The Secret

James was sitting at the table in his gift-wrapping room, which really was his guest bedroom with a folding table. Listening to Christmas music and humming along.

Jasper, the big orange cat, in need of his attention. Slapped his left paw on the paper, which was covered with kittens wearing red hats.

"No, Jasper, this is not for you, it's for the kitties at the shelter. I have to drop them off today. They are closed for the rest of the week. Go play with something while I finish. Watch TV. I left it on for you."

Jasper flicked the tape, and it sailed off the table, hitting the floor spinning.

They gave each other the look. James got to his feet and picked Jasper off the table. Heading through the door toward the kitchen.

"Chicken or fish? Lunch, then you're on the treamill." James took two cans from a cupboard. Set them beside Jasper on the island. "Pick."

Jasper set a paw on the chicken delight can.

"Should have known." He opened it, emptied it onto a plate that had 'Jasper written across it. Scooped up Jasper and set both on the floor. "Bon appétit, Jasper." He walked away as the cat inhaled the chicken.

His phone rang with the sound of Jingle Bells. Looking at the caller ID, he smiled. "Sam, hi, Merry Christmas. Where are you?"

"The airport, just waiting for my bag. Merry Christmas, back at ya! What are you doing? Just wanted to touch base before we get into the family stuff."

"Wrapping kitty gifts for the shelter, almost done. They close today for the week, so I need to get the deliveries done. Hatch is full of cat food and the new beds you sent, thank you."

"Sounds like fun, listen, oh, here's my bag, and there's my Dad. Call me later. We are still on for tomorrow, right? Hi Dad. Gotta go. Bye." The line disconnected.

He smiled as he imagined her dad hugging her, laughing, and lifting the five-foot-nine woman off her feet. None of us had seen her since August, and Harvert was a far cry from Ft Worth. She was in her final year and looked forward to joining her dad's firm after the bar exam.

They grew up together, became best friends, and shared everything with each other. Well, almost everything. He turned his head when he heard Jasper.

"No, you don't, treadmill Jasper." The cat turned and walked away. Knowing he could not get out of it. Looked back over his shoulder.

"Don't give me the stink eye, Jasper." James picked up the remote and heard the machine start, and the cat let out a grumpy meow. James finished the kitty gifts, set them in the red foil-wrapped box, and walked them out to his SUV. The sun was shining, but it was cold. He wondered if it would be a white Christmas.

The next morning, James pulled up in front of the Browns' residence to pick up Sam. It was an almost modest brown brick two-story classic-looking house, covered with lights and Christmas ornaments. He knew Mrs. Brown loved decorating and did a fabulous job, in his opinion.

Since his parents' death three years ago in a boating accident, the Browns had included him in all the holidays, never forgot his birthday, and supported his small bookstore in Old Town.

"So what have you two got planned for lunch?" Mrs. Brown asked, taking cookies out of the oven.

Sam scrunched her shoulders and looked at James, who did the same.

"Well, whatever it is, have a good time."

James took her hand as they walked to the SUV, opened the door for her, and bent and kissed her.

"Can't wait until you are home again. I mean forever."

"Me too. Where are you taking me? Who's working the store? It's got to be crazy busy."

"Janice and Peggy, give them extra hours, and they love it. We'll go by after lunch. I took a couple of days off."

He pulled up behind an older warehouse just past downtown.

"Where are we? I love the murals, is this a new art gallery?"

The full length of the red brick building was painted with scenes from the old cattle ranches and cowboys.

"No, it's a soup kitchen and we are here to serve. We volunteered.

"Did we?"

They have their Christmas dinner today, and Santa comes early to give out gifts to the children. He'll come in about an hour. This is something I have always wanted to do. Plus, share it with you," he squeezed her hand. "I'll get the door."

"I'm impressed, James. This is so thoughtful and will be fun. Great lunch idea. Thank you."

He walked around the SUV and opened her door. Then led the way to the back entrance, where he coded them in.

"They trust me."

"They should."

The vast room was beautifully decorated, with a large Christmas tree standing in one corner, all the tables set with white tablecloths, and people starting to arrive through the front doors. They were greeted and welcomed by volunteers.

James introduced Sam to everyone he knew. Someone sat at an old piano playing carols, and behind the row of overflowing hot food trays stood an array of people ready to serve. They took their place with them.

Happy, smiling, joking, and welcoming the people as they approached and picked up a white plate, a fork, and a knife.

"Is that your mom's piano? I learned to play on that piano."

She looked around the room, recognizing the furniture in the sitting areas, and took in all the dining tables, one of which she had eaten at many times. Pictures on the walls, she had grown up looking at.

"Is this yours?" she whispered, leaning into him.

James smiled. "I started it. But it belongs to everyone and anyone who is hungry or needs a place."

"How?"

He smirked and leaned into her ear. "My lips are sealed."

"Mine too." She kissed his cheek.

The End