Summary:  This story was written for the 2016 Advent Collection.

Rating:  G  (910 words)

The Miracle of Christmas by Indiana

Ponderosa: 24 December 1865

Ben Cartwright stood at the top of the stairs. He gazed at the scene in the Living-room. He looked the huge Christmas tree, decorated by Hoss and Hop-Sing, with an angel on its top.

Then, his eyes passed slowly on the members of his family. He smiled seeing his boys. His boys were adults now, but still his boys.

Hoss, 30 years old, sat on the sofa, beside Rosemarie, his sweet wife. She held their second daughter, Anne-Inger, a new born. Next the coffee table, playing with her cubes, was Becky, a pretty little girl, aged of 3 years old, golden-haired and big blue eyes.

Joe, 23 years old, sat on the armrest of the leather armchair, talking to Hoss. Joe’s laugh rang at Ben’s ears like an echo. Beside his youngest son, was Katie, as brunette as Rosemarie was blond. Katie listened to Joe, a smile on her lips, her hands on her belly: a baby was expected for February.

Ben should be a fulfilled man, but deeply in his heart, a hint of sadness never left him.

Adam, his eldest son wasn’t there. He had left the Ponderosa, slamming the door, one month after his thirtieth birthday, after a memorable argument with his father. How Ben reproached himself his lack of patience and his behavior towards Adam. Why had he reproached Adam so much when his son had always done everything for him, his brothers and the ranch?

8 months after his departure without hope of return, Ben received a telegram carved forever in his memory –“I am in London-stop-Have my own architect office-stop-I’m fine-stop-Adam”.

Ben had to wait 6 long months to finally get a mail worthy of the name. In this letter, Adam opened his heart, coming out his anger and bitterness. But, a page later, asked forgiveness to his father for his rudeness, and his bad temper. So, Ben answered to his son with his heart, saying his son how much he loved him, and that the ranch was still his home, and writing his forgiveness too.

Ben got an Adam’s letter regularly. Adam told about his business, and also about museums, theatre in London, but nothing concerning his private life, and his feelings. In these lines that Adam wrote with his fine and firm writing, Ben couldn’t discern whether his son was Happy and at peace.

So it would be the fifth Christmas without Adam.

Ben went downstairs. Scarcely had he set a foot on the last step than a little blond tornado, dressed in a pretty white dress, threw herself upon him. Ben lifted his granddaughter in his arms, and made a big kiss on her small round cheeks.

-“Becky, my sweetheart”

-“You smell very good grandpa”

Ben put the child on the floor, and went towards Hoss.

-“Go to your daddy Becky- Well, how is my last granddaughter?”

Rosemarie stood up, and handed Ann-Inger to her grandfather. The baby was asleep. He took her against his heart, and kissed the small head.

-“What do you think about the idea to sit down for dinner, and taste the great meal that Hop-Sing cooked for us?” suggested Ben.

-“Pa…Christmas meal, I love these words” answered Hoss, smiling.

Joe and the Ladies burst out laughing; Hoss’ greediness was part of the family legend.

Rosemarie picked up the baby to his grandpa, and put Anne-Inger to bed, in a cradle near the fireplace.

Hoss installed Becky in the high chair, between him and his father; his wife took her place at his side. Joe and Katie settled in front of Hoss and Rosemarie.

Ben observed Hoss who watched constantly at his pocket watch.

-“Well Hoss, you’re impatient to meet Santa Claus, my boy “asked his father.

-“No pa, I wondered what time it was, that’s all”.

Ben saw the wink he gave to his wife, but says nothing. He recited the Graces, and Hop-Sing brought the starter. The discussions went well, each one told their Christmas memories, and the babblings of Becky gave the meal a festive atmosphere.

About 30 minutes later, several strong knocks on the door surprised the family. Hoss stood up hastily.

-“Don’t move. I’m going to see who the visitor is”.

Ben pretended to get up, but Hoss, with one hand on his father’s shoulder, had him sit down. Ben was about to reply, but his eyes met Rosemarie’s who smiled at him, so he stayed at his place.

Ben and the others guests couldn’t see the door. Becky thought it was Santa Claus.

After few minutes, Hoss appeared, holding by the hand a toddler. A little boy noticed Ben.

The boy seemed confident with Hoss, and didn’t seem afraid seeing many people around the table.

Focused on the child, Ben didn’t see Rosemarie put her finger on her lips exchanging with Becky a knowing look.

Joe and his wife, like Ben, looked Hoss and the boy.

Then the child smiled, and Ben let his tears flow.

-“Oh…oh…My God!”

Ben stood up so abruptly that he startled Becky. He ran his hands on his face, and looked at Hoss who had his eyes wet of tears.

Suddenly, emerging from behind Hoss, a very pretty woman moved, followed by a handsome young man, wearing a long black coat with a fur collar, a black Stetson on his head.

Joe stood up, amazement on his face. Katie understood immediately who he was, and a smile lighted up her face.

Adam was back.

 

Link to 2016 Advent Calendar – Day 11 – Christmas Apart (by Forever Free)