Page 41 of Reclaimed Dreams

Chapter13

2 years ago

Dom stared at the nativity scene he’d started for Jo’s first Christmas with him and added to over the years. Each piece he’d lovingly carved, and as each child joined their family, he’d added a special piece just for them. It had been a long time since he’d made a new figure for it, and he was glad to have the work again. His kids used to always fight over who got to put baby Jesus in the cradle at midnight. This year, there would be no arguments, despite the figure being added this morning. It was Daisy’s turn. Christmas morning had arrived, and Jesus needed to rest.

He called the sleepy little girl to the table. “Daisy, come here. I have a very important job for you.”

As he explained the tradition, Daisy’s face took on a solemn glow as she recognized the importance of the job she’d been given. He pointed out who everyone was in the scene. She took special delight in the little shepherd boy he’d carved once upon a time for Enzo.

“Go find your mom, Daisy. I’ve got an early present for you two to open.”

The little girl ran off, and Dom couldn’t help but think that Enzo would have his hands full, envying him that a little bit. His son was going to make him a grandfather soon enough, and then Dom would have children’s laughter back in this house. It couldn’t be soon enough, to his thinking. But he really needed to fix things with Jo if they were going to enjoy grandparenting together.

He ducked into the den to get his current pieces and ran into Seth, dozing on the couch, with Brandy fast asleep in the recliner.

“Don’t tell me it’s morning already!” Seth protested. “I’m exhausted. That woman wore me out.”

Dom chuckled that Brandy might take offense at that, but he knew what Seth meant. Natalie’s mother was a real piece of work. Inviting her extended family had been a mistake, but it had been one made from a place of hope and love. Most of his recent mistakes had come from decisions born of fear. It was a pattern he needed to break.

“Seth, I’ve been meaning to ask… Do you think… Maybe, next time… ”

While he struggled to find the right way to approach his nephew about the sensitive subject on his mind, the younger man rose to stand next to him. In the end, putting hope ahead of fear unfroze his tongue.

“When you came back, after Gabe died, you talked to someone, right?”

“I did. I got referred through the VA.”

“Do you think they’d be able to talk to me?”

“I know they have veteran family sessions. I’ll ask if that extends to parents. If they can’t, I can find someone who can.” Seth clapped his hand on Dom’s shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. “I’m glad you’re ready. I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

“Thanks, Seth. You let me know.”

Daisy peeked her head around the doorframe and Dom hid the small figurines behind his back.

“Now I’ve got an early present to deliver. Excuse me.” Rubbing the heel of his hand over his eye, his precious cargo tucked in the other, he waded back into the chaos of the living room.

“Look, Mommy! I got to put baby Jesus in his crib. Now they are a real family.”

Dom stepped up next to his granddaughter-to-be and opened his hands. “Here, Daisy-girl. Add these to the scene.”

He handed her a delicately carved little girl holding a flower and a figure of a mother cradling her pregnant belly.

“Did you carve these, Dom?” Natalie asked.

“It’s just a hobby. Everyone has a special piece in the nativity.” Dom looked away from the wonder in her eyes, his cheeks blazing, intent on the reaction from Daisy.

“So these are for me and Mommy?” Daisy asked quietly.

“They sure are. You’re part of the family now,” Dom replied just as quietly, but with a certainty that reverberated.

Daisy hugged Dom around the waist, and his tears ran over. He reached for Natalie, pulling them both into a hug that was probably too tight. He couldn’t be happier that his family was expanding to include these two angels. Swiping his eyes, he released them and coughed.

“Will you make ones for the twins next year?” Daisy asked.

“You bet. Now let’s get this show on the road. Jo!” he bellowed toward the kitchen. “Are you ready?”

“Almost!” came her hollered reply.

---