Neither Ivy or Jim said much during the ride back to the Glen, from the hospital in Coffs. The x-rays showed beyond a doubt that Jim had been right in part. Several of his ribs were cracked but one was very definitely broken. Both relieved and worried Ivy intended to follow the doctors orders to the letter. Lots of rest for Jim and no fighting or training for that matter for some months to come.

Once back in their room at the boarding house Ivy decorated the little tree with ribbon and set it on the dresser. "Will Santa come if you don't leave him cookies?" Jim asked.

"I hope so. But you never know. I could go downstairs and see if I can find some cookies for Santa. Does Santa really need cookies?"

Looking at Jim she smiled. "I think your right. I think Santa just might need some cookies. I'll see what I can do."

Jim took advantage of the time Ivy was out of the room. Pulling out his suitcase and removing a small package from the inner compartment he slid it under his pillow. Santa would come he was sure, but he still thought he'd like cookies.

Ivy returned with a package addressed to the both of them. "Jimmy we got a package from your parents." Sitting down next to him on the bed she handed it to him. "Go ahead.....it is Christmas Eve in New Jersey after all." Jim opened the package carefully and a big grin spread across his face as recognition happened. Removing a large tin from the box he gently placed it on the bed. Ivy looked at it quizzically. Jim lifted the lid to reveal tissue paper.

"Jim what is it?"

"Be prepared to be amazed" he replied as he removed what looked like a cookie from the tissue.

Ivy looked puzzled. "Jim it looks like a cookie."

"Ivy, this is no ordinary cookie. These are my mothers Irish lace cookies."

"Well then I guess Santa will be satisfied."