Cabin in the Sierra Mountains, Christmas Eve

Billy let out a short laugh when he realized their destination. "You have got to be kidding me."

"Heh," his step father grinned. "Nope. Your mother wanted this to be a big family thing. Both your families. She's already there with your sister."

Billy smiled and leaned back in the passenger seat of the four wheel drive. "They haven't gotten the tree yet have they?"

"They'd better not have. I told Snake-Eyes I wanted to go cut one down together. All the men."

"You know most of the women will insist on going too right?"

"Yeah, probably. Even better. Think if I ask really nicely we can get Snake-Eyes to cut the tree down with his sword? I've always wanted to see that."

"Depends on how thick the trunk is and how healthy the tree. I think the sap might make it tough. I bet Jeanie could convince him though. She's got that adorable puppy dog eyes thing down."

Billy's step father laughed. "Oh yeah. Thank God your mom's immune to that. She manages to keep me from giving in too much."

Eventually, the jeep pulled into the drive of the cabin, and was met by a wolf.

"Woah." Sam Croix stared. "I thought they were kidding."

"Nope. That's Timber. Or, Timber Jr. I think. Sokay, she's friendly."

"Okay." he said doubtfully. "You go first though."

Timber Jr. sniffed them both as they came, then looked back towards the door where a blond man with a tatoo similar to Billy's had emerged from the front door. He nodded, and the animal decided that was good enough for her.

"Hey Snake. Merry Christmas."