped her into a big hug. “Any time, Mon. I’m always here for you and the girls.”
She returned my hug, patting my back. Stepping aside she hugged Becks tightly and told her she loved her.
“I love you too, Mon. Merry Christmas.” said Becks softly, handing her a small package.
“Becks!” said Monica, exasperated.
We’d already given the girls their gifts inside, but Rebecca had wanted to do this privately, unsure of how Monica would react. I knew she’d love it but Becks was so nervous about anything regarding this. I’d helped her with it and made it happen knowing it would mean the world to Monica.
Opening the box, she gasped, immediately denying.
“Becks, Lucas, I can’t accept this.” she exclaimed, looking at the sapphire ring in a white gold setting. “It looks expensive.”
“It's yours,” said Becks. “From us and Paul.”
Monica’s head jerked up, meeting my eyes, then Becks’.
“What?” she whispered.
“I used some of his ashes you gave me” I said gruffly. “They're in the stone. Becks had Paul’s badge number engraved on the inside along with ‘Firecracker’ for what he called you.”
Tears were streaming down Monica’s face and Beck’s too again. The girls were watching, wide-eyed and quiet.
Monica slipped the ring on her finger and it fit perfectly.
“How did you know the size?” she asked, sniffling.
“Paul.” I murmured.
Her eyes swung up to mine then Becks’ questioningly.
“He gave us your ring size. In case something ever happened. He said to make you a piece of jewelry. He left the design to Lucas’ or my discretion. But he wanted sapphire and white gold. He even had money in the envelope to pay for half.” Becks’ broke off sniffling. “It was for the first holiday or occasion after….if something happened.”
Monica covered her face, crying freely now.
“I let Becks’ design it, and really thank God she’s here now. Can you imagine what it would’ve looked like if I’d tried to do that on my own?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood. “I don’t know what Paul was thinking, leaving me with that kind of responsibility before he knew Becks would be around.”
Monica snorted and tossed her head back laughing through her tears.
“That’s just something Paul would do.” she giggled. “Make you panic as one of his damn jokes.”
Becks laughed and stepped forward hugging her tight again.
“I love you, Mon.” she whispered.
“I love you too.” Monica returned.