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“Santa,” said Gaspar. “Fuck! Who is Santa? Who has the suit?”
“I didn’t bring it,” said Tailor. “I thought y’all were bringin’ it.”
“Shit, who’s…”
“Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!” came the jolly voice.
“Who the hell is that?” asked Baptiste.
“It’s Santa, dumb ass,” said Gabe.
“I know that, but who is it under the suit?”
“It’s Santa,” insisted Gabe. “I told y’all. I saw him one night. That’s him!” Gaspar smirked at his little brother, gripping his neck. He knew it was Matthew, and so did Gabe, but why ruin the magic of the moment?
“What are y’all lookin’ at?” asked Matthew.
Every man slowly turned, staring at the old man, then turned back quickly to see the laughing face of Santa. His snow-white beard was long, hanging to his chest, his eyes twinkling in the lights. His cheeks were rosy red.
Turning back to Matthew, he smiled at the boys.
“Merry Christmas,” he smiled. “I need to get goin’. Lots to do.”
“Pops,” whispered Gabe. His father walked toward him, touching his rough, wrinkled hand to his cheek.
“Never stop believing, Gabe. Believing is what makes all of this possible.”
“Believing in Santa?” asked Baptiste.
“No, son. Believing in good.”
He kissed each and every man, hugging them tightly, then turned and left the room. As they turned back, Santa was gone, and the children were tearing through their packages. Ted came into the kitchen smiling at them.
“Y’all made them so happy. The older boys cannot believe they got cars. Thank you all, and please thank Matthew for his stellar performance as Santa.”
“It wasn’t Pops,” said Gaspar. Ted laughed, shaking his head.
“Sure it wasn’t. Merry Christmas, y’all.” Ted went back out with the boys, and Gaspar looked at all of his friends.
They stood there a while longer, watching the boys look at their gifts, holding up their shirts and pants for the other boys to see. One of the boys was so excited that he got his first brand-new pair of running shoes ever. Another was thrilled that he’d received the entire collection of books from his favorite author. It was magical. And Santa, or someone, had helped to make it even more magical.
“B-but, it wasn’t Pops. Was it?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“Merry Christmas!” said George, raising his glass to the three hundred people in the room.
“We have a surprise for everyone,” said Nine. “Get your coats and head to the docks.”
The children were the first to run to the dock. All bundled and ready, several men steered the boats toward Halo Island. Waiting for them were Joshua and Ray, along with several other villagers. Children were already running around, playing on the island.
“What have you done?” whispered Erin.
“We’ve made something special, I hope,” said Nine. “Welcome to Halo Island. A new sanctuary for anyone who wants a break from the world. A little fun and heaven wrapped up in one nice bundle.”
“This is what y’all have been doing?” asked Marie.
“Well, it started with the village,” said Max, pointing across the water.
