The Michaels' Family: Book One - We Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus

Chris asked, "Now that I have a surprise blind date, what do I wear?"

Tim answered, "You probably should wear some clothes. I'll probably wear something similar to what you and Chase have on now. That way we are dressed for whatever we decide to do."

The guys kicked everyone out of the kitchen and Ramsey was leading the kitchen patrol brigade. At precisely 6;00 we sat down to a great meal. After dinner, Kevin announced, "I'm going to take Ramsey and David for their drop in and drop out visit with Danny and Lionel. You old men can do the dishes while the five guys primp for their dates."

Everyone took their own dishes and put them in the dishwasher so cleanup was a cinch. I watched as Hank gave the five guys some cash, "You can pay me back when you get you checks cashed on Monday. I don't think there are any banks open where you could cash them tonight, and besides, they'll probably bounce anyway."

"Mimi, where are your parents, anyway?"

Mimi nodded, "They went to spend the next couple days with my brother and his wife. She is going into the hospital on Monday for a Caesarian section because of some problems. Mother will be staying with them for several days to help take care of children."

Hank shook his head no, "Mimi, call them and tell to stay as long as they are needed. We have enough help around here to make sure that the place won't fall apart. We'll put Jeremy and Brent to work if we need to."

Jeremy sputtered, "And get my lily white hands dirty? No way."

Brent interrupted, "Hank, what do you know about the spread that is adjacent to you on the side going toward the city? I noticed a for sale by owner sign, as we were driving here."

Hank looked perplexed, "I didn't realize that it was for sale. The Watsons are an older couple. They have always been very friendly and we have visited, but they have such a large family that they are always busy with them."

Wayne added, "Today was the first day that I noticed the sign, also."

Cowboy went to the phone, "Let me call and see what's going on. I'm surprised that they hadn't mentioned anything."

Hank dialed a number and someone must have answered, "Hi Martha, I just noticed today that you have a for sale sign in your yard. Is everyone okay? … Oh, you've decided to retire. … Sure, let me talk to Ray. ,,, Hi Ray, I have some people who are visiting, who might be interested in buying the spread. Could we possible drop by and have them look at it? … Great, we'll be there in thirty minutes. Tell Martha not to worry about anything."

Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Chris and Chase. Chris asked, "Do you think we're dressed okay? Like I said; I've never been on a date. I'm a little bit nervous."

Chase added, "That's an understatement. He's like a dog trying to get out of the way of a steam roller."

Tim, Tad and Jacob arrived on the scene and Jacob asked, "What are you guys trying to do? Make us look bad? Everyone is going to think that you are some of the those rich kids from the private boarding school."

Tim grinned, "Pay Jacob no mind. Dad Hank can we use one of your cars tonight?"

Hank looked at the guys, "Why don't you take the Avalon and the BMW tonight so everyone knows that you are all rich kids from the private boarding school?"

Jacob was chuckling, "Guys, Dad Hank is trying to get us ostracized. We'll see you in the morning."

Hank, Brent, Jeremy and I drove to the Watson's spread. We were met by a couple who I guessed to be in their middle sixties. After Hank introduced us, he asked, "Martha and Ray, when did you decide to sell?"

Ray answered, "We decided last night, after Martha stumbled on the steps. We decided that we are too old to manage the ranch anymore. I just put the for sale sign up, about noon today."

Brent and Jeremy were looking around and Jeremy asked, "Has anyone else stopped by to see the property?"

Ray shook his head no, "No, you're the first. Would you like me to show you around?"

Brent answered, "Yes, please, if you would be so kind. After a tour around the ranch, Martha showed us around the house. When the tour was over, Brent asked, "What are you asking for the ranch and all the livestock and equipment?"

Ray almost choked, "Young man, we have no idea what it's worth. I was going to arrange for an appraiser to give us a figure on Monday. We figured that we would sell everything at an auction since our oldest son wants us to come live with them. The only things we will be taking are our personal things and mementos and pictures."

Hank took over, "Ray and Martha, we have just finished working with an excellent appraiser on some property for Mr. Michaels. Why don't I call him tomorrow and see if he would be available to do an appraisal on Monday. How long have you been living here?"

Martha answered, "We bought the ranch forty years ago when prices were reasonable."

Jeremy acknowledged, "I take that to mean that you don't have any mortgages or liens against the property. How large is the ranch?"

Ray answered, "We owe nothing to no one. The ranch is 350 acres. It is bounded by the stream on the north and Mr. Rodgers' ranch on the south. The eastern boundary is the road and the back boundary is the National Forest. So it is extremely quiet except for the wild parties at the Rodgers' ranch."

Brent surprised us, "Mr. and Mrs. Watson, I am extremely interested in buying the property. I have been very seriously considering relocating our company headquarters from the west coast. I think we could live here very comfortably."

None of us we were prepared for Martha's next statement. "Mr. Farway, I take it that you and Mr. Phillips are more than just acquaintances. Why are you pussy footing around the issue? Who do you mean by we?"

Both Brent and Jeremy were taken aback by Mrs. Watson's comments and questions. Brent answered, "Jeremy and I have been together for a number of years. I do have twin sons; one of who works for Mr. Rodgers, and the other works for Mr. Michaels. They probably will not be living with us, since they are both 18 and I just found out in the last week that I even had two sons. We are looking into having three orphan Africa-American boys live with us."

The Watsons were laughing and Mrs. Watson announced, "This is more riveting than the day time soap operas. We need to meet the players."

Hank interjected, "Martha and Ray, we're going to be having a picnic at my ranch tomorrow afternoon. Stop over and you can meet some of the players. Don't worry about bringing anything. One of Steve's sons has everything under control."

The shock treatment wasn't over; Mr. Watson added the last jolt, "Don't worry about anything, guys. We have a gay son and a gay daughter, both of them are in committed relationships. Why don't you take the for sale sign down as you're leaving. That way, we won't be bothered by casual lookers. We can always put the sign back up if things don't work out."

When we arrived back at the house, we were met by David, Ramsey and Kevin. David asked, "Where have you been? We've been worried about you."

Kevin was laughing, "When we arrived at the hospital tonight, Danny was sitting on Lionel's bed and they were playing checkers. Dr. Harrison stopped in and said that the two guys probably would be able to come home on Monday if they followed the rules."

Hank looked at Kevin, "What rules?"

Kevin shrugged his shoulders he didn't tell us that. "He'll probably tell someone on Monday."

The conversation switched directions a 180 degrees when Jeremy asked Ramsey, "Ramsey, if we were to buy the ranch on the other side of this one, would you consider living with us? Hopefully we will be able to get custody of you, Lionel and Louie."

Ramsey was almost crying again, "I don't understand why you white people would even consider having us as your sons when you already have Chris and Chase."

Brent hugged Ramsey, "Son, I lost Chris and Chase when they were born even though they are my sons. The guys, especially Chris, had to endure a life such as you and your brothers. Please give us a chance to earn your respect and love."

Ramsey looked at them, "I suppose that you will expect to kiss us and receive kisses like the two kissing bandits over there?" He pointed to Hank and me.

"Only if you will permit us to do so. Are you a good kisser?"

David had been listening, "Ramsey's a good kisser. How about you?"

The conversation was interrupted by Dusty, "David, you need to get ready for bed."

David grabbed Ramsey's arm, "Come on, Ramsey you gotta make sure I'm clean."

After the two young guys departed, Hank looked at Kevin, "Kev, we just invited two more people to the shindig tomorrow afternoon."

Kevin threw up his hands, "Why am I not surprised? I bet the other five guys come home and announce that they've invited their friends also. I guess I'll have to go dig up some more night crawlers."

Little did Kevin realize how true his prophesy would be. We were sitting in the living room talking about the Watson's spread when Jacob, Tim and Tad came in.

Hank looked at them, "Where are Chris and Chase?"

Tad smirked, "Chris has been floating in the clouds ever since he met Michelle. He didn't even say goodnight when he left for the apartment. Chase and Freddie are probably stopped somewhere along the way, making out. They ignored the rest of us all night long. By the way, we invited the five dates to the picnic tomorrow."

Kevin looked up from what he was doing, "See, I told you they were going invite their friends. They're just trying to make me feel bad. I'm going to bed, since I'm being forced to sing again tomorrow."

As we were saying goodnight to Brent and Jeremy, a car pulled up and Chase got out saying, "See you tomorrow at three."

When he saw us, he yelled, "Dads, I had a great time. See you in the morning."

When Hank and I went to our bedroom, Hank and I looked at each other. Cowboy spoke first, "Michaels, this is all your fault. I guess we need to go to bed since some of us need to be at the church early in the morning."

When I woke up in the morning, Hank was already gone. I looked at the clock and it was only 6:00 so surely he wasn't getting ready to go to church. I got out of bed and went to look for him. He was in the office talking on the phone. He saw me approaching and put his hand up to tell me that I shouldn't say anything. "If you cannot keep up with the production schedule, then I'll find someone who can. You have exactly one month to have the newest game on the market. The coauthor of the program needs the money. … Do you understand what I'm saying. I'm paying you people to do a job and you had better deliver, or all of you will be joining the long lines of people in the unemployment line."

"I'm so upset that I'm about ready to close your location and switch all of the production to the facility here. They have been coming in ahead of schedule."

"I'll be watching for the daily reports and don't try to alter them, because I will be able to tell if they are doctored or not. Now, get your butt out of the whore houses and tend to the job that you are being paid to do."

Hank slammed down the receiver. "Steve, you didn't hear that conversation. I'm sending in an audit team on Monday to check on that operation. I have the distinct impression that someone is undermining the operation."

I put my arms around him, "Hank, relax! You need to be in the right frame of mind to be able to perform in church. Now, let's take a shower and get ready for the day. It's going to be another long day."

I tried to relax Hank as best as I could in the shower. At least he was a little lighter until we ate breakfast. We went to the kitchen and the guys were eating some muffins that Ramsey had made. He announced, "I figured everyone would be too nervous to eat much. Perhaps we can coerce someone to take us to breakfast after we have endured the awful singing this morning."

"Steve, take the monster and lock him in his stall in the stables. Make sure you put him in with the mad bull. Maybe you should take David to keep him company."

David perked, "But Grandpa, what did I do?"

Hank was on a roll, "That's the problem, Davey, you were supposed to keep Ramsey under control and you didn't, so you both need to pay."

Ramsey stood, "Well, I, for one, ain't paying. I'll go see if Mr. Phillips and Mr. Farway will protect us. Come on David."

Hank and the three guys left for church and after we had cleaned up, "David, Ramsey and I followed. Everyone else was going to be going to the late service."

The four guys were outstanding and it seemed odd that I should have the two young guys on either side of me. We went to breakfast at a different restaurant near the church. I thought perhaps David and Ramsey would ask not to go to the second service, but that was not the case.

On the way back to the church, Ramsey, David and I popped in to see the two guys in the hospital and they were playing a card game. Danny was sitting on Lionel's bed. Lionel looked at me, "Poppa, please help me, I need to go to the bathroom."

When we got to the church, we were joined by the rest of the people from the ranch and the house on the hill at the eleven o'clock service. We were a big group. This time David sat with his parents and Ramsey sat between Brent and Jeremy.

Chase was sitting next to me on my left. He leaned over and whispered, "I think Ramsey is starting to bond with Dad and Mr. Phillips."

Tad was on the other side of me, "Ramsey's no dummy."

After the service, Kevin cornered us, "We have the makings for sandwiches at the ranch. That's all we need, since the picnic is scheduled for 3:00. I'm going to need every man, woman and child to help me, since the number of people invited is out of control."

After we had eaten our sandwiches, Kevin was totally in control. He had people going every which way and by 3:00 o'clock everything was ready. I don't know how he managed to do it. It was more like a mini buffet than a picnic. He even had chafing dishes to keep the food hot. He had Justin and Wayne manning the grills and Brent and Jeremy were manning the bar.

The party was going fine until…..

Editor's Notes:

I swear, this is getting to be a habit with our wonderful author. I think I am going to have a long serious talk with the man. He seems to be picking up some bad habits from somewhere, and we are definitely going to need to remedy this deplorable situation.

Cliffhangers! Bah! Humbug!

It looks as if it won't be long now before both Lionel and Danny get to come home.

It looks like Ramsey is beginning to accept the love and attention that he is getting, and I hope he will be able to accept the fact that he now has people who really want to have him as their son. They already care about him, and want to raise him, Lionel and Louie. They can be a family again.

Oddly enough, I am ready for the next chapter!!!

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher