Chapter 58

“Yes, Sir.”

Robbie did as instructed. Then he produced a stocking for each of us. “Where did these come from?” Randy said.

“Santa, of course,” Robbie said.

“But…,” Randy said.

“Can’t argue with the logic of a seven-year-old,” George said.

“Yeah, Dad,” Paul said. “Chill, and go with the flow.”

Later, as we sat around the table eating breakfast, Robbie said, “You know what? This has been the best Christmas ever.”

“You just said a mouthful, kiddo,” Mike said.

“Yeah, this is cool,” Paul said.

“Can we do it again next year?” Robbie said.

“What do you mean?” George said.

Robbie said in exasperation, “Dad, we could ask our new friends to come back next year for Christmas.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” George said. “Guys?”

I looked at Randy, who nodded almost imperceptibly. “Sure,” I said. “That sounds good.”