Even from inside the building, he was unmistakable.
Enormous.
Broad-shouldered.
White-bearded.
His bright-red Santa coat made him stand out among the black leather jackets.
Rachel folded her arms.
"Well."
The volunteer coordinator approached.
"What do you think?"
Rachel watched the motorcycles settle into their designated spaces.
"I think they weren't exaggerating about forty."
The coordinator laughed.
Outside, the engines began shutting off.
The sound faded.
Riders dismounted.
Adjusted their Santa hats.
Lifted gift bags.
And gathered around Big Jim for final instructions.
Rachel watched him raise one hand.
The men immediately quieted.
She felt a reluctant smile.
"At least somebody can control them."
The coordinator grinned.
"Apparently."
A few minutes later, Big Jim entered the lobby.
He ducked slightly beneath the decorative garland hanging above the doorway.
His boots struck the tile.
His face was serious.
When he saw Rachel, he removed his Santa hat.
"Nurse Rachel?"
She nodded.
"Big Jim?"
He smiled.
"That's me."
She shook his hand.
His palm swallowed hers.
He looked toward the decorated hallway.
"Thank you for having us."
Rachel studied him.
"You remember the rules?"
He nodded.
"Every one."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Even the quiet ones?"
He smiled faintly.
"Especially those."
The volunteer coordinator arrived with a clipboard.
The hospital staff checked the gift lists, reviewed the visiting assignments, and guided the riders to designated waiting areas.
Not all forty entered the children's wing at once.
Small groups moved between approved rooms while the others waited, prepared gifts, or helped with arrangements that did not require entering patient areas.
Jim accepted every instruction.
When one rider became overly excited and began speaking too loudly, Jim placed one hand on his shoulder.
"Inside voice, brother."
The man grinned.
"Sorry, Santa."
Jim shook his head.
"Don't make me put you on the naughty list."
Several riders laughed quietly.
Rachel noticed herself smiling.
For the first time that evening, she began to relax.
Then the first child received a present.
And everything changed.
Lily was sitting beside her little Christmas tree when Big Jim knocked on the door.
He waited.
Her mother looked up.
Rachel stood beside the entrance.
"Ready?"
Lily's eyes widened.
A huge figure in red filled the doorway.
The man's beard was enormous.
His black leather vest showed beneath the coat.
His tattooed hands held a neatly wrapped package.
He lowered himself slightly so he would not tower over the little girl.
"May Santa come in?"
Lily stared.
For a moment, she could not speak.
Then whispered, "Are you really Santa?"
Jim smiled.
"Only on Christmas Eve."
Her mother laughed softly.
Lily looked toward Rachel.
Then back at Jim.
"Do you have reindeer?"
Jim considered.
"Usually."
"Where are they?"