During the Thanksgiving break, Don began to think about Christmas. He knew what Erik wanted, but he had no idea what to get for Kurt. Something for the chief was a problem, too. There seemed so little the man wanted or needed. 'Odd,' Don thought, 'how little I really know about him, despite how close he is to all of us.'
He had an idea for his gift to Nancy. Because of the distance, they were not constant companions, but Nancy would date someone else only if the occasion were important and Don, unable to go, urged her to. Their classmates knew they belonged to each other.
Don was curled up in the chair with Coastie in his lap when the phone buzzed. "Oh, hi, Erik. ... Kurt went to the post office." He scribbled a note for Kurt and drove to the station.
Erik was grinning broadly. "I think I found the perfect thing for Kurt, but you're going to have to help me. That organ needs a good feisty reed and a man in Richmond has one he wants to get rid of. He likes it, but he said it was so loud his neighbors complained. The price is reasonable and If I like it we've got to figure a way to get Kurt out of the house so I can put it in without his knowing about it."
"Can I go in with you if you get it? I don't know what to get him."
"Great. Think you can get him out of the house a little more? It'll take some time to put it in."
"I'll try. Can I help you?"
"I know I'll need you a couple of times. I need to borrow Kurt's Jeep to go get it, too."
"You can have mine."
"It's too small, babe."
"Okay. I'll drive it Friday so you can have Kurt's all day."
"Did you get it?" Don asked when Erik came in from the trip.
"I sure did. It's a real beauty. Think you can keep Kurt out of here Friday? I've done all I can at the station. The rest of it I have to do here."
Don suggested to Kurt that they do some Christmas shopping after classes Friday and have dinner in town. They drove to Norfolk and walked through the crowded mall.
"Is there a good music store in here?"
"I think so, Don. Were you looking for something special?"
"Erik said one time he wished he had a really good edition of Bach's organ works. I thought I might get it for him."
"A good edition will be quite expensive."
"Do you want to go halvers on it if we can get it?"
"Since he's mentioned it's something he wants, I will." Kurt led the way.
The clerk spread out the volumes. "This is a new edition of the one preferred by European organists. The dock strike held up delivery for several weeks so we've just received it. It's very reasonable considering the excellence."
"What do you think, Don?"
Though he gasped when he saw the price, he nodded.
"May I show you the same edition of the klavier works?"
"Please." Kurt flipped through the volumes. "These are very fine. I'll keep them in mind for myself. Now, Don, is there anything else you want me to help you with before we split up?"
"Yeah. Erik said the chief was talking about another pair of Wellingtons. The ones he wears are getting pretty bad, and I wish you'd help me pick out something for Nancy."
"If you like. Let's get the boots first. You know the size?"
"Erik told me."
The first pair of boots brought out by the clerk were immediately rejected by Kurt. "We wish something much better."
The clerk returned with another box. "This is the best boot we carry."
"Shall we go halvers again?" Kurt asked, taking the parcel. "Now, what do you have in mind for Nancy?"
"I was thinking about a ring."
"You're not that serious already!"
Don broke into laughter at Kurt's expression. "Oh, no! I was thinking about a friendship ring."
"It's up to you, but I think that sort of thing is in poor taste. Why not a charm bracelet or something similar? You could have that personalized if you wish."
"Okay," Don replied, grateful for the suggestion.
"We have a lovely line of sterling silver crosses which are very popular with young ladies just now." The clerk held one up. "This is nice."
"Too ornate." Don insisted.
"Perhaps this."
It's simplicity made the cross elegant. "That's it."
As soon as they split up, Don sprinted back to the music store for duplicate volumes of works for two instruments he'd seen on display.
Kurt was waiting by the fountain when he returned. "Have you gotten everything?"
"Can't think of anything else."
As they walked through the mall, a group of small children, vaguely ignored by their preoccupied mothers, ran wildly in an off-hand game of tag.
Don grinned at their antics, but Kurt scowled. "There should be a leash law. God, I hate little kids."
Don looked up at him mischievously. "You mean like me?"
"Yoo-hoo, Don!" Nancy and her mother were coming toward them.
"What are you doing here?" He asked in surprise.
"Mother and I are trying to get our shopping done. Have you ever seen such a mob? Mother, this is Professor Lawrence."
"This is a pleasure, Professor. We've heard so much about you from Nancy, and we're quite fond of Don."
They chatted for several minutes and were about to move on when Mrs. Peterson stopped them. "We are having a few friends in for drinks after dinner Christmas Eve. We'd be delighted to have you and Don join us for dinner and stay on for the party."
"You're most kind, but we're going to midnight Mass, and since Erik's playing, we plan to come up together."
"We'd be delighted to have him join us also. We'll quite understand your having to leave. Nancy has been begging to go to that service ever since Don mentioned it. She and Tommy could follow you to the church, if you don't mind."
"Oh, please, Professor, so I can go with Don." Nancy begged.
"In that case, we accept with pleasure."
"Thanks, Kurt. I wanted some time with Nancy over the holiday." Don said as they left the mall.
When they entered the house, they startled Erik who was half way inside the opened back of the organ console. He wriggled out, a soldering gun held in one hand.
"What on earth are you doing?" Kurt asked.
"I ... there was a loose wire. Just soldering it back in place."
"Damn," Erik whispered to Don after Kurt went on to his bedroom, "I was afraid I'd get caught."
"How much have you got done?"
"Just a little wiring left to do. Then I can put the pipes in. I'll finish that up Monday while you're both at school, but you'll have to help me tune whenever Kurt's out." He screwed the back of the console in place and gathered up his tools.
After much searching and discussion of merits, the three of them finally made a decision on a tree, larger than the one of the year before. Kurt and Erik fitted it to the stand and set it in place while Don brought the boxes of decorations down from the attic. "Come on, you're slow," he said as he laid a stack of boxes on a nearby chair.
"You got the easy job. Give us a hand," Erik replied.
Don and Erik straightened out the strings of lights, placing them carefully on the branches, hiding the wires as much as possible.
"Think we'll have enough for this tree?" Don asked.
"I bought three more strings, just in case." Erik said.
"Wow, that'll be nine hundred lights this year."
"And an electric bill to match. I think the two of you are trying to break me," Kurt commented.
"It'll be worth it to Don and me. Just think, this is our second Christmas together." Erik raised his cup of eggnog. "And here's to many more. You know, Kurt, we may be doing this for your grandchildren if Don keeps going with Nancy."
Don stuck out his tongue at Erik. "You both might be doing something about that for yourselves."
"What! Can you see me surrounded by a bunch of rug rats and henpecked for the rest of my life? No way!" Erik replied.
Kurt chuckled, but Don looked at Erik, puzzled. "What's rug rats?"
"You know. Ankle biters. Curtain climbers. Babies."
"Oh. You don't like 'em, Erik?"
"Perish the thought. Foot-loose and fancy free, that's me,"
"And I got everything I wanted when you became my son, Don." Kurt said. "Didn't have to mess with diapers, either."
"All done, boys?" The chief's deep voice rumbled.
"Come join us. You wouldn't believe how long it took to find a tree Don and Erik could agree on." Kurt filled a cup with egg nog and held it out.
Don's eyes sparkled as he and Erik finished decorating the tree.
As Kurt sat watching them, something the pastor had said in his homily a few weeks previously came to mind. "When one enters another's life, he is opening himself to hurt; he is opening himself to completion. Caring is a luxury." How right the man had been, he thought. Since Erik and Don had come into his life, there had been some hurt, but nothing compared to the love they shared. He felt content and complete, not recognizing the man who had first come to the house.
"Since you're not working, Kurt, why don't you play something for us?" Asked the chief.
"Not working! Who do you think tied all those greens into roping and made the wreaths?" Kurt smiled at the man who seldom asked for anything.
The notes from the harpsichord tinkled out. Other than the light on the instrument and those on the tree, the room lay in darkness. The flames of the fire cast flickering shadows as they listened without speaking, each lost in reminiscence.
Erik seemed pleased with the dinner invitation from Mrs. Peterson and Nancy surprising Kurt. The chief would spend Christmas Eve at the station with new crewmen who did not rate leave. With Erik free to be with them, Christmas would not be delayed.
Don patted his pocket to reassure himself that Nancy's present was safe. In his eagerness, the ride seemed endless, but at last Erik was parking before the restored colonial home, its windows glowing with the warmth of subdued light. A large wreath ornamented the door.
"Oh, Don, I'm so glad you could all come. Daddy's fixing drinks in the den. You introduce Mr. Lindstrom to everyone."
The setter wandered over to Don expectantly.
"Lie down, Mutt!" Dr. Peterson called.
"That's okay."
"Nonsense, Don, Mutt'll shed all over you. I'm afraid you've spoiled him."
With the others engaged in conversation, Don and Nancy found places together on the loveseat out of sight of the others. "I'm glad your mother asked us. I wanted to be with you tonight, but I couldn't leave Kurt and Erik alone. We're always together on holidays."
"They mean a lot to you, don't they?"
"Everything. You can't imagine." He slipped the package from his pocket. "Merry Christmas, love."
"May I open it now?"
"Don't you want to save it for tomorrow? We never open anything before Christmas."
"Some things are so special they can't wait." Nancy slipped the wrapping from the small box and opened it with an excited cry. "It's the one I wanted! I begged and begged mother for it." She kissed Don. "Oh, thank you, love. I'll wear it tonight. Look, mother!"
"So that's where it went. I went back to get it for you, dear, and the clerk said that she had just sold it. I'm so glad it was to you, Don. I was upset at not getting it as Nancy wanted that particular cross so much."
"Dinner's ready, Miz Peterson." The maid announced.
The long table reminded Kurt of the Christmases when his parents were living. Greens filled with flowers, fruits, and nuts mounted the center of the table, flanked by tall candelabra.
The setting, Kurt thought as held the chair for his hostess, reflected her quiet dignity.
"How lovely your table looks," Erik commented.
"Thank you. We don't often have such special guests."
The procession of served dishes seemed endless. Even Erik began to feel embarrassed as he looked at his heaped plate.
Kurt held his glass to the light, inhaled, then tasted the wine. "This is excellent, a perfect compliment."
Dr. Peterson glowed with pleasure. "I happen to be very fond of this vintage. It's getting a bit difficult to find, unfortunately. How's your cellar?"
"I'm afraid we've made inroads without restocking. I haven't had the opportunity to find a good merchant."
"I've found two in the Norfolk area that are reliable. I'll be happy to give you their names."
Among the first guests to arrive after dinner were Doctor and Mrs. Smythe. On seeing Don, her look of surprise turned to one of delight. "Why, Don, I'm delighted to see you. I had no idea you knew Margaret and Tom. How's the painting going?"
"A lot slower since I started college, but I'm still working. Mr. Schoenbrun has taught me a lot."
"I've heard he's an excellent teacher. I hope to see some of your new work. Oh, and Mr. Lawrence is with you," she said as her hostess brought Kurt over to introduce him.
"I didn't know you knew Mr. Lawrence and Don, Edith," Mrs. Peterson said.
"Indeed I do. Don is the young artist I was telling you that did the paintings we have at the cottage."
"I never made the connection. Nancy didn't mention that he painted."
Don rode to church with Nancy and Tommy. They were quiet and happy, Don's hand holding hers as her head rested on his shoulder. They slipped into the candle lit sanctuary where Kurt saved them seats.
"It's beautiful, Don, and so quiet."
"It won't be for long," he predicted. As the reverberations of the tower bells died away, Erik began to play, the whisper soft notes falling about them. Never had Don heard Erik play so softly or with such tenderness, letting the sound drift away into nothingness. He squeezed Nancy's hand and opened the service book. The processional carol began, building in intensity until the sound rolled about at levels Erik was noted for.
"Merry Christmas," Don whispered when the tower bells rang out at midnight.
"And to you, love."
Don felt a joyous contentment as he knelt at the altar rail for communion, knowing that Kurt, Nancy, and Erik were by his side.
"The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ and His precious Blood strengthen and preserve you to eternal life," the pastor intoned. Don, head bowed, missed the smile the pastor bestowed on them with the blessing.
There were cries of season's greetings as they parted, but Don held Nancy back for a moment. He kissed her gently. "Merry Christmas, darling."
"Oh, Don, it is. I love you so much." She patted his cheek and turned away to the car where Tommy impatiently raced the motor.
Don awakened before Kurt or Erik. He was filling a mug with tea to take to Kurt just as the chief slipped into the house. "Merry Christmas, Chief." He filled another mug. "Here's your coffee. I was about to take Kurt his tea."
"They aren't up yet?"
"We didn't get in until nearly three."
The chief shook his head. "Some people."
The four of them lingered around the breakfast table. Only after Kurt and Erik had completed the preparation for dinner did they go to the tree.
"Looks as if Santa found you after all, Don." The chief looked at the piled packages under the tree.
"It's a shame to mess up anything so pretty," he said as Don handed him a gift. "Well, would you now." He slipped on the Wellingtons, feeling the butter-soft leather mold about his feet. "Ah, perfect. They're sure feel better than the ones I've got. You boys really make an old man's life worth living."
"Old man, hell," retorted Erik. "You're in the prime of life."
"Only sometimes, son."
Erik spread the volumes of music about him, eyes glistening. "What can I say?"
"Is that the edition you wanted?" Kurt asked.
"No. It's the one I've dreamed of and never thought I'd have."
Don's eyes lighted when he opened the box Kurt handed him. "Oh, boy, I've got to try this." He loaded the camera and took several shots of them seated among the wrappings, leaving them blinking from the glare of the flash.
The pile of litter grew. Kurt pulled out a large gift and handed it to Don. He ripped the paper away and stared at the heavy book, Janson's History of Art, eyes wide.
"Oh, wow! This is what I've always wanted, Kurt. I saw it once in a library and loved it. I can't believe I've got a copy of my own." He hugged Kurt. "Thanks, dad."
"I'm glad it's something you've wanted, son. Enjoy it."
At last one small box without a card remained. Kurt held it out. "This is yours, Don."
Don held up what appeared to be a coin cut irregularly in half. "What is it?"
"It's a mizpah," Erik answered.
"A what?"
"A mizpah. This is half of it. The words mean 'The Lord watch between thee and me while we're apart.'" He winked at Don. "I'll bet I know who has the other half."
Don colored slightly, as he placed the ring of the medallion on the chain of the religious medal the chief had given him at confirmation.
"I'm sure you'll get the chance to match it up with the other half very soon," the chief teased.
"I guess that about does it." Kurt looked carefully, but the tree was barren of further gifts. As Erik started to help him up from the floor, he saw the large red bow stuck on one of the stop tablets of the organ. He laughed, pointing, "Which of you idiots did that?"
"Don and I," Erik replied. "It's your present from us."
"What?"
"Come see." Erik pulled Kurt to his feet. They crossed the room and Kurt looked down at the engraved stop tablet. "You couldn't possibly have." He slipped on the bench. The trompette sang out strongly above the other stops as he played a carol. "It's fantastic! When did you put it in?"
"Any time Don could get you out of the house for a few minutes or the chief let me take off while you were at the college. I didn't realize how close you stayed until we started this. I was afraid you'd figure out what I was up to that day you came in early and caught me wiring it in."
"It's too much."
"Oh, I'll get plenty of use out of it, don't worry. It's what this thing has been needing." He sat down and ran through the carol fantasy he'd played as a postlude the night before.
Once the clutter had been cleared away, they sat down to Christmas dinner.
"I think you boys outdid yourself." The chief pushed his plate away. "This was even better than last year's "
"Not as fancy as last evening's, but it wasn't bad, even if Erik and I did cook it."
"It was better and you know it," Erik rebuked.
"Last night was great, but this, well ... home's always best because it's seasoned with love," Don added.
"Soon as we clear, I'd better check up on those kids at the station. I don't want to leave them too long, green as they are."
"We'll go over with you, Chief. Erik, help me fix plates for the guys. Don, cut some of that cake and some of the pie for them."
The radioman reduced the volume of his receivers as the chief entered.
"Anything going on?"
"No, sir. There was a call for a Don Lawrence. I put the number on your pad. They want him to return it collect."
The chief grunted. "Take a break. Kurt brought your dinner and some cake to go with your coffee."
Don placed the call, and after talking for several minutes turned from the phone excitedly. "It was Nancy and her folks. They called to tell me how happy they are with the portrait."
"I'm glad. After seeing their home, I was a little worried." Kurt had had more reservations than he'd let on.
"Could we have them up for dinner some night this week?" Don begged.
"Do you think they would come this far in a Jeep in weather as cold as this?"
"I think they would. They keep the Jeep at their cottage, so they could come that far in their car. I'll give Nancy a call tomorrow and ask her."
The chief would not return to the house with them, though they begged. "No, it's been a wonderful day, but I'd better stick around and give the men a break. You go on and enjoy the evening, Erik, but I want to see your shining face bright and early."
Don lay in front of the fire watching Coastie batting his Christmas catnip mouse back and forth, pouncing on it, holding it in his teeth and kicking at it with all four paws, until Kurt called a halt. "It isn't good to let him play with that too long, Don. Catnip is a drug and Coastie will wear himself out if you don't take it from him."
Don retrieved the mouse and put it away, followed by a watchful Coastie. When he returned, he carried the corn-popper.
"You're not planning to eat popcorn on top of everything else you've put away today?" Erik asked.
"Sure."
"Well, long as you're at it, I might as well fix us a drink to go with it."
As Don sat cross-legged before the fire waiting for the corn to pop, old memories flooded back, but in his contentment those days had become dry leaves.