Chapter 57
In the great room, Robbie was beside himself. “Look, Dad,” he said, “it’s Thomas the Tank Engine. A whole set of tracks and everything.”
“Cool,” I said, ruffling his hair. “Why don’t you set it up while I go make some coffee?”
He needed no encouragement, and by the time Mike appeared on the scene, Robbie had assembled an elaborate and somewhat oddly shaped arrangement of track. We settled down on the sofa with our coffee, watching Robbie and enjoying his excitement. Finally we started opening other gifts, handing Robbie his packages as they turned up. Everyone on my staff had bought something for him, as had Chief and Mrs. Bridges.
Mike and I had a leisurely breakfast, but Robbie was too excited to eat, so we settled for letting him take a slice of toast to the area around the tree. We carried our coffee to the great room and watched him for a while. Finally, I said, “Robbie, you forgot about one stocking hanging on the mantle, didn’t you?”