Christmas Eve dawned bright and clear. Daisy was awake early, knowing that her day would be full. She put on her robe heading for the living room determined that first, she would have to clear up from last night before she could start on the breakfast. ‘Those dear boys,’ she thought as she found the table already cleared, dishes washed, baking put away and everything as neat as a new pin.
So coffee was the first order of the day. The pot had hardly boiled when Jess appeared in the kitchen closely followed by Slim who was carrying Mike on his shoulder.
“Morning, Daisy,” they said, Jess and Mike rubbing sleep from their eyes. Slim was always the only one who seemed able to function first thing in the morning.
“Thank you boys,” she said pouring them coffee.
“Don’t mention it, Daisy,” Slim answered. “Jess and I couldn’t let you get up to that mess this morning.”
Mort and Mose came in from the bunkhouse. “Is that coffee I smell, Miss Daisy?” Mose asked, grabbing a clean cup.
“Certainly is, Mose, I hope you both slept well?” she asked.
“Like a babe, Miss Daisy. Just like a babe,” Mose replied already seeking a refill for his coffee.
They enjoyed a hearty breakfast and good conversation when Mort looked over at Mose saying, “Best start for town, Mose. Thanks again, Miss Daisy, Slim, Jess. Don’t know when I’ve enjoyed myself so much. Eh, Mose?”
“Yep, sure felt nice to be part of a family again, even for just a little while. Brought back memories of when I was no bigger than the young’un here.” Mose ruffled Mike’s hair.
“You’re always welcome at our table.” Slim said rising, “I’ll come out and help you hitch up the buckboard.” As he reached the door and grabbed his coat he added over his shoulder. “Jess I’ll change your dressing when I come back, what with all the fun we were having last night, I clean forgot about it.”
Daisy bustled around in the kitchen for the rest of the morning. She had made it plain that she wanted no one under her feet, so Slim and Jess had taken Mike out with them to do the chores, returning around mid-day. Daisy had coffee ready and offered them a light lunch but all three declined saying that they didn’t want to spoil the lavish Turkey meal that was the tradition for Christmas Eve. Then it was back outside for them to finish off the day’s work.
As the clock on the mantel struck five they were once again inside the house sitting about the fire, anxiously awaiting the feast. The table was festively laid with candles, adorned by a garland of pine branches and dried berries; the smell from the kitchen too heavenly to describe. Slim was sitting on the couch in the corner reading a book; Mike sat on Jess’ knee as Jess taught him how to tie different kinds of knots in a short length of rope that he was holding.
Daisy came round the corner out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Everything is ready - will you boys come and help me?”
Jess told Mike to sit down at the table as he and Slim went into the kitchen to help Daisy bring out the meal. There were fresh bread rolls and butter along with bowls full of yams, mashed potatoes, carrots and Daisy’s special gravy.
Finally, as Jess and Daisy took their seats Slim came out with the turkey, roasted to perfection. They joined hands as Slim sat and said grace. They laughed and ate until they thought they would burst. The main course of turkey eaten, Daisy disappeared into the kitchen with the empty plates and returned carrying a large plum pudding that was dripping in sweet sauce. The pudding melted in their mouths. Mike not so keen on the heavy fruit pudding announced that next year they should have apple pie, as it was his favorite.
“I can’t eat another bite!” Jess exclaimed as he pushed his chair back from the table.
“Me neither, Aunt Daisy,” Mike echoed trying to sound like Jess.
Slim got up from his chair and went round to where Daisy sat daintily wiping her mouth on her napkin. He kissed forehead. “Thanks, Daisy that was a fabulous meal.” Jess and Mike echoed Slim’s thanks.
Daisy smiled at the satisfied faces. “My pleasure,” she said simply and started to rise from the table.
Oh, no you don’t,” Jess said putting his hand on hers. “You’ve been on your feet all day - go sit down and relax. We’ll see to this. Slim’s real good at washing dishes you know.” Slim punched Jess on the arm.
“Yeah, and Jess is real good at drying,” they laughed, both once again remembering a time before Daisy had come to live with them and the fights they had had over whose turn it was to do the dishes. They tried to get Mike to help but he was too excited. For once he just wanted to head off to bed in the hopes that if he went to bed early Christmas would come sooner.
‘Maybe if it were Christmas everyday we’d have less of a bother getting him to go to bed.’ Daisy thought to herself with a smile as she sat by the fire enjoying her ladies magazine.
Some time later Slim and Jess appeared with coffee and satisfied smiles.
“All done, Daisy,” they announced together. Slim continuing, “and not one broken dish.”
“Are you reading that ladies magazine again, Daisy?” Jess asked handing her coffee. “Let me guess,” he continued as he peaked over her shoulder. “I thought so, looking at that blue dress again,” he said nodding mischievously in Slim’s direction as he sat in his rocker.
“Oh stop, Jess,” Daisy said smacking him gently on his rear end with the magazine. “It doesn’t hurt to dream. Just think it’s the prettiest thing I every saw. That’s all” she sighed.
“Besides, Jess every pretty lady should have a pretty dress - so my Pa used to say anyways.” Slim winked at Jess as they peered at one another over their coffee cups.
They spent the rest of the evening just enjoying the quietness, knowing that it would be short lived. For they all suspected that tomorrow, once Mike was awake, the day would be full of excitement, surprises and plenty of noise, if he had anything to do with it, and they were right.
Mike was up with the birds and making sure that the whole house was awake with him. He bounded into Slim and Jess’ room leaping on them informing them loudly that it was Christmas Day and they should get up. They obeyed his demands, finding themselves dressing quicker than usual - their own boyish enthusiasm getting the better of them.
Daisy greeted them in her usual fond fashion but this morning there was a wicked smile on her face too. In fact, she looked liked a young girl this morning. They were all under the influence of the Christmas Spirit. Mike didn’t want to sit still at breakfast let alone eat; he was too interested in the gifts that had appeared as if by magic under the tree. Soon his impatient waiting was over and they all gathered around the fire as Slim handed out the small collection of brightly wrapped presents - practical of course.
For Daisy, there was a brand new set of kitchen knives. The old ones were terribly worn and no matter how hard Slim had tried to sharpen them, the blades just wouldn’t keep their edge anymore. These were no ordinary kitchen knives though; they had been made and given with love. Slim had forged and honed the blades, Jess had carved the handles and Mike had painted a small white daisy on each handle. Daisy handled them fondly, feeling their lightness and the sharpness of the blades. ‘Practical,’ she thought, but they were also things of beauty, made for her with their love.
For Mike, new pants and shirts this time lovingly sewn by Daisy. He hugged her, trying hard not to show any disappointment. After all it was Christmas and he thought Christmas was about toys like he had seen in the store in town. But he had never had a real Christmas present before and this was something that he would always remember.
Slim looked under the tree one more time. “Well I never, Jess” he said “Here’s another one with, Mike’s name on it.”
“Is that one really for me too, Slim,” he asked, hardly daring to believe that there was something else.
“Well, it’s got your name on, so I suppose it must be,” Slim answered smiling across at Jess and Daisy as he handed Mike the large package.
Mike tore at the wrapping and revealed a large hand carved wooden box and, as he lifted the hinged lid. “Soldiers! A whole army of them, Aunt Daisy!” He rushed over to her with the box to show her. “Just like I always wanted! Now I can have real battles and not just pretend ones!”
Daisy looked at the hand carved men painted in their blue and red uniforms. She looked up at the boys who were standing with their backs to the warm fire.
“Looks to me like, Jess and his whittling knife have been busy again.”
“Yeah, but Slim painted them,” Jess said. After all it had been a joint effort and one that he and Slim had enjoyed. He thought of those late nights in the barn when Mike was in bed. They had had a fine time making his gift. Wondering how he would like it, or if they should have just gone to the store and purchased the set of toy soldiers that he had been eyeing in the window each time they took him to town. But the look in his eyes when the saw the box filled with those blue and red uniforms made it all worth it.
Mike hugged them until they thought he would squeeze the breath out of them. Then suddenly he stopped and looked up at them, sad brown eyes filling with tears.
“What’s wrong, Tiger,” Jess asked putting a hand on the boy’s head so that he could look into the deep brown eyes.
“You and Slim didn’t get a gift,” Mike said turning to look at Daisy.
“That’s okay, Mike,” Slim started.
“You and, Daisy were our gifts this year,” Jess finished with Slim nodding his agreement. “You know how Slim likes gifts to be practical. Besides, we’re too old for gifts.” He ruffled Mike’s hair but the sadness was still there.
“Have you two looked at your room since you had breakfast?” Daisy asked taking Mike’s hand and smiling.
Slim and Jess looked at one another. “Why would we want to look at our room?” Slim asked as he looked over at Jess. ‘What is she talking about?’ fleeted across his face.
“It’s not like, Mike’s that has to be cleaned up very two seconds, Daisy,” Jess added and mirrored Slim’s expression.
“Well trust me, both of you, go and look,” Daisy sat Mike on her lap and rocked back and forth with a look of self-satisfaction.
“I don’t know what she’s up to, Jess, so let’s just humor her and take a look.” Jess nodded and they walked to and opened their bedroom door.
“Daisy,” they both said together. “It’s wonderful, but how did you do it?”
“MAGIC,” and she rocked some more feeling even more satisfied. She had planned this for months and everything had turned out just how she wanted.
The room looked bright and fresh, there were new curtains at the windows. On the floor beside each of their bunks a new handmade floor mat and on their beds beautifully sewn bright quilts that matched the curtains. By the washbasins, new towels and matching washcloths.
They hadn’t said anything more so she came up behind them. “You don’t like it?” Disappointment sounded in her sweet gentle voice. “I know you men would just make do with those old towels, rags for curtains and quilts that wouldn’t keep a flea warm.”
Slim and Jess turned to her and Slim grabbed her lifting her off her feet and twirled her around.
“Slim, put me down,” she demanded, laughter in her voice. Slim put her down but before her feet touched the ground it was Jess’ turn. But he didn’t heed her demands and carried her out in his arms and sat her neatly in the rocking chair.
“Oh you two,” she laughed.
“Daisy you’re too good to us, you really are,” Slim said looking at Jess. They both bent down and kissed her on each cheek.
“We love you, Daisy,” Jess said, a twinkle in his eyes.
Mike ran up and pushed his way through Slim and Jess to Daisy’s lap. “See you’re not too old for gifts,” he smiled.
“Talking about gifts,” Slim piped up as he stood. “I think there might be one or two more outside, so let’s get our coats on everyone and go see what we can find.” They bundled themselves up and walked out into the crisp morning.
As they walked toward the barn Slim had to almost hog-tie Mike from getting to the door before them. Jess swung it open and they stepped from the cold into the warm fragrant barn filled with the smell of horses, hay and leather. The horses shifted in their stalls as an unfamiliar voice was heard coming from the farthest stall at the back of the barn. A soft nickering then a new head appeared. It was marked with patches of dark brown and white and was smaller than the rest of the occupants.
“Think someone’s looking for a friend, Mike,” Jess said gently pushing Mike in the pony’s direction as he put his arm on Slim’s shoulder. Both he and Slim beamed down at the boy.
“You mean it, Jess?” Mike asked stepping forward slowly then stopped turning to look at them still unsure. “He’s really mine, Slim?
“He’s really yours, Mike,” Slim replied as he and Jess watched, sharing their feelings of love and pleasure for the small boy. This was the surprise that Jeb had dropped off the night before.
Daisy watched the scene unfolding before her. Slim and Jess had discussed the idea of a pony with her. They knew that she was always concerned about safety but Slim and Jess had chosen the pony very carefully at the last horse sale. They had kept the pony well hidden at Jeb Miller’s. Jess making sure that the pony was well broken and schooled. So she had been agreeable to the idea. She knew that they would never do anything that would cause Mike harm in any way.
Jess went to the feed stored nearby and mixed up some oats and bran in a bucket while Mike got to know his new friend and introduced him to Daisy.
“So, Mike what are you going to call him?” Jess asked as he held the bucket for the pony to eat.
“Well he’s all covered in brown and white patches, Mike said thoughtfully then, “That’s what I’ll call him, ‘Patches’ cause he looks like the patch work quilts, Daisy made for you and, Slim.”
Jess patted the pony’s head as he nuzzled Jess’ jacket for treats. Most of the horses knew Jess could always be relied upon for a treat. “Suits him, Mike,” Jess said patting the small pony quietly saying, “Later on boy.” He didn’t want everyone knowing what a softie he was around the horses - especially Slim.
During all of this no one had noticed Slim slip outside and go to the back shed attached to the barn.
Suddenly, there was an up roar from outside in the vicinity of the corral.
“Jess quick!” Slim shouted from somewhere in that direction. “Jess - help me! Jess!” urgency now sounding in Slim’s voice.
Jess dropped the bucket rushed for the open door and his friend who was obviously in trouble. He stopped dead in his tracks. Slim was leaning on the corral fence. Nothing was wrong. He wasn’t hurt and was wearing a broad happy grin. Then Jess saw the reason.
Striding around the corral was Jeb Miller’s appaloosa stallion. Jess knew the horse well for Jeb had asked Jess to break him in for him. He had a buyer back east who wanted him for a pleasure horse and later as a possible stud. Jess and Slim often helped out the Miller brothers, who, in turn, helped out at the Sherman spread. This was the way of things out here. Neighbor helping neighbor.
Jess walked toward Slim, total disbelief and bewilderment on his face. Mike had rushed out of the barn at Slim’s cry but Daisy had prevented him from reaching the corral and they stood and watched from the open doorway. Jess climbed the fence sitting himself atop it.
“Slim I don’t understand. Jeb told me that he had a buyer back east for this fella. What’s he doing here?” Jess was looking down at Slim still totally baffled. ‘Had Jeb lost the sale for some reason and wanted them to stable the spirited horse?’
“Jeb said it would take a very special man to handle this guy, didn’t he Jess?” Slim was watching the smooth movement of the horse as it strutted around, obviously enjoying the attention and the audience he was gathering.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t answer my question, Slim. What happened to Jeb’s buyer from back east?” Jess asked again.
“Jeb did sell him to an eastern buyer.” Slim’s smile broadened. “Our place is east of Jeb’s isn’t it? Slim turned his eyes up toward Jess. They were shining. Jess stared down at him. Had he heard him right?
The young stallion approached the two men who for some reason had lost interest in watching him and he remembered one of them very well. He nuzzled up to Jess. Where was his treat? Jess patted the warm soft nose.
“You’re that very special man, Jess,” gently adding, “Happy Christmas, Pard.”
Jess looked startled and jumped down from his perch landing next to Slim.
“Slim.” Jess’ voice trembling but firm. “I can’t. This year’s been so hard, what with the ranch repairs and the low price of beef.” His voice, still trembling now had an added air of concern. “You couldn’t even bring Andy home for Christmas, because you said there wasn’t the spare money and you couldn’t afford it. Slim I can’t. We agreed no presents for each other; remember?” A single tear began to roll down his rugged features. Jess was not one to openly show his emotions but this gesture had touched him in a way he never thought possible.
Slim put a hand on Jess’ arm and squeezed. “Jess Harper you let me worry about what I can and can’t afford,” Slim was adamant in his reply. “Andy and I discussed this. If it hadn’t been for you, all your hard work and for caring the way you do, we would have lost the ranch three years ago. This is our way of saying how much you mean to both of us and how much it means to have you as…as our brother. So you can’t say you won’t accept our gift because Andy and I won’t take no for an answer.”
Jess didn’t move, he gaze rested upon the horse that was still hanging his head over the corral gate looking for his treat. He moved toward the inquisitive searching nose and stroked it lovingly.
“Brother,” he said, the sheer sound of the word overwhelming him. “What happened to Mister Practical?” he asked as he turned to Slim with that old Jess smile that Slim loved.
“It is practical,” Slim started as he joined Jess and patted the horse gently although the horse threw his head up violently, unsure of the new presence. Jess quieted the stallion, gently talking to him and rubbing a soothing hand along the firm muscular neck. “You said it yourself, Jess that it was a shame to have such a beautiful creature used just for pleasure when he had the makings of a fine cutting horse. He may even produce some good new stock if you decided to put him out to stud.”
Jess turned and smiled again as he looked at his friend.
“I’m not going to win this argument, am I?”
Slim fondly squeezed the back of Jess’ neck and smiled back.
“Do you ever?” They put their arms round each other in their old familiar way and watched as the stallion began striding around the corral again.
‘He was certainly a thing of beauty and yes he will make for a great stud for the new string of horses that will help the ranch grow.’ Jess thought. He was going to make sure that this gift would be one that Slim and Andy and the rest of the family would benefit from.
Daisy and Mike walked from where they had been watching. They had both known about the secret for the past three days and Daisy was very proud of Mike for keeping it so well. He was probably successful because it was for Jess; and Mike would do anything for Jess. They stood beside the two friends and watched the magnificent animal. Daisy breathing a sigh of relief knowing that it would be many years before Mike would be ready to ride such a lively animal.
“What you going to call your new horse, Jess” Mike asked as he poked his head through the gap in the corral rails. The spirited horse ventured over to sniff at the other newcomers. Once he had decided that they were obviously something to do with his new partner, he kicked out his back legs and whinnied and galloped friskily to the other end of the corral, still showing off.
“Certainly full of spirit,” Daisy smiled brushing pieces of kicked up dirt from her clothes.
“Spirit,” Jess mused. He smiled over at her. “Spirit, it is. Thanks, Daisy.”
With that they headed for the house and some lunch, Jess still looking at Slim with an, ‘are you sure’ look on his face. As they reached the porch, Daisy and Mike ran into the house quickly to get out of the cold. Jess caught Slim by the sleeve pulling him back from going any farther. Slim turned and saw the look of dark concern that swept across Jess’ features.
“Jess, don’t worry about it. Spirit is yours and that’s an end of it.” Slim could still see the sad look on his partner’s face. “What is it, Jess?” It was Slim who now wore a look of concern.
“You said to be practical, except with, Daisy and, Mike and no gifts for each other. So I did like you said.” He paused, “This once anyway.”
“Spit it out, Jess. What’s got you all tied up inside?” Slim asked.
Jess hung his head almost in shame. “I don’t have a gift for you.”
Slim’s face softened and he flicked up the brim of Jess’ hat, making two blue eyes look up in his direction.
“Having you for my Pard is the only gift from you I will ever want or need. Now let’s go get some lunch before Mike eats it all.” Seeing Jess’ old familiar smile return he slapped Jess on the back as they went inside.
