Disclaimer : Lets see here.  They don't belong to me.  I'm just using the characters in my little story, and I promise to put them back when I'm done.

 

Author : Eviefan

 

Summary :  Its the holiday season, and the O'Connells first one in England.  Alex is two in this little story.

 

 

 

 

Home for the Holidays

 

 

Chapter 1: The Christmas Tree

 

As soon as December arrived,  Evelyn had insisted that they needed a tree, and now in the parlor stood a very tall Christmas tree, in need of some decorations, something she and Rick were spending the day doing.  This was their first Christmas in London, and a new experience for Alex, who  had just turned two in November.  He had never been around snow, or colder weather, and thus far he wasn't too sure about all of that.  As they unpacked the ornaments, Alex played with his trucks and his blocks.  He still had on his fuzzy yellow pajamas, the ones he loved with the feet in them. 

 

"Vroom vroom,"  he said, as he pushed a truck over to where his mum was sitting sorting through various ornaments.  Evie looked up and smiled at her baby.

 

"Alex maken tuck go,"  he told her pushing it past her, crawling on his hands and knees.  A little away from her, Rick was sorting through candles, which would go in Candle holders at the ends of the branches once everything else on the tree was decorated.  Alex pushed his truck over to his daddy, and before Rick could even think, his little boy grabbed a few candles and ran.  Rick stood and went after him, catching him at the foot of the stairs, turning him upside down which got lots of laughter from him.  Evelyn came over, and tickled under his arms which made him let go of his stash of candles.

 

"Top top,"  he begged, laughing harder as his mum ticked him.  She did, and Rick set him down.  Again Alex headed for more ornaments, but this time his father caught him before he could get to them, holding him cradled in his arms.

 

"Hmm, I think I see some berries growing on Alex's neck,"  Rick commented.  Alex laughed again.

 

"No tick Alex,"  he said, and laughed hard as his father nibbled on his neck.  As Rick tickled him, Alex was squirming to get away from him.

 

"I see more berries behind his ears,"  Rick lowered his head and nibbled behind his baby boys ears, and Alex screamed

 

"Mummy help Alex,"  he yelled.  Evelyn was back to sorting through the ornaments, but upon her baby's request for help, she abandoned her task and walked over to them.

 

"What are you doing tickling my little boy without me to help you."  Alex got a double dose of tickle torture before his father finally put him down.  By then he was out of breath, and ran from them, back to his trucks ready to play a game where his parents didn't gang up on him.  While he occupied himself with building a block tower, Evelyn went to where Rick was sorting through the candles and candle holders.

 

"We will need to get those cleaned off,"  she said. Most of the holders were brass, and needed to be polished.

 

"I think we have enough candles for each holder,"  he informed, as he set those aside.  She nodded.

 

"I have gotten all the ornaments ready for the tree, now all we need to do is decorate.  I was also thinking that I would take the cranberries that we purchased and string them, so we would have that for the tree,"  said Evie. 

 

"Alex help wif da tee,"  Alex told them, coming over to where both of them were seated on the floor.  He plopped himself onto his mum's lap, and she smiled holding him close, kissing the top of his head.

 

"Yes you may help.  You have a very special job,"  she told him.

 

"Alex do?"  he asked.  He always referred to himself as Alex, not me or I.

 

"Yes baby. You get to put the angel on the top of the tree after we get the ornaments put into place.  He clapped his hands, but stayed seated in her lap, which meant that he was tired.  He had been up since 5:30 in the morning, and now that it was almost noon, it would soon be time for his nap.

 

"Why don't I make some lunch for us to eat,"  Evelyn said.

 

"Alex help,"  he told her standing, running to the kitchen.  Both of his parents followed him.

 

 

 

 

 

 In the refrigerator, Evelyn got out some ham that they had eaten for dinner the night before, and some fresh bread, as well as a few other things to make sandwiches.

 

"Alex help,"  their son said a little louder, as they got things ready.  Rick walked over and picked him up.

 

"You can help daddy set the table,"  he said holding Alex, so that he had one hand free to get plates out of the cabinet.  Rick walked over to the table, and together they put the three plates around, as well as one for Uncle John in case he decided to get up for lunch, then they put napkins down, and siliverwear.  By then Evelyn had lunch ready.  As Rick moved to settle Alex in his highchair he got a protest.

 

"Nooo Not sitten dare,"  he said kicking his feet making it nearly impossible for his father to get him into his seat.  His struggling was another sign that he was ready for his nap.

 

"Here just let him sit with me,"  Evelyn said, not in the mood to make to big a deal out of things, especially with Christmas so near.  She wanted things to be happy for her family.  Rick nodded, and handed Alex to her, and in a moment he was calm and happy once again.  She had his plate next to hers, as well a  small cup with milk.  He was learning how to drink out of a cup like a big boy, though he still made messes from time to time.  His  meal was just bread and ham cut up into small Alex sized pieces, and an apple, as well as his cup of milk  It wasn't too long after they started to eat lunch that Jonathan walked in.  He looked tired, wearing his robe, and settled down in the seat they had set up for him.

 

"Uncle John you help us wif da tee,"  Alex said to him as he took another bite of ham.

 

"Sure I will,"  he said smiling over at his nephew.  The rest of lunch was relatively quiet.  Alex finished his first, and  Jonathan offered to watch him while his parents finished their lunch.  

 

 

 

 

 

Now the two of them were in the parlor, playing with his trucks.  He let Jonathan have his red truck, and he had a black car pushing it around the carpet.

 

"No no, not doen right,"  he said as Jonathan pushed his truck around with Alex.

 

"How do I do it then,"  came Jonathan's response.

 

"Have to do it dis way."  Alex pushed his truck again crawling on his hands and knees.

 

"Vroom Vroom,"  he said, then he sat up.

 

"Do it dat way,"  he instructed.  Alex was the only one Jonathan would ever do things for without a second thought, so he got on his hands and knees and pushed his truck. 

 

"Vroom vroom,"  Jonathan  said.  What he didn't know was that Rick had come in to take Alex up for his nap, and was watching very amused by all of what the two of them were doing.

 

"Hi daddy,"  Alex said.  Jonathan quickly sat up trying to act as if he had not be crawling about on his hands and knees, but it was evident from Rick's grin that he had been caught.

 

"Don't say a word O'Connell,"  Jonathan  said as he stood.

 

"No go pay wif Alex,"  he said standing.  He ran to his Uncle and pulled on him to sit down.

 

"I won't.  Come on Buddy lets go read your special Christmas book,"  Rick said, in an attempt to get his son to bed without to much of a fit.

 

"No naps,"  he retorted, and ran away from his father.  Rick patiently took a few big steps and caught Alex tossing him into the air which got a lot of laughter.

 

"Do again,"  Alex said.  Rick tossed him up one last time then took him upstairs for his nap.

 

 

 

 

 

With Alex asleep, his parents worked on the actual task of decorating the tree.  The ornaments consited of several gold and silver bows, some crystal ornaments, which had been in the family for a long time, and several handmaid ornaments that Jonathan and Evelyn had made when they were little.

 

"How should  we  go about doing this?" Rick asked as his wife strung cranberries onto a very long string.

 

"First I need to get this strung, then we will put that up."  Rick nodded, and decided to sort out the ornaments.  One he found was made out of pipe cleaners and lace.  It was a reef.

 

"Who made this one?"  he asked.  At his question Evelyn looked up.

 

"Hmm I think Jonathan did that one,"  she said.  It was a little bent out of shape, and the lace was not put on  as perfectly as the next reef Rick found.

 

"I suppose  you did this one?"  he asked holding hers up.  She smiled and nodded.

 

"I had more patience.  Jonathan was always ready to go out and have snowball fights,"  she explained.   He found some ornaments that were made of string dipped in something that had caused it to harden.  The shapes of the ornaments made snow flakes, and there were several of those.   The last group of handmaid ornaments were cookies, that had somehow been preserved.  There were several Angels, and a few that were balled up and painted with some sort of paint.  All of them had long looping strings to be hung on the tree. 

 

"There I think this should be long enough,"  Evelyn said bringing her string of cranberries to the tree.  Rick got on a step ladder and was able to drape it around the tree.

 

"You have a good eye,"  he said as he finished wrapping the string of cranberries around to the bottom.  When he stood she came into his arms.

 

"I hope that isn't the only thing that I have thats good,"  she said.  He leaned in a kissed her.

 

"Not at all,"  he said ,as the rubbed noses. 

 

 

 

 

 

Upstairs, Alex woke up from his nap.  He had only slept for an hour, and easily climbed out of his crib.  He grabbed his bear, and his Bink, which was an old burp cloth that he always slept with.  It was well warn, and he had fits when ever anyone washed it.  He made his way to the stairs, and sat down on his bottom sliding from step to step till he got to the ground floor, then walked in where his parents were putting up ornaments.

 

"Alex up now,"  he said rubbing his eyes.  Rick was on the ladder, so Evelyn put down what she had, and walked over to him, lifting him into her arms.

 

"Lets get you dressed,"  she said.  He placed his head on her shoulder, still sleepy from his nap.

 

"Alex help wif da tee,"  he said as she carried him up to his room.

 

"Yes you can, but we need to get your cloths put on you."  He sighed.

 

"Why?"  he asked.

 

"Because its day time, and when its day time, big boys where their cloths,"  Evie explained as she got out his jeans and a warm top.

 

"Alex not big boy, Alex baby,"  he told her as she sat in the rocking chair unzipping his warm sleeper.  She stood him on the floor and got that off, then carried him to his bed and got a clean diaper put on him, as well as getting him dressed.

 

"Now we need to go finish with the tree, and put the Angel up."  He ran ahead of her, leaving her behind as she washed out his diaper, and put it in the pile which would be picked up by the diaper service.  When she got downstairs, Rick was helping Alex put on his first ornament, and Evelyn joined in.  It took a good two hours to finish, and most of that time Alex helped, or played with his cars.  Currently he was playing with his teddy bear crawling around the floor growling. 

 

"Grr,  Alex bear need have cookies,"  he said walking over to his parents who were putting up the last of the candle holders, complete with candles.  Evelyn looked over at him smiling.

 

"You may have some after dinner,"  she told him.  That was not what Alex wanted to hear.

 

"Alex bear want now,"  he growled crawling over to his mum.  Instead of arguing with her son,  Evelyn picked him up. 

 

"Why don't you help mum, and dad finish the tree, then it will be time for you to put up the angel.  Alex considered that for a moment, and nodded his head.  Once he had agreed, Evelyn handed him a candle, and helped him put it into a holder, and then anothe,r and another, until they had finished.

 

"Now we have to put our Angel up so she can look after us,"  Evelyn said.  She carried Alex over to a small box and opened it, unwrapping the angel from the tissue paper, and gently lifting her out.  She was made of fine porcelain, and wore a white gown.  She had wings made of goose feathers, and had rosy red cheeks, and pink lips, as well as a haylow over her head.

 

"Angel bootieful,"  Alex said.

 

"Yes she is.  Your grandfather Carnahan got her once while he was away on a trip,"  Evelyn said kissing his cheeks.

 

"Alex hold her,"  Alex said.  Evelyn put the angel into his small, chubby, baby hands, helping him hold her.

 

"All right daddy,"  she said to Rick.  "You need to help him get to the top of the tree,"  she said.    While Alex held onto the Angel, Rick lifted his son to sit on his shoulders, holding him steady,  The he got up on the step ladder, and Evelyn held him steady.

 

"Alex put her up on those top branches,"  Evelyn said, silently praying that he wouldn't drop her.  On top of his fathers shoulders,  Alex held the Angel as gently as he could, and lifted her a little above the tree, and over the branches sliding her on them.  He let go, and she stayed just as she should.

 

"Alex did it,"  he said very proud of himself.  He was lifted off his fathers shoulders, and cradled in Rick's strong arms.

 

"Daddy." 

 

"Yes Alex,"  Rick replied.

 

"Put Alex down now,"  Alex told him.  Rick chuckled.

 

"But daddy wants to hold Alex,"  Rick said kissing his cheeks.

 

"Alex not a baby,"  Alex said staying still.

 

"Your my baby, and mummy's baby."  Rick told him giving him another kiss.  Evelyn smiled watching the two of them, it was clear how much they loved one another. 

 

"Read Alex a tory,"  Alex asked.  Evelyn got one of the Christmas books, and they snuggled together on one of the couches while Rick read to them.

 

 

 

 

After dinner, everyone gathered in the Parlor, and Rick lit the candles on the tree, then the lights were turned off.  Alex was already dressed for bed in a red pair of fuzzy feety pajamas, settled on his mummys lap, holding his Bink, and his bear.  After the candles were lit, Rick settled next to Alex and Evelyn, and eased Evelyn against him.  Jonathan shook his head.

 

"Well you guys have a good time,"  he said, starting out.

 

"Uncle John have to give Alex kisses,"  Alex told him.  Jonathan walked over, and knelt down giving his nephew kisses on his cheeks, then gave one to his sister and left.

 

"All right baby, its time for you to go to bed."  Alex shook his head.

 

"No bed Alex seepen here wif tee,"  he said through yawn.  Alex was warn out, and it was very evident.  Evelyn kissed the top of his head.

 

"You can't sleep down here, but mummy will hold you until you go to sleep,"  He nodded and yawned again very sleepy.

 

"Mummy sing Alex song,"  he said.  Evelyn sighed, trying to think of a Christmas song to sing to him, and then remembered one, and sang as much as she could remember of  'Oh Little Star of Bethlehem'  It only took one verse to get Alex to sleep.  His head fell forward, and he snorted a little, clutching tightly to his Bink and his bear.  Rick stood up and turned around kneeling down..  Gently he took Alex from his mothers lap and lifted him against his shoulder.  Alex sighed, but remained asleep, and both parents took him up to his room.  There Rick laid him in his crib on his  belly which was the way he preferred to sleep, then gave him a kiss, and stood back so Evelyn could give him her kiss. 

 

"He is so peaceful,"  she said softly, watching him sleep.  Rick came to stand behind her, pulling her into his arms.

 

"Only when he is asleep.  Come on, lets go sit by the tree."  She took his hand and they left their little boy to sleep.

 

 

MORE SOON

 

Chapter : 2  The Christmas Party

 

One of the things that Evelyn had decided was a must, was for them to have a Christmas party.  She had a few close friends that she had kept in contact with over the years, and some friends from the museum, as well as a few of the Bembridge Scholars.  Invitations had gone out within the first week in December, and today was the big day.  Evelyn, and Rick were up early that morning, before Alex, and now Rick had Alex duty, keeping him out from underfoot  while Evelyn, Marie, and a few of the other people she had hired began preparing food for the party   While Everyone inside was busy doing that,  Rick, and Alex were outside in the barn getting ready to ride Amunet.   While his daddy got her ready,  Alex sat on a bail of hay.  He was bundled up quite well, though he was still cold.

 

"Daddy she ready ride?"  he asked.

 

"Almost big guy,"  Rick answered as he put her saddle on her.  She winnied,  anxious to be ridden.

 

"Daddy Alex get horse?"  That brought a grin to Rick's face.

 

"Maybe when your older,"  he said as he finished getting her ready.  He took the reins in hand, and led her outside, so she would let go of the breath she was holding, in order for him to make sure the girth around her tummy was as tight as it needed to be.  Alex followed, but stayed back, already knowing that you didn't walk behind a  horse.  Once Rick had her ready to go, he instructed Alex to come to them from the side, and for once in his life he obeyed. 

 

"All right big guy, Daddy is going to put you up on Amunet, but you have to be very still, and gentle."  When  Alex agreed to that,  Rick settled him on the horse, then he put his foot in the stirrup and settled on behind him.  Rick clicked and she started to walk.  He, and Evelyn had been riding before on her, therefore Amunet was used to him, and she knew not to pull anything with him, because he had always been firm with her.    They walked out into the field and Alex was happy. 

 

"Go very fast daddy,"  Alex said wanting her to run.

 

"We will try, but I'm not sure your ready for that."  Rick squeezed in on her side and clicked again, and she started to trot.  To his surprise,  Alex liked going fast, and laughed as they road down the field toward the street.  They road all the way there, which was a good five minute ride, then Rick slowed her to a walk.

 

"More more,"  Alex said.

 

"We need to give her a rest buddy,  she hasn't been ridden in a while, and she is tired,"  he said as he patted her neck.  Alex mimicked his father and did the same thing, patting her neck and Rick smiled.  They walked around the vast field for a while longer, then Rick led her back up to the barn.  When they arrived,  Henry, their hired farm hand was there, and came out of the barn.  When Alex saw him he held on to Amunet.

 

"Nooo Alex riden more,"   he said wanting to have more time.  It was very cold however, and Rick didn't want to get his son sick, not on the holidays.

 

"We will ride tomorrow buddy,"  Alex cried when Rick lifted him down, and once he was off he lifted his son into his arms.

 

"Hey shhh.  I bet if we asked real nice, Mummy would give us some hot coccoa with Marshmallows,"  Rick said as he carried Alex down the hill, and back toward the house.  That stopped his sad cries.

 

"Lots of mellows?"  Alex asked sniffing.

 

"As many as you want,"  Rick said kissing his son's cheeks.

 

 

 

 

Inside,  Evelyn was overseeing the preparations, as well as tasting some of the food already made.  The whole house smelled of wonderful things,  Homade Apple Pie,  Cinnamon,  roasts cooking, and the wood from the fireplaces, it was as it was supposed to smell on Christmas, and she was very ready to spend the time with her family.  As she was walking into the parlor,  She smiled as Rick came in with Alex who was all rosy cheeked from his time outside.

 

"Mummy.  Daddy say have hot cocoa,"  Alex said as he struggled to be put down.  He still had on his coat, cap, and mittens, and when Rick put him down, he ran to her.  She knelt down and hugged him.

 

"I think we can do that, but lets get your outside cloths off,"  she said as she lifted him into her arms.  She settled with him on one of the many sofas, and untied his woolen cap pulling it off of his head.  His hair stuck up in all directions, and she smiled trying to push it down.  Alex yawned, worn out from his big morning out with daddy.

 

"Did you have a good time riding today?"  Evie asked, as she pulled his mittens off of his hands.   He nodded, quiet which meant he was really tired.

 

"I bet she was glad to have someone give her attention."  She got his coat off of him then stood settling him against her hip and smiled when he lay his head upon her shoulder.  Alex had on his gray corduroy slacks and warm wool socks, as well as a long-sleeved shirt, and a red sweater

 

"Why don't we go up and snuggle in mummy's bed,"  Evie said as she headed in that general direction. 

 

"Not seepy,"  he said, though he made no effort to fight her.  She smiled as Rick came out with the cocoa, and Alex didn't even notice.  Once in her room she pulled the covers back and laid him down, then slipped of her shoes and lay next to him.  Alex snuggled up against her resting his head against her chest.

 

"Mummy not go stay wif Alex,"  he said half asleep.

 

"Mummy is right here Angel,"  she said rubbing his back.  It only took a few minutes until he was asleep, and carefully she slipped out of the bed ,and pulled the covers up over him, then went back downstairs to get Rick's help in setting up the palor for the party.

 

 

 

It wasn't until after lunch, when Alex woke up from his long nap.  He sat up in their bed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, then rolled over onto his stomach and slid off the bed.  As he walked out the door his daddy was coming down the hall way. 

 

"There you are,  Daddy was just coming to get you up, so you could have some lunch.

 

"Want go riden gain,"  he said through a yawn.  Rick picked him up, and carried him to his room.

 

"Well buddy I promise we will go again, but we need to stay around here and help mum,"  he said as he went in the bathroom and got a wet washcloth.  Alex held still for him as Rick changed his wet and messy diaper, then they went downstairs.  Everything was decorated, the railings with vines of pine and Holly, to the mantle on the fireplace with more holly and pine.

 

"It pretty,"  Alex said, as Rick carried him into the kitchen.  Evelyn smiled as he came in, and went to them, taking Alex into her arms.

 

"Mummy go riden,"  Alex said.  Rick shook his head.  If one parent said no,  Alex's rule was to try the other parent.

 

"I don't think so baby,"  Evie said as she put him in his highchair and put a bib around him.  Marie came and put his plate down, which was mashed potatoes, and dressing, and some turkey.  Alex started to dip his hand into the potatoes but Evie stopped him.

 

"Alex use your spoon,"  she said, and put that into his hand.  He got a big scoop and stuffed it into his mouth, and about that time Elaina arrived.

 

"Laina go out and ride horse,"  Alex said glad to see her.

 

"Alex no riding today,"  Evie reminded, and greeted the young girl.  Elaina would be watching Alex upstairs,  as well as any other children, and to Evie's knowledge that would only be Megan, and Anna's son Jacob who was also 3.  Elaina sat down with Alex, waiting for him to finish, which he did pretty quickly.

 

"All right Alex lets go play with your toys,"  She said as she lifted him out of his highchair.  Marie came with the washcloth and got him cleaned up, then Elaina took him upstairs to his room.  Alex's room was quite large, and he had many shelves on his walls full of books, as well as all of his toys.

 

"Alex  gonna be Pete Pan, and you be Wendy,"  he said as he ran to his toy chess, and pulled out the velvet hat that Evelyn had made for him.  He also pulled out his cardboard sword which Rick had made for him.

 

"What should I do?"  Elaina asked as she settled in the rocking chair.

 

"Petend you all tied up cause captain hook caughted you,"  he said.  She did so, and Alex had and imaginary sword fight with Captain Hook.  He was doing that when Evelyn came with Megan, whose father had asked if she could come play while he, and his date got ready for the party.

 

"Megan come pay,  you be Wendy,"  he said.

 

"No I get to be Captain Hook,"  she said.  She had on a royal blue velvet dress and creme colored stockings, completed with black patented leather shoes.

 

"Will you be all right with both of them?"  Evelyn asked.

 

"Sure,  I have baby-sat for Megan before,"  she said.  Evelyn nodded and left.

 

"I want sword,"  Megan said and grabbed his sword.

 

"Wait a minute, lets not fight.  Megan Alex had the sword first, and I'm sure if we looked around we could find something for you to use,"  Elaina said.  Megan let Alex have his sword back.

 

"What we use?"  she asked putting her hands on her hips.

 

"Well lets see what we have,"  she said as she walked over to the wooden toy chess.  She opened it and rummaged around, and found another cardboard sword, which made Megan happy.  Now the two children had a sword fight and Megan got a book off of Alex's shelf and began to read.

 

 

 

 

With everything under control, as far as party preparations were concerned,  Evelyn and Rick headed upstairs to get ready for the party.  Now Evie was in the bathroom with nothing on letting the water heat up for her shower.  Once it was warm enough she turned the shower on and stepped in letting the steaming water drift over her body.  She had her eyes closed, and didn't notice Rick, not until he eased her against his strong muscled chest, then she opened her eyes.

 

"Did you have something in mind aside from a shower?"  she asked as her hand reached out and began to stroke along his extended flesh.  He groaned.

 

"I thought we could have a little fun before we had to be serious about hosting this party of ours,''  he said as he leaned his head down and nuzzled her neck.  Evie let out a sigh, loving the feel of his lips against her sensitive skin.

 

 

 

 

 

While Elaina  had gone in to help Megan sit on the potty,  Alex had made his escape and was now downstairs looking at the tree.  The candles were already lit, and he was watching the small flames dance.  He reached out and pulled one candle out of the holder and as he pulled up the flame caught one of the dresees on an angel on fire.  That startled him and he jumped, and the flame burned his hand.  Alex screamed and dropped the candle on the floor.  It went out but the dress on the angel kept buring.

 

"Alex whats..."  Marie stopped as she saw what had happened, and Alex was crying holding his hand.  Very quickly she got a pale they had been using to clean things with and put it under the angle and knocked her in, then she ran in the kitchen and poured water on it.  While she did that Elaina came running down the stairs with Megan and put her down so she could tend to Alex.

 

"Mummy,"  he cried as she held him.

 

"Shh what happened?"  she asked.  Marie came out then.

 

"He almost caught the tree on fire, you need to watch him close,"  she said gently,  then knelt beside them.

 

"Lets see your hand honey,"  she said.

 

"NOOO,"  he cried against  Elaina's shoulder clutching his hand, clearly in pain.

 

 

 

 

In the shower  Evelyn was moaning everytime Rick pressed into her and pulled out.  She clung to him kissing his chest, and rubbed her face against him loving what they were doing.

 

"Mrs.  Connell?"  came Megan's voice.  Rick stifled a moan as did she when he pulled out of her.

 

"Mrs.  Connell,  Alex got owie from candle,"  she said.  That got both parents attention.  Rick shut the water off, and reached out  getting their towels and in a moment they stepped out hearing the approaching cries.  Megan ran out then. 

 

"I tell them,"  She said as Elaina brought Alex.  Evelyn was the first one out of the bathroom, and took her baby into her arms despite being soaking wet.  Alex was very upset and still held his hand.

 

"We think he burned his hand, but he won't let us see.  I'll take Megan out,"  she said.  Rick nodded, and closed the door while Evelyn sat in the rocking chair with her baby.

 

"Shh,"  she said softly beginning to rock.   He let out a louder cry, and  Rick came over kneeling next to them.

 

"Hey buddy will you let mummy and daddy see?  "  Alex let go of his hand, and the back of it was red, and some of the skin was puffed up.

 

"Call,"  Evie said as she carried him into the bathroom.  She turned on the water in the sink on cold then held his hand under and Alex cried harder.

 

"Shhh,  Mummy is sorry baby,"  Evie said as she kissed his cheeks.  In a moment Rick knocked on the door. 

 

"He was already here,"  he said.  Rick already had on his pants, and dress shirt, and took Alex in the bedroom while Evelyn got her hair wrapped in a towel.  She heard Alex start to scream and slipped on a robe then went in.

 

"I'll need to scrub off the dead skin,"  she heard Dr. Brown  say and she felt really bad for her baby.  It took both she and Rick to hold him down and in a few more minutes it was all over and Alex's hand was all bandaged up.  There was another two hours left before the party started, so Evelyn settled in bed with Alex and got him to sleep, then started getting ready for the big event.

 

 

 

 

 

By Evening the party was in full swing, and the house was full of people  Evelyn and Rick were both talking to different people, and upstairs Elaina and Nicole who was the nine year old daughter of one of the museum workers watched the children.  Aside from Alex, Megan and Jacob, there were the twins,  Amber and Annie who were a year old, and Charlie who was six months old.  Alex was dressed in his black wool slacks and had on his green sweater, and was wild as ever having a sword fight with Jacob.

 

"Un gaurd,"  he said, and hit Jacob over the head.

 

"Alex your not to do that,"  he said.  Alex did it again, and Elaina came, and took his sword away.

 

"Noo that Alex sword,"  he said and hit her legs.  For that Alex got put on his time-out stool which was in one corner of his room, and when she wasn't looking he got off and ran out the door.  He ran down the hall to the stairs and sat down on his bottom, scooting down until he reached the ground floor,  then ran through the many people who were there and ran into someone.  Rick looked down and caught Alex just as he was making a get away lifting him into his arms.

 

"Did you escape again?"  he asked, and Alex smacked his face.

 

"No put Alex down,'  he said struggling.  Rick carried  Alex into the kitchen and pulled out a chair then put it against a wall and settled him in.

 

"Noooo,"  he yelled and tried to get out but was put back in.

 

"Want out want out want out,"  he yelled and slid to the floor.  He screamed as loud as he could, though with all the music and the party going on he could barely be heard, and Rick stood there letting him get that out of his system.  His screams subsided, and then he cried, and then he was calm.  Once he was,  Rick picked him up and sat down with him. 

 

"Now you don't hit your daddy, or anyone else for that matter,"  Rick said.  Alex rested his cheek against his fathers chest, and Rick knew he wasn't' feeling good due to his hand.  The party still had a good three hours left, and he knew Alex wasn't going to last much longer. 

 

"Here he is,'  Evelyn said leading Nicole in.

 

"He was getting grumpy,"  she explained.  Evelyn walked over to them.

 

"I think I might turn in with him,"  Rick said looking up at her. 

 

"That might be a good idea.  Anna and her husband are leaving with Jacob, and so are Molly and Thomas and the Twins.  We could put the other kids down in the Library so he can go to sleep in his room."  she said stroking her hand through his hair. 

 

"Mummy hold Alex,"  he said.  She lifted him out of Rick's, arms and he rested his head against her shoulder sleepy.  As they were walking out,  they heard a  jolly laughter, and Nicole ran to see what it was. 

 

"Ho ho ho,"  came the voice, and Evelyn smiled knowing it was Jonathan, dressed as St.  Nicholas  Rick went up to get the other children, and Evelyn made her way to him with Alex.  In a moment Megan and Charlie were brought down and the children got center stage, though Alex clung to his mother.

 

"Well now I bet you have all been good children this year."  he said as he put the sack he had on the floor.

 

"I been good girl,"  Megan said looking at her daddy who nodded.  Paul was in rare form tonight and actually had a smile on his face, which was the first time Evelyn had seen that.  Jonathan chuckled and lifted her onto his lap, and Alex lifted his head. 

 

"I go too,"  he said and Evelyn put him down as Rick pulled her into his embrace.

 

"St.  Nicus,"  Alex said, and Jonathan lifted him on to  his right knee. 

 

"Now lets see I think I have a present in here for Megan,"  he said, and he pulled out a long box with  gift wrapping on it.  She got down and sat in front of him, opening up a porcelain doll that Evelyn had gotten for her.    She was a tomboy, but she loved the doll, and ran to her daddy to show him.

 

"She is so pretty daddy,"  she said as Paul lifted her into his lap.

 

"Bout Alex?"  Alex said.

 

"Yes  I have what you need right here,"  he said and pulled out a big box.  Alex sat down, and opened it up, finding in it building blocks that fit together. 

 

"Mummy daddy Look what St.  Nicus gotted me,"  he said.  Both parents came over to him.

 

"Thats very nice baby,  can you tell St.  Nicholas thank you?"  At the same time Megan came to do the same, and then Jonathan gave Nicole her gift which was a pretty bracelet.

 

"Hohoho,  I need to be going on my other rounds,"  he said as he stood.  Alex, Megan, and Nicole followed him to the door and watched him go out. 

 

"Where are his reindeer?"   Nicole asked 

 

"I think in the field, "  Evie responded.  They all went back into the party, and the kids got to stay downstairs, playing with their new toys.

 

 

 

It was close to midnight when the last guest left, and Rick held Alex cradled in his arms sound asleep.  His other arm was around Evie, and once Paul pulled out of the driveway,  They headed into the parlor.  The tree was still lit, and tomorrow was Christmas day, so mum and dad still had more to do before they went to bed.  The first line of business though,  was to put Alex in bed.  They walk up to his room, and while Evelyn got out a clean undershirt, diaper, and his fuzzy red pajamas,  Rick laid him on the bed and pulled his socks off.  Alex remained asleep, even as he was undressed, and got his diaper changed.  He was worn out from his very long day, and they hoped he would sleep  long enough for them to get things cleaned up, and presents under the tree.  Once he was in his pajamas   Rick kissed his head and nose, then his lips,  and let Evie take him while he went to rinse out his diaper.  Evelyn lifted him into her arms and settled with him in the rocking chair.  She rocked him until  Rick came out of the bathroom then stood and carried him over to the crib.  Once he was snug under his covers, they walked hand in hand downstairs to start preparing for Christmas day.

 

 

 

MORE SOON

 

Disclaimer :  Not mine Not mine.

 

Chapter 3: Christmas Morning

 

 

 

 

 

Despite going to bed late the previous night, Alex was awake early the next morning.  After stretching, and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he climbed out of his crib, and turned back to it, getting Paddy, and Bink out, then ran out of his room toward the stairs.  To him this was just any other old morning, the idea of Christmas and presents was something he wasn't really ready for.  At the top of the stairs he looked down, and his eyes grew very big.  Under the tree and out from it were lots of presents, and while he wasn't sure about Christmas, he knew from various times during the past year presents meant good things.  He turned from the stairs, and ran into the hall, and down to his parents room which was on the end, and pushed open the door.

 

"Mummy daddy lots presents up now,"  he yelled running to Rick's side of the bed.  His yell woke both of them, and Rick gave Evelyn a quick good moring kiss before he turned and lifted Alex onto their bed.

 

"Up daddy up mummy, got get Alex presents,"  he said bouncing on Rick's chest.

 

"All right buddy lets go see what St. Nick left you,"  Rick said, as he sat up and then quickly cradled Alex in his arms and nibbled under his chin which always brought laughter.

 

"Top daddy got go see presents,"  he said, as he laughed.  Rick let him sit up, then once again held him cradled and nibbled his belly this time.

 

"All right you two, lets go downstairs and see what we have,"  Evelyn said,  excited to share this Christmas with Alex.  He was older, and things would mean more to him this year, than it had the previous two.   Once Rick put Alex down, he ran to Evelyn and took her hand.

 

"Come on mummy go see it,"  he said tugging at her hand.

 

"We need to wait for daddy,"  she responded, lifting him into her arms.  He gave her a hug and a kiss, and rubbed his nose to hers.

 

"Daddy is ready,"  Rick said, and they all headed downstairs.

 

 

 

 

The first order of business, before the  presents were opened,  was to light up the candles on  the tree, and Alex got to help hold a candle with his mum and lit most of them.  Outside the world had been transformed into a winter wonderland, and Rick at least decided at some point they should all go out for a walk.  Once  the candles had been lit,  Evelyn set Alex down and he frowned.

 

"What is it baby?"  she asked.

 

"Got get Unca John,"  he said, then ran off behind the stairs, and off to the right, to the other part of the house.  When he arrived, the door was open and he ran in without warning.

 

"Unca John up got presents,  St Nicus commed,"  Alex informed.  Usually Jonathan grumbled and groaned, however, ths was a special time, and he sat up smiling.

 

"Did you get lots of presents?"  he asked as he climbed out of bed, and went to his closet where he got his robe.

 

"Lots all for Alex,"  he said.  As soon as Jonathan was ready, Alex pulled him along, and in a moment they arrived back in the parlor.  Rick and Evelyn were on the sofa snuggling under a warm blanket, and a fire was going to ward off the chill.

 

"Open now,"   Alex said.  Evelyn smiled as Rick got up, and settled on the floor by the tree, and picked out a fairly large present and gave it to his son.  Alex sat down and worked at the paper then ripped into it.

 

"Oh Look. Daddy mummy got a train,"  Alex squealed.  He had gotten a train set, one with wooden tracks, and little props like trees and people.

 

"I open it play,"  Alex said.  Evelyn, and Jonathan joined them on the floor.

 

"Why don't you open more presents and mummy will set this up,"  Evie said.  She tried to get the box open, but it was sealed, so Rick gave her his butterfly knife, then handed Alex another present.  Again he ripped into the package and found a box of blocks of various shapes and colors, that came in a little wagon for him  to pull around.  Rick found a present for Jonathan, and had Alex give that to him.  Alex did so and sat on his lap.

 

"All right partner lets see what St. Nick got for me,"  Jonathan said.  He unwrapped the present a little less quickly than Alex, then opened a box finding in it a lounging Jacket.

 

"Oh yes,"  he said holding it up.

 

"It not a toy,"  Alex said frowning.

 

"No, but I'll play with yours."  Alex nodded, and went back to his daddy who gave him a present for Evelyn.  Again, when he went to her he settled in her lap, and watched her open the flat box.  Inside was a velvet box, and Evelyn shot Rick a look, the opened it and gasped.

 

"Oh it's beautiful,"  she said.  It was a gold snake bracelet that she could wrap around her arm.  First she hugged Alex, then scooted next to Rick and they shared a kiss.

 

"Oh Pease,"  Alex said, mocking his Uncle John, and that got laughter from everyone.

 

 

 

 

By lunch all the paper, and boxes had been picked up, and put away, and now, while Evelyn fixed leftovers from the party,  Rick and Jonathan helped Alex build a town for his train set.  While they did that,  Alex was settled on the floor making his train go around the track that Evelyn had build.  It was complicated, with many twists and turns, and hills for it to go up and down, and even a tunnel.  Around them were the rest of Alex's toys.  He had gotten several things, new books,  blocks that stuck together,  Lincoln Logs which Rick had ordered out of a catalog, to make the cabins out of, and several other things.

 

"There you go big guy,"  Rick said.  Alex looked over at his daddy then got back to his train, and Rick smiled.

 

"Well if you don't need me, I think I might have nap,"  Jonathan said.

 

"Have a good snooze,"  Rick told him, and went to the kitchen to see what his wife was up too.  As he approached, he smelled good food, and walked in as she was setting the table.

 

"Jonathan decided to sack out on us,"  Rick informed, as he walked behind her and eased her against him.

 

"I think I might do the same after we have lunch,"  she said, turning in his arms.  He lowered his head and kissed her gently on the lips, then they parted and went into the den to get Alex.  When they arrived, they found him laying on the floor hugging his train, asleep.  Evelyn let go of Rick's hand and got the blanket from the couch, and went to her baby, gently placing it over him.  He sighed but didn't wake up, and when she straightened Rick wrapped his arms around her, and she sighed.

 

"I think this is the best Christmas I've ever had,"  Evelyn said softly as they watched their son sleep.  That brought a smile to his face.

 

"I would have to agree.  Well Mrs. O'Connell, why don't we save lunch for later, and have a snooze on the couch,"  Rick suggested.  Usually Evelyn wouldn't agree to that, but right now she wanted to be in her husbands arms.  She let him lead her to the couch, and once he was laying down she joined him snuggled with her back against his chest.  Both of them sighed in contentment.

 

"Merry Christmas Rick,"  she said as she drifted to sleep.

 

"Merry Christmas Evelyn.  I love you,"  he added, and joined her and their son in a much needed nap.

 

 

 

THE END