Author's Note:
A quick note before you read this next part . . . when I finished writing Merry Christmas, Darling, I felt that it didn't need a conclusion. However, something in me took over and I ended up writing one. One reason is because I opened up the story with the boys, so why not finish it with them? I wanted them to have their Merry Christmas, too.

And now for our story . . .

The next morning, the boys were all awakened by Peter, who was running around and shaking them.

"Get up! Wake up, you guys! It's Christmas!"

And they all tumbled downstairs, rubbing their eyes and yawning all the while.

When Mike got to the bottom of the stairs, he stopped. It caused Peter to bump into him, Micky to bump into Peter, and Davy to bump into Micky.

"Hey, what's up?" slurred Micky in the middle of a yawn.

"Look! isn't it exciting? but who brought them all, Mike?" Peter asked.

"The only person I could guess is Santa Claus, good buddy."

They continued down the stairs to the tree, which was a fantastic sight.

Presents were piled high all around the base, which was a big surprise for Peter, as the tree was empty last night. The stockings which had hung empty on the stairs last night were also filled to the brim with candy and trinkets.

"Go on, Peter," smiled Mike. "You've been waiting for this all year."

With Mike's blessing, Peter dived right in, separating presents and tearing in to his own.

The other boys sat down around him and started opening their own.

"You did a good job, Mick," whispered Mike.

Micky gave him a sly look and whispered back. "You did a good job of acting yourself, Papa Nez. I'm surprised you guys didn't hear me -- I tripped over the chaise twice!"

Mike laughed and shook his head. He had heard Micky and hoped that Peter would take the noise to be Santa.

When they were all finished opening their presents, Davy made his way into the kitchen and brought back four mugs of cider. "Well, guys. Cheers! Here's to next year!"

And, with a cry of "Cheers!" and the clinking fo four glasses, all was perfect at 1334 Beechwood.