Page 2 of Christmas Eve at Bluff Creek

“Now, so we can stay on schedule, let’s get this done. Do you promise to bring hope and joy to all the children and adults you meet? If so, answer, we will.”

‘We will’ echoed around the room.

“Do you promise you will treat each person you meet with grace and dignity, no matter your views? We are all one to two disasters away from needing help or being homeless. If so, answer, we will.”

A chill went over War at the echo of everyone’s words. Even those already in the group were answering Baron’s questions.

“And last, but not least, do you vow you will embody love to those you meet and if there is something you see needed whilethere, promise to help in whatever situation is required? If so, answer, I so vow.”

War pushed the words ‘I so vow’ out of his mouth even though his throat was closing. Tonight was special. He was a part of something bigger. He’d loved becoming a part of Kathryn’s Wings but tonight was different. For a few hours, he’d get to play one of Santa’s helpers. It wouldn’t assuage the guilt he still lived with for the family he’d convinced to testify. Seeing them die in the fire by a criminal’s hand who he’d arrested had been War’s catalyst for coming home. It would, for a few hours, wash him clean with the sweet flow of bringing hope to those in need.

“Welcome to Santa’s Slay MC.”

A cut was slid over his shoulders, and he saw the patch on his left side. Where his name would normally be, a patch stated Official Santa Teammate. His cut had only the patch. His mom’s had little Santa bags under that patch. He looked closer and could see a number in each patch. He guessed it showed how many years she’d participated.

“Okay, here is your schedule and your teammate. Our goal is to be done in four hours so everybody can get a little sleep. If you see a need that can’t wait...” Sarah paused.

Cannon interrupted, “What’s a need that can’t wait?”

“No electricity. No heat. No stove. Any danger to the kids.” Sarah ticked her fingers off as she stated the items. “If you’re in doubt of whether it qualifies or if it’s a need that can’t wait, text Code Ross with the address and the issue. Locks and I have a shorter list because we’re in charge of fixing any items that arise tonight. Any questions?”

War read his list to make sure he didn’t have any questions. His partner was Remi, thank goodness, and he glanced over his addresses.

“Is each sack one address?”

“No, each sack usually contains two addresses. Most of your bikes should be able to take two sacks with each pickup. Your route has been mapped, so follow it. Names along with the addresses are on the packages. Each address has a minimum of three packages per occupant. After the first two sacks, you’ll see a reloading address. One of our trucks will be there with your next sacks. Then two more sacks with addresses and so on. The only reason it changes is if their family is too large for it to fit in a sack.”

War glanced to what she was talking about. He wasn’t exactly sure, but he saw that he and the other newbies were all matched with teammates who had done this before.

“Okay, one last thing before we go. Baron, will you do the honors?” Regina leaned against Baron and laid her head on his shoulder when she asked.

Baron nodded. “Please bow your head. Lord, we ask for your guidance. Help us help those tonight and show them hope. Please keep our riders safe in the dark. Thank you for the gifts you’ve given us that we can share with others. Amen. Now let’s roll out.”

War followed Remi, pulling him toward the Santa suits. She picked up one that had his name on a piece of paper.

“Okay, the pants and jacket can go over your regular jeans and shirt. The cut goes over the Santa suit top. Then the beard. We’ll stop beside the house to remove our helmets and add the Santa hats. We’re going to have so much fun this year.”

War smiled at her and slid the pants on over his jeans, tying the drawstring at the waist. He took off his cut, handing it to Remi to hold. Sliding his arms in the Santa coat, he realized it had a zipper up the front and a drawstring around the waist to tighten or loosen.

“So no pillows?”

Remi shook her head and helped slide his cut back on. “Nope. We’re Santa’s teammates, so we dress in team outfits but don’t need to be fat like Santa is pictured. Come on. I want to be first out.”

Remi pulled him toward the sacks. Her excitement was catching and her tugging him all over the barn because she wanted to be first was a different side he hadn’t seen.

He hefted the bag up and Remi grabbed the second. He still wasn’t sure how the heck they were going to take care of the bags on his motorcycle, but Remi seemed okay with it.

When he got back out to his motorcycle, the small rack over his back tire had been replaced with a modified basket with bungee cords permanently attached to the basket.

Remi efficiently stored the two bags, running the bungee cords through special holders on the bags. Then she made sure the bags were tied shut and tied to each other.

“Wow! I’m impressed with the holder.”

“Jesse modified the racks after the first year. She wanted to have us take two bags for efficiency. The bike she and Rascal were on had the ties come loose and one of the bags fell off the bike. The presents survived but had to be re-wrapped. She worked to make racks that could easily be installed each Christmas Eve and removed when we were done.”

War got on and then waited for Remi to snuggle up behind him. He loved riding with her and a late-night Christmas Eve ride to deliver presents sounded perfect to him. Baron stood beside his motorcycle and twirled his finger in the air, indicating they should roll out. War pulled out, loving the sound of all the motorcycles taking to the road. He’d always loved riding, and the feeling of being with his brothers had been something he’d missed while he’d been away. Four guys riding hadn’t been the same as the rumble twenty motorcycles made as they pulled out.

After he proposed tomorrow, he’d be starting the next chapter in his and Remi’s lives, but tonight, he was going to slay the fears of kids and parents of not having a Christmas. Remi’s arms tightened around him, her hand sliding down his stomach. He tapped her fingers, warning her to behave. He needed to concentrate on the road.

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