“Relax, sweetheart. My family is going to love you,” she tried to reassure him.

Dan shrugged. “Maybe. But,” he paused. “It’s not just meeting them that has me on edge.” He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, then focused back on the road. “You have a big family, and that’s something I’m not used to.”

She laughed at him. “Are you kidding me? After all these years with the Beldens, Wheelers and Lynches? I’ve met the gang, remember? And I know that they are all family to you - along with Mr. Maypenny, Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan.”

Dan thought for a moment, and a smile spread across his face. “You know, I guess you’re right. They are my family.” He considered the warmth that spread through him at the thought of his friends - his family. Then his thoughts turned back to Vicki’s family. “All right, so I’m a little concerned about meeting a big family that I don’t know. After all, I’m taking the baby of the family away from them!”

“Number one,” Vicki replied hotly, “you’re not taking me anywhere. I’m choosing to go with you. Number two, it’s not like I’ll never see them again! Number three, I'm not the baby any more - Greg and Susan's little Julie is.” She considered his profile for a moment. “You know, having dinner with my family is nothing like dinner with Dad’s family used to be.

“I remember, as a child, we used to go up to Bangor for Thanksgiving. One year we’d spend Thanksgiving Day with Mom’s family, the next we’d be with Dad’s family. We’d always go to the other family on Saturday, and end up having a second big Thanksgiving dinner with them! At Christmas we’d reverse which family we spent the actual day with, but we’d still have two big celebration days.

“At Thanksgiving, my aunts and uncles were always trying to figure out how to decide who they were going to buy Christmas gifts for. Dad’s family was so big that nobody could afford to buy for all the brothers and sisters, and their spouses, and the kids. It was always a big topic of discussion. For quite a few years, they drew names out of a big bowl, and that’s who they got a gift for. But then Aunt Nancy got Uncle Ben’s name three years in a row, and she decided she didn’t want to do it that way anymore. So, they changed to buying a general gift, and then picking them one at a time. But then there’d be this huge discussion about the order everyone would go it.”

Dan shook his head and chuckled, thinking of the mass confusion Vicki was describing. Then he sobered. “Speaking of Christmas, what are our plans for that? Did you want to go to Portland to spend it with your family? I don’t want to leave Mr. Maypenny on his own. Or Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan, for that matter.”

“Hmmm,” Vicki thought. “Any chance they’d be willing to come with us to Portland?”

“Well, I guess that’s something we’ll have to discuss,” Dan answered.

brisk wind, with the bite of late fall, blew around the small group as they stood on the small porch in front of the door into a modest suburban home. Bright colored leaves, whipped loose from the trees, danced upon the wind in the bright afternoon sunlight. The man’s dark hair ruffled in the wind, much as did the pale blonde hair of the boy at his side. The woman’s chestnut hair was held in a long braid, only small wisps coming loose to blow free. The woman lead the way to the door, but stopped as she reached it to turn and regard her companions.

Dan and Ryan stood together, identical expressions of anxiety on their faces. Vicki looked them over and laughed at them.

“Relax! They’re my family, not some kind of ogres!” she told them. Shaking her head at them, she turned and rang the door bell.

“They may not be ogres,” Dan said in an aside to Ryan, “but I am proposing to marry their precious daughter. That can turn the best of people into monsters.”

Ryan had no chance to reply, as the door opened just then.

“Hey, sis!” said the tall, blonde man who stood there. “It’s about time you guys got here!”

Vicki stepped forward to give the man a hug. “Hey, bro! And we told you we were going to be a bit late, so I don’t want to hear it.”

Keeping one arm around Vicki, the man looked at Dan, and extended his hand. “Hi. I’m Ken.”

Dan took his hand, giving a firm shake. “Hi. I’m Dan.” Gripping Ryan’s shoulder for a feeling of mutual security, he continued, “This is my son, Ryan.”

Ken smiled and reached to shake Ryan’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” He glanced back at Dan and added, “Both of you.”

“So, are you going to let us in?” Vicki asked as she gave her big brother a shove. “It’s cold out here!”

Grinning amiably, Ken stood back and opened the door wide for them to enter. The three entered the warmth and chaos inside.

Vicki was quickly engulfed in hugs, even before she could completely take off her coat, as a boy and a girl, of about six and two, came running to her.

“Hi, Evan!” Vicki said enthusiastically as she hugged the boy. “Chloe! It’s great to see you!” she said as she swung the girl around.

Dan snagged Vicki’s coat and hung beside his and Ryan’s in the front closet, before it could be swung loose. Evan turned to stare at Ryan.

The boys were of similar pale blonde coloring. Ryan was the older by four years, but his slight stature made him seem younger than his years, especially against Evan’s evident sturdiness. After a moment spent studying each other, Evan stuck his hand out to the other boy.

“Hi! I’m Evan. Wanna come play with my Matchbox cars while we wait for dinner?”

Ryan grinned, and took the offered hand. “Sure!” He added, almost as an afterthought, “I’m Ryan.”

With this settled, Evan lead the way out of the front room, Ryan following closely. Chloe wriggled away from Vicki and toddled after them.

Dan watched them go, longing to follow them, but Vicki laid a hand on his arm. He looked down into her eyes and smiled at the warmth he saw there. She smiled back, and turned to introduce him to the others who were gathered.

An older man, not quite as tall as Ken and with dark hair threaded with grey and receding from a broad forehead, stepped up and handed a beer to Dan. “Hello, Dan,” he said. “I’m Vicki’s father. You can call me Richard. Welcome to our home.”

He pulled a woman forward, a woman with skin as pale as Ken’s and ashe blonde hair, forward. “This is my wife - Vicki’s mother.”

The woman smiled warmly and stepped closer to give Dan a quick hug. “My name is Heidi. I’m glad you’re here,” she told him.

Ken had gone over to another woman in the room to put his arm around her. Now he pulled her forward. She was almost as tall as he and her hair was a soft brown. “This is my wife, Lori,” Ken said.

“Welcome, Dan,” she said simply as she stepped forward to greet him with another hug.

Finally the last couple stepped forward. He was younger than Ken, but older than Vicki, and showed their father’s coloring much more than either of the other two. His deep brown eyes studied Dan carefully as he held his hand out to greet him. “I’m Greg,” he said simply, “and this is my wife, Susan. The baby is Julie.” Susan shifted the small girl in her arms to give Dan a hug.

“They’re really nice people, once you get to know them,” she whispered in Dan’s ear. Pulling away from him, she gave him a grin that lit up her blue eyes. Dan grinned back.

Vicki came over and held her hands out to Julie. “There’s my Jewels!” she said. “You wanna come say hi to Auntie Vicki?” The baby didn’t even hesitate before abandoning her mother’s arms for Vicki’s.

Things began to move quickly, as everyone got busy in the preparations for Thanksgiving dinner. The men were told to set the table, while the women all adjourned to the kitchen. Richard, baby Julie in his arms, went to get the little ones washed up. Very soon, the entire group was gathered around a large table groaning with food.

Richard lifted his wine glass in a toast. “In thankfulness of friends, family and good times! Cheers!” The others each raised their glasses, even the children raising their glasses of milk, and echoed “Cheers!”

Platters were passed, bowls were quickly emptied, and conversation around the table became animated. Dan, at first uncomfortable, was soon talking and laughing with the others. He was pleased to see Ryan also laughing with Evan.

“So, how’re we doing Christmas this year?” Ken asked into a lull in the conversation.

Dan’s eyes met Vicki’s and he smiled at her.

“I think the generic gift idea is working fine,” Greg said.

“Dan, are you and Ryan going to be able to join us this year?” Heidi asked.

Dan quickly swallowed the bite of mashed potatoes he had just taken before answering. “I don’t know yet, ma’am. I need to talk to my family about their plans.”

Heidi nodded. “Of course. Maybe you could bring them along too!”

When everyone had finally finished eating, and the remains of dinner cleared away, everyone headed down to the basement which Richard had long ago fitted out with a TV area and game room, complete with a pool table and cupboard crammed with board games. Before Dan could follow the others, though, Richard stopped him.

“Could I have a word with you, Dan?” he asked.

Here it comes! thought Dan as he followed Vicki’s father into the living room.

Richard walked to the bar and poured whiskey into two glasses. Picking them up he handed one to Dan, and gestured to the sofa. “Have a seat, Dan,” he said as he sat on the other end.

Dan sat on the sofa gingerly and took a sip of the whiskey before letting the glass hang between his knees as he waited, as patiently as possible, for Richard to speak.

Richard leaned back, and studied Dan. Eventually he raised his glass to his lips and sipped the whiskey, his eyes still on Dan. Finally, he let the glass lower to the arm of the sofa. “So,” he said. “You mean to marry my daughter.”

“Yes, sir,” Dan said, nervous yet trying not to show it. “I suppose I should have spoken to you first, sir, asked your permission, but ...” Dan took a deep breath. “Well, Vicki seems an independent sort, and not one to follow tradition. I thought she would rather give her permission herself.”

Richard smiled, and chuckled. “Well, you’re certainly right about that!” He shook his head. “Vicki has always been one to do things for herself. I’m half surprised she left us alone to talk without her!”

A faint laughter came from the next room, and Vicki stepped into the doorway. “I didn’t,” she said. “I just thought I’d give you time to start the interrogation, Dad. Then I’d come in and set things straight.”

Richard guffawed, and grinned at Dan. “You sure you wanna take that on?”

Dan smiled back as he stood and took Vicki’s hand to draw her down onto the sofa beside him. “I am, sir,” he answered. “If she is willing to take me on.” He turned to Vicki as she squeezed his hand.

“I am,” she told Dan. Turning to her father, Vicki continued. “I love you, Daddy, but did you really think Dan should come to you for permission? I’m not your possession.”

Richard shook his head with a fond look. “I know, daughter, I know. And I know you don’t need my permission. I just want you to be happy.”

“I am,” Vicki answered simply. Standing up, she looked from one to the other. “Finish your drinks, and come join us downstairs.” Giving Dan a quick kiss, Vicki left the room.

Dan watched her go, and Richard watched him. Then Richard lifted his glass. “We’d best do as she said. To Vicki!” Dan raised his glass as well in silent salute and they both drained their glasses.

When Richard put his glass down, he said, “Just be good to her, Dan. Don’t hurt her.”

“I won’t,” Dan answered.

hristmas Eve arrived and Dan could hardly believe how fast the time had passed as his car headed north to Portland, Maine once again. Just like at Thanksgiving, Vicki sat in the seat beside him, with Ryan in the back. This time, however, Mr. Maypenny shared the backseat, and Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan followed them in Bill’s old truck. Also, this time Vicki was driving. The doctors said his shoulder was healing well, but he was still under orders to take it easy, and five hours worth of driving didn’t qualify as taking it easy.

Vicki glanced over at Dan with a grin. “Don’t worry so much. I am a perfectly competent driver, you know.”

Dan nodded tightly. “I know. It’s just ...”

“Just that you like to be in control,” Vicki finished for him.

A sheepish grin covered Dan’s face as he acknowledged the truth of her words. “Yeah.”

“Why don’t you try to sleep?” Vicki told him. “The trip will pass in no time that way.”

Obediently, Dan leaned his head back and closed his eyes, even though he didn’t expect to actually sleep. Much to his surprise, the next time he opened his eyes the car was slowing to a stop in front of Vicki’s parent’s home.

“Well, ‘bout time you woke up, boy,” Mr. Maypenny grinned at him.

Dan smiled back at him, then glanced through the rear window to see Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan pulling to the curb behind them.

“All out!” Vicki called. “We’re here!”

Ryan scrambled out of the car before anyone else could even get their doors open. Soon enough, though, luggage and sacks of gifts had been gathered from the trunk and everyone trooped up to the door. Richard opened the door and came out to meet them, and usher them in. Dan and Vicki performed the introductions.

Vicki placed the packages they had brought under the tree. After searching the tree for a moment, she turned to Ken.

“Greg hasn’t found Clothespin Santa yet?” she asked him, her eyes twinkling merrily.

Joan heard her question, and turned to ask, “Clothespin Santa? What’s that?”

Ken guffawed, and explained. “Greg made him in kindergarten, and he has graced our tree every year since. When he started looking a little worn, Mom said maybe we should retire him. But, Greg said ‘No way!’ So, Mom started hiding Clothespin Santa in the back of the tree. Greg searches the tree every year until he finds Clothespin Santa and puts him right up front where everybody can see him. So far, this year, he hasn’t found him though!”

Just then, Greg came out from behind the tree, to be greeted with laughter at his disheveled appearance.

“I’m beginning to think he isn’t here at all,” he growled as he continued to search the tree.

Everyone else stood back and continued to laugh, and call out occasional suggestions to Greg, as he kept searching. Several minutes later, Greg suddenly thrust his arm all the way into the tree, through the branches. He groped briefly near the trunk, finally pulling his arm back with a triumphant cry. Moving back to the front of the tree, he placed his treasure right in the center, then stepped back so all could see the old and worn Clothespin Santa in the place of honor, while Heidi shook her head in dismay.

Greg’s eyes lit with victory as he turned to the family and bowed to their applause. He burst out laughing, and said, “Okay, okay. Can we have dinner now?”

Everyone trooped downstairs to the rec room, where Heidi, with the help of Lori and Susan who had arrived earlier, had set out a buffet dinner of cold cuts and bread to make sandwiches, with sides of potato salad and coleslaw. Everyone grabbed paper plates, filled them with food, and found places to sit. Dan found a chair at a card table with Ryan. Richard came over to join them.

Never one to beat around the bush, Richard motioned to Dan’s left shoulder, which he was still obviously favoring. “Vicki was very upset when you got shot,” he said.

Dan nodded. “I know,” he replied quietly.

“It won’t happen again, will it?” Richard asked after swallowing a bite of roast beef sandwich.

Dan smiled. “I can almost guarantee it won’t happen again. I have officially left the police force and will be starting as an instructor and counselor at a boy’s academy next month.”

“Good.” Richard turned his attention to his food.

“Attention, please!” Ken called. “So, for the adults gift exchange tomorrow ... shall we draw cards to determine the order?”

“I think we can do that in the morning, bro,” Greg replied.

“I agree,” Vicki said. “But we need to set the ground rules for the exchange.”

“Oh, yes, let’s have some ground rules this year!” Lori chimed in. “Last year was a bit of a disaster!”

“I vote that everyone has to pick a gift, in order, but not open it until we all have one,” Susan said.

“But I think it’s much more fun for each person to open their gift as they pick it, so everyone can see it,” Ken disagreed.

“And I think that each person should have the chance to pick a gift that’s already been opened, on their turn.” Greg agreed. “If they do, the person they took the gift from could then open a new gift. The person with the lowest number, who picks first, should get to choose from all the opened gifts at the end.”

“That sounds really confusing,” Dan said.

“It is, a little,” Vicki agreed. “But it is lots of fun - we’ve done it that way before. I vote we do it again.”

A round of nods went around the adults. “Good! That’s been decided,” Heidi said. “Now, who wants cookies?”

Ryan, Evan and Chloe all jumped up. “I do!” they chorused.

After every one had finished eating, Heidi got out her guitar and started to play “O Holy Night.” Vicki sat down at the piano to join her, and Mr. Maypenny got a harmonica out of his pocket and joined in. They all sang Christmas carols, one after another, finishing with “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” until bedtime.

ery early the next morning, well before the sun had risen, Ryan lay on his cot in the room with Dan and Vicki, wondering. This was his first Christmas with Dan, his first Christmas with a family. He had no idea what to expect. Vicki and Dan had each helped him with getting gifts for people, and he guessed that they’d have bought gifts for him, but he really didn’t know how to deal with everything.

Suddenly, Ryan realized the bedroom door was slowly opening. He propped himself up on his elbows. A head poked through the opening and looked around. Ryan realized it was Evan.

“Psst! Hey, Ryan,” Evan whispered loudly. “Are you awake?”

“Yes,” Ryan whispered back. “What are you doing?”

“Is it time we can get up? I wanna go see if Santa was here yet!” Evan’s whisper was getting even louder with excitement.

“It’s still dark out,” Ryan whispered back.

“I know, but it could be time to get up.”

Ryan sat up and looked at the clock on the nightstand next to the bed. “It’s 5:00,” he whispered. “I think that’s probably too early.”

“Oh,” Evan was disappointed.

“Alright, guys,” Dan whispered without opening his eyes. “Go back to sleep. Evan, get back to your bed. You need to give us poor adults at least another hour.”

Evan giggled. “Okay, Uncle Dan!” He ran out of the room and shut the door behind him.

Ten minutes later, Ryan watched as the bedroom door slowly swung inward again. A head poked in the opening.

“Hey, Ryan?” Evan whispered loudly. “You awake?”

Ryan grinned, even though Evan couldn’t see it. “Yes, Evan, I’m awake,” he whispered back.

A groan came from the bed. “I’m still awake, too, Evan,” Dan whispered. “It’s only been ten minutes. Why don’t you try waking up your Dad?”

“I already did,” Evan answered. “He told me to come in and bug you guys.”

Dan sat up, with a wordless sound of indignation. “He what?!?”

Giggling erupted from the lump on the bed on the other side of Dan. “That sounds like my brother!”

“Tell you what, Evan,” Dan suggested, “why don’t you go bug Uncle Greg?”

Dan could almost hear Evan nodding eagerly. “Okay!” Evan scampered out of the room.

“Ryan? Do you want to go with him?” Dan asked as he lay back down.

Ryan was surprised. The antics that Evan was pulling would never have occurred to him. Then he realized that is sounded like fun! He nodded in his turn. “Yes, I think I would!”

Dan grinned. Sometimes Ryan acted too old for his age, so he was glad to hear a boyish glee in his son’s voice. “Well, I think you should go wake up Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan.”

“Okay!” Ryan jumped from his blankets and ran on tiptoe after Evan.

Half an hour later, the two boys had succeeded in waking up the entire family, the grandparents last of all. Richard and Heidi came out to the hall to join the boys as they were waiting anxiously for the rest to emerge and together sang a rousing rendition of “Jingle Bells.” By the time the others came out it was almost 6:00.

Ken looked at his watch, then pretended to growl at the boys. “Why on earth would you wake us up so early? I think we should all go back to bed until the sun comes up.”

“No, Daddy!” Evan begged, grabbing his hand to pull him toward the living room. “We need to go open presents!”

Chloe left her mother’s side to grab Ken’s other hand. “Yes, Daddy, please, let’s go open presents!”

Ken relented with a grin.

Ryan took one of Dan’s hands, then grabbed one of Vicki’s hands, wanting the reassurance of their presence as the family trooped down the hall to the living room.

Chloe went first to the cookie plate and milk glass sitting on the fireplace. Nothing but crumbs remained on the plate and a ring of milk around the bottom was all that could be seen in the glass. “Hey, Santa ate his snack!” she cried. “Look!”

“Nevermind that, Sis,” Evan said. “Look at all the presents!”

Packages in brightly colored paper were piled high around the tree, mute evidence of Santa’s arrival. Everyone found seats around the room, the children on the floor. Richard pulled a chair close to the tree, and started pulling packages. For each one, he read the nametag aloud before passing the gift to its intended recipient.

As Evan and Chloe received each gift, they quickly tore into the paper to exclaim over each one. Ryan quietly set each package next to him on the floor. He gazed in amazement as the pile grew. Suddenly, tears began to flow down his face.

Dan, mindful of how new this huge family was to his adopted son, saw the tears and sank to the floor next to Ryan. “Hey, buddy. What’s wrong?”

Ryan shook his head, smiling through the tears. “Nothing, Dad. It’s just all so wonderful! I can’t believe it!”

Dan gave him a quick hug. “Believe it. You’ve got a family now.”

Ryan looked around at the gathering. Uncle Bill was watching him, and gave him a firm nod and smile. Mr. Maypenny looked back at him too and grinned. A warmth spread through Ryan, bringing a comfortable and relaxed sensation he’d never had before. He grinned up at Dan. “Can I open the presents now?”

Dan laughed and ruffled his hair. “Of course you can!”

Ryan picked up the first box on the top of the pile and began to carefully remove the wrapping. Evan looked at him and said, “Not like that! That’s too slow. Like this!” he demonstrated grabbing a corner of the paper and ripping it away.

Ryan looked a little shocked, but then a devilish smile lit his face as he imitated his young cousin. “Whoop!” he crowed as the wrapping revealed a Junior Chemistry set. “Wow!”

Convinced that Ryan would be okay, Dan rejoined Vicki on the love seat and opened his own gifts.

Finally, all the gifts were gone except for the pile for the adult exchange. Ken brought out a deck of cards, gave them a quick shuffle, and then went to each person around the room and had them pick a card. When they all displayed what they’d picked, Vicki turned out to have the lowest, a deuce of clubs.

Dan watched the others in bemusement as he waited for his turn. He’d drawn a King, and was the second-to-last to pick. The only one after him was Greg, with an Ace. Everyone laughed and exclaimed over the gifts. Lori took the set of monkeys, in the poses of Hear no Evil, See no Evil and Speak no Evil, that Vicki had opened. Vicki opened a new package, which proved to contain a purse.

“Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a generic gift!” Vicki exclaimed.

Several of the gifts changed hands more than once. Bill took a carved horse statue that had been opened by Susan. Mr. Maypenny took the fawn lawn ornament that Heidi had opened. Finally it came down to Dan.

Feeling a little nervous, Dan stood and faced the two remaining gifts. Then he turned and walked to Richard. Grinning at him, he grabbed the monkeys that he had taken from Lori. He returned to his seat listening to the laughter as Richard grimaced, then opened another package.

Finally, all the gifts had been opened, and all the wrappings collected into a trash bag.

Evan bounced up from his pile of toys to ask, “What’s for breakfast? I’m hungry!”

“I have caramel rolls in the kitchen, and if you can wait just a few minutes, I’ll have bacon too!” Heidi told him.

Vicki followed Heidi into the kitchen to get things ready. Everyone else sprawled around the room, playing with their new gifts and a happy glow settled over all. Ryan kept looking around, drinking in the atmosphere.

“This is the best Christmas ever!” he thought. “And this has been the best year ever! I don’t want it ever to end.”

Dan watched Ryan’s glowing face, and looked around the room himself. Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan were snuggled together, looking over a book of horses that he had received. Mr. Maypenny was fingering some chunks of exotic woods that he’s gotten, getting a feel for them and wondering what his carving would free from each. The others were all similarly absorbed. Dan’s thoughts echoed Ryan’s, “I don’t want this ever to end!”

Outside, a Christmas snow started to drift lazily down to add a fresh layer over the ground. Church bells pealed. For one day, peace reigned on earth.

I hope you enjoy your story! I did try to include your memories, and you did say you preferred the non-traditional adult BWGs, so I used my Dan with his fiance, Vicki.