DECEMBER 25, 1861

Richard smiled as Hal hugged the bride and nodded to the groom. He was glad the couple liked the books him and Hal had gotten them as a gift. His gaze turned to Hal. Having Hal had made him happier that he had ever been. For the first time in a long time Christmas meant something to him.

Hal smiled as he watched the couple. He wondered if someday his pa would ever be that happy with a lady again.