Chapter 15

“Merry Christmas,” Henry said.

The dog looked up at Jimmy and tried to lick his nose.

“Oh my God! It’s a fox.”

“I thought so, too, at first, but it’s a dog, a starving one at that.”

Jimmy began to pet the little animal. “Where did you find her?”

“She was under our Christmas tree out by Parson Brown. Does the song say the snowman grants Christmas wishes?”

Jimmy’s eyes began to swim with tears. “I told you this was gonna be the best Christmas ever.” He buried his face in the dog’s red fur. He then held her head in his hands. “Welcome to the family.”

Henry beamed at them. “I’m glad we avoided the mince pie.” He got up and went to the counter where the one box of pie remained. He opened it and cut a small slice. He put the slice on a plate and placed it on the floor. The dog jumped from Jimmy’s lap and ran to the food. She finished it in a flash and looked up at Henry.

“That’s all for now. You haven’t eaten in a while. Don’t want to make you sick.”