The Christmas Gift

Author's note: Here's my Christmas fic. It's based loosely on the move "The Christmas Gift" with John Denver. In this AU world, Brian is an architect and Gus is 8yrs old.

Brian had been deep in thought for the past hour. This was going to be Gus' first Christmas since the death of his mothers. It had been a hard year for him and for his father. Brian Kinney lost one of his best friends when Lindsay died. Now he was a full time dad, with all the responsibilities and joys of raising his son. Luckily, he had been an active part of Gus' life, but at eight years old, Gus felt the loss of his mothers tremendously. As any father would, Brian wanted this to be a special Christmas for his son, but he wasn't sure how to do that. Perhaps they should just skip Christmas this year.

A light knock on the door brought him back into the present. "Come in," he said, as he opened the folder in front of him.

"Brian, Gardner wants to see you in the conference room right now. He says it's important."

"Did he say what it was about?" Cynthia shook her head and Brian sighed. "On my way."

Brian was shown into the conference room and turned down an offer of coffee. He didn't want this meeting to take any longer than necessary. Several of the partners were there. This was not a good sign.

"Brian, something has just come up and we need your help." When Brian didn't say anything, Gardner continued. "I want you to go to Colorado. Georgetown to be exact. There's a parcel of land there for sale and I want you to check it out. Give me some preliminary sketches, you know what I want. I think the land would be perfect for a ski resort, tennis courts and condos. We'll make millions."

"And when did you want me to go?" Brian asked.

"Right away. Look, take Gus with you. It will give both of you a chance to get away."

Gardner wouldn't let Brian out of this deal. So he had to spend a little extra money to send the kid along. He had money, and making more money, on his mind and nothing was going to stop him. Not Gus, not Brian and certainly not Christmas.

*********************************************

The small plane landed on the freshly plowed runway. Brian and Gus walked down the steps into a winter wonderland. Back in Pittsburgh, the old snow was dirty from all the traffic and puddles of slush were everywhere as the noonday sun tried to melt the snow. Before them was a blanket of clean, fresh white snow, dotted here and there with pines. The mountains in the distance seemed to reach the sky.

Gus, who had been pouting for the past twenty-four hours about leaving what was left of his familiar life in the big city, stared, open-mouthed at the site. "Wow," was all he managed to say.

Brian looked around, knowing he had never been here before, but the whole scene had a familiar ring to it. He just knew he had seen it somewhere, somehow, before.

A car horn and a car backfire turned father and son's attention to a very old, very decorated cab as it pulled up to them. "Mr. Kinney? I'm Bud Sawyer. Busy Bee Cab Company," the driver said, getting out of the cab. Gus touched the garland and velvet ribbon bows attached to the side of the yellow cab. "I like to take Christmas with me wherever I go, young man."

The short ride to town was uneventful and Bud let the Kinney men out downtown in front of the hotel. "Oh, our tree lighting ceremony is tonight. And you'll hear all about the legend of our valley."

"Can we watch the Christmas tree lights, Dad?"

"Sure, Sonny Boy. Thanks, Bud," Brian said as he pulled out a camera and started snapping pictures of the decorated downtown. When he was done with the roll of film, he put it in an envelope. "Let me get these in the mail before we go to the hotel. It looks like the post office is open. Come on."

A long line of kids and grown-ups were slowly winding their way to the counter, each with a letter in their hand.

"Can I help you?" the clerk asked, when Brian's turn came.

Brian couldn't believe that he was staring into one of the most beautiful faces he had ever seen. Blue eyes with a definite sparkle stared back "Yes, I'd like to mail this letter to Pittsburgh."

"I'm sorry, this is Sunday. If you'll come back tomorrow, I'll be glad to mail it for you."

"But I need it to go out today, as soon as possible. You're open, why won't you take my letter?"

"We only take letters for Santa today. This is letter day."

"But this is a letter. I just need to know how much postage to put on it."

"I'm sorry," the young man said again, "only letters to Santa go out today." Brian noticed the young man was making an effort not to stare into his eyes.

"Fine. I'll come back tomorrow. Letter day. I've never heard of anything so silly."

As Brian turned to leave, the blond spoke to Gus. "Have you sent your letter to Santa, yet, littleman?"

"My name's Gus," the boy answered solemnly, "and no, I haven't. Not yet."

"Well, Gus. Don't wait too long. If you write it soon, it'll go out with all the others after the Christmas tree is lit. You will be here to see the tree lighting and hear the legend of our town, won't you?" He looked at the older man. "Won't you?"

"Sure. Wouldn't miss it."

Later that evening Brian and Gus stood with other town members in front of a large green tree, decorated with ribbon and shiny ornaments. The mayor began the story.

"One hundred years ago, while crossing the Rockies, our forefathers were caught in a blizzard the week before Christmas. They couldn't go forward and they couldn't turn back. They were stranded and faced certain starvation. Then on Christmas Eve a stranger appeared, a man with a long white beard. Lost and alone and nearing starvation, he asked for food, but the people were near starvation themselves and told him they had no food to give him. One little boy took pity on the stranger. That night he gathered up a little bit of food from each wagon and took it to the stranger. The stranger, for the little boy's charity and kindness, promised to reward the travelers. Then the stranger disappeared. The next morning the wagons were filled with lots of food, warm blankets and hand made toys for the kiddies. A trail led up to a spring and a beautiful valley. The little boy knew who that stranger was."

"Santa Claus," everyone yelled in unison.

Brian watched the joy in the citizens of Georgetown as they sang "O Christmas Tree" and wished each other a Merry Christmas.

"Hi. Nice to see you again." Brian looked toward the familiar voice. "I'm Justin. I don't think we got off on the right foot today. I just wanted to apologize."

"No need. Tempers can be short this time of year. You wouldn't happen to know someone who could show me, us, around, do you?"

Justin smiled his brightest smile. "I would be available as a tour guide. I was born and raised here." At that moment, Brian couldn't think of anyone else he'd rather have show him and Gus around the valley.

The next morning, Justin met Brian and Gus at the hotel and took them to the edge of town where they got into a horse drawn sleigh and headed out to the countryside.

They stopped after a few miles and Justin pointed to a mountain peak. "That's where it all began, our legend. Just like the stranger with the white beard, it's said that the legend will one day repeat itself and another Christmas miracle will save the town."

"What kind of miracle?" Gus asked.

"Legends are very careful not to reveal their secrets, Gus," Justin said, tapping the little boy on the tip of his red nose. "How about we let Libby rest and we can have some hot chocolate?"

"So what kind of work do you do, Brian?"

"He's an architect. He goes all over the country and designs condos, tennis courts and golf courses. Stuff like that."

Brian noticed Justin's sudden change in demeanor as Gus rattled off the type of work he did. He tried to play it off by saying he was just a run of the mill architect.

"Not this trip, though," Gus added thoughtfully. "Mr. Vance thought we should get away for a while. My moms died at Christmas last year."

"Oh, I'm sorry. You must miss her a lot right now."

"Both of them. Yeah, I do."

Justin looked at Brian. "Gus' mother and I were best friends. Her and her partner wanted a baby and asked me to be the father." Brian grabbed his son and started tickling him through the winter jacket. "Best thing I ever did in my entire life. Right, Sonny Boy."

"Right, Dad," Gus said, between giggles.

Later that night after Gus was tucked in bed, Brian and Justin sat in the hotel diningroom with cups of strong coffee. Brian had been admiring a painting on the wall. He remembered back to their arrival and the feeling he had seen this place before. "You know, I went to an art gallery in New York a few years ago, and I could swear, that's one of the paintings I saw. Or one like it by the same artist. I remember because the pictures seemed so serene, like the artist actually lived it."

"He did. Or rather, I did. I spent several years in New York when I was younger. Went to college there. Painted. Even had a few shows." He smiled. "But it wasn't home, you know? When I came back for my mother's funeral, I stayed. Never regretted it. I can paint whenever I want. Even sell them for good money when I need it. I don't think I could ever live in a big city again."

"I've only been here two days and I can understand what you mean. Gus seems to like it here, too."

"He's a great kid. You're lucky to have him. I'm glad you came to Georgetown, Brian Kinney."

They talked for the next hour, each one hoping the night wouldn't end. But of course, it had to. "I have an early morning phone call to make. Even though I'm on vacation, it's the business that pays the bills." Brian helped Justin on with his jacket. "Let me walk you out," he said, letting his hands linger a little longer than necessary on Justin's shoulders.

The two men walked slowly to the car. "I had a great time today, Brian. Will I see you tomorrow?"

Brian took Justin in his arms and placed a tender kiss on his lips. "You better see me tomorrow." He kissed the tip of Justin's nose then let him go. "You better leave before we give the people of Georgetown something to talk about."

"Are you kidding. I think we're the only two people still awake at this time of night." Brian was once again treated to the sight of Justin's smile. "Later"

"Yeah. Later."

*********************************************

Brian was on the phone by six the next morning. He wanted to talk to Gardner before any other business could be done. "Gardner, listen. I don't think Georgetown is the place for this development. Let's try for another place. There's some land near Boulder..."

"Brian, what are you talking about? I want Georgetown and I always get what I want." He wouldn't hear of the idea of any other town. "It's perfect. I've negotiated a deal on some farmland that was foreclosed on a few days ago. Now, I want those sketches mailed to me by overnight post. I'll call you when I've had a chance to go over them. Goodbye."

"Goodbye," Brian said to a dead phone. He wasn't entirely sure what was happening. He'd never purposely sabotaged a perfect campaign before. He always came through, no matter what, which is why Vance had given him this job. He couldn't help it if everything was turning out differently. He certainly hadn't come to Colorado to fall in love. That was the furthest thing from his mind three days ago. But now...what? Santa Claus and a miracle, that's what. And a town where everyone, kids and adults, believed in both of those things. A whole picture perfect, winter wonderland, decorated tree in the town square, town. Brian was beginning to think he was in big trouble.

That afternoon, Justin was again playing tour guide for the out of state guests.

"What a beautiful valley," Brian said, looking around at the snow and trees.

"This," he indicated with a sweep of his arm, "belongs to Jake Richards. Or at least it did." As they rode past the homestead, a large "for sale" sign came into view. Justin stopped the sleigh as a distinguished man walked toward them. Justin introduced the banker to his guests. After some small talk, he asked, "You finally did it, didn't you?"

"I had no choice, Justin. Jake and the kids will have to move as soon as we find buyers." What he didn't say was that he already had someone to buy the land. It was just a matter of signing the papers.

Back in town, at Justin's house, Brian watched Justin pour another cup of hot chocolate, thinking to himself that he had never drank so much of the liquid as he had done since he'd been here. He had to admit, though, that he was enjoying every cup.

"You're upset about the Richard's ranch, aren't you? Change is part of life, Justin. People, and places, have to grow and change with the times or they'll get left in the dust."

Justin put his cup down. "Your business is about change, Brian. Not mine. When I came back to Georgetown, I knew I couldn't leave to go back to big city life. My mother was the postmistress of the town and they offered me the job. I took it and never looked back. I have my art and I do some photography," he said, indicating the framed photos on the wall.

"At home and in love with the unspoiled land as long as you can keep the banks from selling it."

Gus wasn't sure what was going on, but he knew he didn't like the tone this conversation had taken. "Can we go on another sleigh ride, Justin?" he asked, hoping to ease the tension.

Justin looked at Brian. "That's up to you. You're the one on the clock."

Brian smiled. "We have to go, Son. You'll be late for pageant practice." Brian didn't know how his son had done it, but he already had a role in the town Christmas pageant. Probably the ole Kinney charm. He shook Justin's hand. "I hear there's a dance in town tonight. Perhaps I'll see you there."

"Perhaps. Don't expect it to be anything like the dances you go to in Pittsburgh. Wear jeans."

"Right."

Brian could hear the fiddles and guitars as he and Gus walked toward the large hall. Inside, there was laughter and smiles. They were greeted by name by people they had only met for a few minutes in a store or the hotel.

"Nice jeans for a city slicker. Care to dance?" Brian smiled and held out his arms after looking around to see what the townspeople would do. "Don't worry. They won't care. We're not the first gay couple who've danced here. Granted there aren't that many, but everyone here accepts the differences. Come on." Brian held Justin as they danced around the room, receiving nods from various people.

Gus wandered around, taking in the unfamiliar sights and met up with some of the other pageant kids. A boy a few years older and bigger than Gus stood by himself against the wall, just inside the door. "Hello," Gus said. "I'm Gus. Who are you?"

"That's Scruff," one of the girls answered. "He was supposed to be at practice today, but he didn't show up. He's moving."

"How come you're moving? I really like it here."

"My dad has to sell his farm."

"Oh. Umm, we're all going sledding tomorrow. Why don't you come with us?"

"I don't think I can." The older boy pushed himself off the wall. "I have to go." With that, he turned and left. Gus watched him climb bareback onto a large horse and ride off down the snow covered street. He seemed so sad, Gus thought. An afternoon of sledding might help to cheer him up.

"Gus, there you are," Brian said, seeing Gus. "I'm going to walk Justin home. Will you be okay here til I get back?" Gus assured him he would be okay hanging out with his new friends.

"Is this town always so friendly?" Brian asked, once he and Justin were outside.

"We're not always on our best behavior. We have our petty disagreements. We were real disappointed. No one wanted to see Jake lose his ranch. Our town. Well, my town. That which is old and good, that perhaps will go on forever. A bunch of us are hoping to rebuild the grammar school, turn it into a theater."

"A theater. I've never designed a theater. It might be fun." They continued walking. "I'll bet a lot of men in New York hated to see you go," Brian said, almost shyly.

Justin gave a small laugh. "A few, but no one followed me here."

Brian took Justin's hand. "Maybe you just hadn't met the right one yet." Justin arched his eyebrows and smiled as they walked on in comfortable silence. Outside of his house, they shared another kiss. Brian wished he didn't have to leave, but he did. Justin wished Brian could spend the night, but he couldn't. He sighed as he closed the door and went to the window to watch as Brian walked back down the road to the dance.

*********************************************

Gus had been sledding when he saw Scruff at the edge of the tree line on his horse. "Come on Gus, get on." Gus had never been on a horse before so Scruff got down and helped him up. They rode through the trees until they stopped at a small shed-like building. Scruff got off the horse and tied him to one of the trees. "Come on," he said. "Get down."

"You have to help." Scruff held up his arms and eased Gus off of the animal's back then led him into the shed. "This is my hideout. No one knows about it but me. And now you."

"This is neat. I'd have a hideout too, if I lived here."

"You've been hanging out with Justin a lot. Do you like him?"

"Yeah, he's nice. My dad likes him..." Gus stopped speaking.

"Hey, what's wrong? It's okay, you know, about your dad and Justin. It's no big deal around here. Honest." Gus smiled. He never quite knew how people would react when they found out about his father.

"Have you written your letter to Santa?"

"What good would it do? It won't change anything. My dad has to sell the ranch and we have to move."

While Gus and Scruff were riding back to the sledding area, Brian was with the banker and town mayor, Mr. Trusdale, heading to the Richards' ranch. "You work for Vance, don't you? I talked with him this morning. We finalized the deal."

Brian was silent for the rest of the ride. He had a lot of conflicting emotions to settle.

They pulled up to the house and got out. Jake Richards was working outside. "We sold the place, Jake. You have to be out the day after Christmas."

"He the buyer?"

"No. He works for him though. Big company from back east."

"Figures. You're going to change this valley for good. What? Ski lodges? Condos? I'm just glad 'm not going to be around to see it."

Brian watched as the sold sign was put up. "Jake, I want you to come to a town meeting tonight. I'd like to help you fight this thing. You worked your whole life to own this land."

"And it took me two years to go belly-up. It's happening all over the country. People losing land owned by their grandfathers and great-grandfathers. I'm lucky. I'm only losing land. They're losing family. I'm glad I'll be out of my misery." When he finished, he turned and walked off leaving Brian standing there staring at his back.

Back in town, Brian met up with Gus for lunch. Gus told his father all about Scruff and showed him a picture Scruff had drawn and given him. Gus didn't understand why the ranch had to be sold when Scruff loved it and didn't want to move.

"It's the law," was all his father said. "Look, if we didn't make the payments on the loft, we'd be out on the street." Changing the subject, he asked what Gus wanted for Christmas. Gus said he did ask Santa for what he always wanted, an authentic, radio controlled four-wheel drive Jeep, but he changed his mind.

"Why?"

"Because of Scruff. I want Scruff and his family to keep the ranch. That's the very best present Santa could bring me."

"That's a pretty tall order," Brian said, more to himself than any one else.

That evening, Brian and Vance were walking to the town meeting. "Gardner, you cannot buy these people or this town."

"Why? Because they believe in Santa Clause? I never knew you wee such a sentimentalist, Brian. Sounds like you believe it, too."

The mayor introduced Gardner Vance to the gathering and he received a polite applause. Vance started his speech my talking about the legend he had read about in the town paper. He placed himself in the role of the miracle maker. "Bringing a fresh new future, one of hope, happiness, and ringing cash registers."

Brian didn't want to listen to this any more. He stood. "What Mr. Vance is really saying is..."

"Brian, please. What Brian means is when he came out here, he couldn't wait to call me with the good news. He said that the countryside was as beautiful as if he had painted it himself. He told me about a magnificent ranch out side of town that was waiting to be foreclosed.. I couldn't wait to get on the phone with your mayor, Mr. Trusdale and purchase the property. Thanks to Mr. Kinney, the deal was sealed and here's the check.

"What kind of miracle do you and Mr. Kinney expect to bring to Georgetown?" Justin said, indignantly.

"Prosperity," Vance said, emphatically. "And I'm willing to buy other land at a fair market price."

"What if we don't want to sell?"

Bud stood. "Bud Sawyer, Busy Bee Cab Company. I have a question. Do you believe in Santa Claus?"

"I'm sure many of you here believe in Santa Claus. I'm not here to take that away from you. But, I'm here to show you the miracle of your future." Vance stood in front of a large, brightly wrapped package. When the paper was removed it revealed a mock-up of the surrounding countryside with condos and ski trails dotting the mountain.

A murmur went through the crowd. "Mr. Vance. The miracle and the legend of Georgetown have to do with charity and giving, not with negotiations."

Bud's sister, Henrietta stood. "I have my health and I live pretty well in my old age. What else do I need?"

"Old age needs security. The more people you bring into your hotel, the more security you have."

Brian was getting angry. "If you want to keep your hotel, Henrietta, you need to keep this man out of your town."

Vance pointed a finger at Brian. "I'm here because of you, Brian."

"You brought this man here," Justin said, putting his coat on. "A vacation for Gus! All you wanted to do was steal our land." He got up and rushed out the door.

"Justin, no. I never wanted him to come here. It's a mistake." But Justin was already out the door.

Vance continued his argument. "If you do not change, one hundred years from now, will there still be a Georgetown? Merry Christmas."

Gus faced his father. "You lied to me." He followed Justin out of the building.

Bud and Henrietta offered their solace. "You didn't mean to hurt us. Just because of what happened here, don't stop believing."

Vance headed for the door. As he passed Brian he said in a low voice, "You're fired."

Brian expected Gus to be standing outside when he left, but there was no sign of him. He wasn't at the hotel or at Justin's, but Justin offered to help in the search. They couldn't find him anywhere in town. "He must be hiding," Bud offered. Brian remembered Gus mentioning a hideout when he was with Scruff. Brian, Justin, Bud and other townsfolk headed for the ranch.

Meanwhile, the snow was falling as Gus tramped through the woods heading for Scruff's hideout. Tears almost froze on his cheeks. He fell a few times as the wind picked up, "It was all a lie. We didn't come here for me, for us. It was all business." He finally reached the relative safety of the old wooden structure. At least he was out of the stinging wind.

With Scruff and his father's help, Brian and the others made it to the hide-out. Brian raced inside, hoping his son was there. "Gus, Gus, are you alright?" he said when he saw his son huddled in a corner, crying.

"Dad," Gus said, rushing into his father's arms. Brian kept saying it was okay and hugging his son tight. He never wanted to be that scared again in his life. Never.

*********************************************

The next morning was Christmas Eve day. Gus was sitting up in bed enjoying the pampering he was getting from Henrietta. As she took away the breakfast dishes, Scruff came in. "I just came to say good-bye. My mom has been working in the next town as a waitress to help pay some bills. We're going to pick her up tomorrow and head on down the road from there."

"I asked Santa to let you keep your ranch."

"I did too. I even mailed the letter. I better be going."

"My dad lost his job because of all this. If we both lived here, we could be best friends. You could teach me to ride a horse."

"Yeah. Bye, Gus. Take care."

*********************************************

Brian had to go see Justin. There was a lot he had to say. Luckily, Justin invited Brian in and made a pot of coffee instead of refusing to see him.

"Justin, I came here needing a new start for Gus and myself. Things didn't work out like I planned. This is a town where people really care about each other. I'd like to find a way for Jake and his family to keep the ranch. I've got to stop Vance. In a year he'll have this town surrounded and if you don't sell out, or start doing things his way, there won't be a Georgetown. I have to do something and I'm going to do it tonight."

That night, the whole town was again in the local church, this time watching the Christmas pageant. Justin sat next to Brian and shared a hymnal as everyone sang "Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem". The minister then got up and introduced Brian.

As Brian got up to speak, the door opened and Vance walked in, removed his hat and took a seat in a back pew. He had come to hear what Brian was going to say.

"For those of you who don't me, I'm Brian Kinney. My son, Gus, and I have been here only a few days. I want to speak to you as someone who has lost something, more than once. Last yearat Christmas, Gus' mother died. We weren't married, but she was my best friend. Last night I lost my job and I almost lost my son.

If Vance moves in, you're going to lose. Everything you believe in will be gone. I know a lot of you blame me for what's happened. I didn't come here for a vacation. I came to see what kind of pickings were to be had. Then I started meeting the people of Georgetown. Bud and Henrietta, Mayor Trusdale, Justin Taylor and a fellow named Jake Richards. Vance will destroy everything you cherish. You people pride yourself in making your lives a living example of Christmas, 365 days a year. Are you going to give that up?

I know Bob Trusdale would love to find of way of helping Jake Richards. I'm saying Jake is a neighbor, a friend. Last night in the snow he and his son helped save my son's life. There has got to be a way to help Jake and his family and say "No" to Vance Development Corporation. Tonight we have the chance to be like that small boy a century ago, who found food enough to help a stranger. Now there's a way to help Jake and his family. If each of you were to go to the bank and put up your home as collateral on what Jake owes, you can give Jake and his family, not just a second mortgage, but a second life. I'm not asking you to do anything I'm not willing to do. I have some savings and I'll be willing to give everything I can to ensure Jake and his family get that second chance. That's all I've got to say."

There was a moment of silence as everyone looked around the room. Bud stood. "I'll put up the Busy Bee Cab Company."

"And the hotel," his sister added.

Soon the barbershop and newspaper were added to the list. Everyone applauded as more offers were made.

The minister suggested that instead of lighting a candle and singing the final carol at the tree, everyone go to the Richards' place and light a candle and wish their neighbors the Merriest of Christmas' and a Happy New Year.

As everyone was leaving the building, Vance grabbed Brian's arm. "Brian, I was only kidding when I fired you."

"Well, I'm not kidding. I just may stick around here. Goodbye, Mr. Vance."

The long line of cars drove up to the Jake's house. He was packing up his truck to leave.

"Jake, the people of Georgetown want you stay. As of Christmas Eve, everything you owe to the bank is paid off. That's their gift to you."

"I don't know what to say..."

There was nothing else to be said. Strains of "Silent Night" wafted through the valley as candles flickered in the cold night air.

**********************************************

Christmas morning was bright and sunny. Gus opened his presents around the hotel tree and was happy to see that Santa had gotten him what he asked for in his letter. It was no surprise, really, that everyone got what they wanted.

After a hearty Christmas breakfast, it seemed the whole town was gathered outside to share thejoy of the day. The sound of jingle bells filled the air as Justin approached in the sleigh.

"I believe I owe somebody a sleigh ride." Gus' face lit up as he climbed onto the red seat. "You're welcome to come, too, Brian."

Brian couldn't help the smile that appeared. "Yes," he thought, "I think Gus and I will stick around for a while." He climbed into the sleigh and gathered Justin in his arms. Their kiss promised so much more.

"It's a long way from the big city," Justin said, as if he read Brian's mind.

"Yea, but so much closer to home."

Gus was happy to see his father smile. "I already know what my wish is for next year," he said.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

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