Grandfather walked back over to the warm corner near the wall.
He knelt down slowly despite the stiffness in his old knees.
He looked into Leo's bright blue eyes with soft and gentle warmth.
Grandfather: You never have to stay in this cold place again.
Leo: Can I bring my wooden airplane with us, Grandfather?
Grandfather: That wooden airplane is coming right home to my desk.
Grandfather lifted Leo up into his strong arms once again gently.
He walked past Richard who stood frozen against the white wall.
Victoria sat on the floor crying over her ruined holiday party decor.
Grandfather: The deputies will make sure you leave by eight tonight.
Richard: Dad, please... where am I supposed to go now?
Grandfather: You can find a small place that fits your small heart.
Grandfather carried the boy out the double doors into the night.
The cool winter air felt fresh and clean away from the house.
The heavy black SUV stood waiting with its engine running warm.
Grandfather placed Leo safely into the back seat of the car.
He wrapped a soft woolen blanket over the young child's knees.
The lawyer handed a set of key documents to the old man.
Arthur: The custody papers are fully filed with the court, sir.
Grandfather: Thank you, Arthur. Leo is coming home to the ranch.
Grandfather climbed into the driver seat and put the car in gear.
Leo looked out the window as the mansion faded into the distance.
He pulled the wooden toy airplane close against his warm blanket.
Leo: Grandfather, does uncle Richard really think my gift was cheap?
Grandfather: That is the most valuable gift I have ever seen, son.
The SUV drove down the snowy road toward a bright new future.