10. Jasper

Chapter ten

Jasper

Oh shit, did Natalie really just drop those questions like a lit match and then excuse herself to her room before the bomb could go off?

The silence following her exit is louder than any argument. An icy fist squeezes around my heart as I watch Cole war with himself, deciding what to say and what not to say.

Despite his bad-boy image, he’s a softy and doesn’t like making any trouble. The relationship between Nick and Cole is also fairly fragile. Over all my time I’ve spent in the North Pole, never has Nick visited Cole’s house.

Maybe Natalie has been sent by the fates as a catalyst to get us out of the rut we’ve found ourselves in.

“Cole, I need to know,” Nick starts, bracing his forearms on his knees. “Is it true? Do you not like working on the Naughty List?”

Cole closes his eyes for a moment before he opens them again, determination brimming from every pore of his body. “Honestly, it’s a fucking shit job.”

“Tell me how you really feel,” Nick says dryly.

Like a popped balloon, the tension fizzes out of the room. I’m the first to succumb to laughter, Nick following, and Cole finally joining.

When we’re calm enough to talk again, Nick asks, “Is there something specific you would rather do? Or do you have an idea of how we can remake the Naughty List so that it makes sense?”

“Jasper?” Cole throws the ball in my court and I can’t help but feel flattered that he wants me to take the lead.

Knowing this is a unique opportunity that might not come again easily, I try to be brave like Natalie would want me to be, building on the foundation she created by opening up this conversation.

“I think we could replace the coal with something else. Something inspirational that would motivate children to try harder, to learn about different perspectives, to give them hope.”

Nick nods and clicks his beefy fingers in my direction. “That’s great thinking, Jasper. The world would be a much better place if we could uplift those that need it, instead of punishing them. If we could find the right ‘thing’ it might even lead to a much shorter Naughty List.”

I didn’t realize I was holding my breath, waiting for his response, until it escapes in a whoosh. “That’s the hope.”

Nick shifts in his seat to face Cole more directly. “What are your thoughts?”

Biting his lip, Cole’s brow puckers before relaxing. “I agree with Jasper. I’m not sure what we can replace it with, but it could make a huge difference in the lives of children and even future generations.”

Nick suddenly stands, his large form taking up most of the space in the living room, before he becomes self-conscious. With my horns, I’m usually the tallest in a room, but Nick makes even me feel small.

Nick sits back down, but balances on the edge of the cushion, excitement twinkling in his eyes. “I’ve got an idea. How about you guys go on a business trip? Take one of the sleighs, travel around the North Pole, visit the different villages to see what each excels at making, get inspiration, and get back to me with a proposal. If it seems feasible, then we can start production in time for this Christmas.”

My jaw almost hits the floor, but I’m not alone in my surprise.

“You’d really be okay with that?” Cole asks.

Brows drawing together, Nick looks at us as if the answer should be obvious. “Of course. I don’t want you to be unhappy, and seeing children unhappy literally makes me sad. I’m all about good feelings.”

I raise a hand. “Can we take Natalie?”

Nick taps a finger against his lips. “How long is she staying with you? I still don’t know how a human got in here, nor do I know what’s going on between you three, but I think she’s good for you—both of you. Don’t let her slip through your fingers.”

I toy with a horn, then realize I’m giving away my nerves, and fold my hands on my lap instead. “I’m not sure how much we can say, especially because we don’t have all the answers yet either. But basically, I met her a couple of days ago and we have this magical bond that forces us to stay close to each other. We don’t know how long it’ll last, so I hope it’s okay that she comes with us.”

“Is she bonded to both of you?” Nick asks without a hint of emotion.

“No,” Cole says, a careful mask in place that I’m guessing runs in the family, now that I’m seeing them together.

“Not yet,” I correct.

Nick’s smile is wistful as he says, “How incredibly fortunate you two are. Maybe I’ll get lucky and have someone inexplicably bonded to me, too. I can only hope they fight as fiercely for me as Natalie is fighting for you. She has the potential to change your lives.”

I swallow hard and realize how true that is. Nick never dates. Just works and makes toys, and keeps everyone around him happy. I hope he’ll have someone sent along his way soon, because I’m not sharing Natalie. I also suspect Nick might perhaps be a little scared of her too.

Nick slaps his palms to his knees, his lips pressing into a thin line before he takes a deep breath. “Anyway, I best be going. Got a new line of toys they’re doing up at Pyor? I want to oversee. I’ll send over one of my sleighs tomorrow morning so you can get going sooner rather than later. Would you mind sending me a plan of your route? I’d love to follow along on your adventure. Maybe check in a time or two?”

“Yeah, no problem. We can definitely do that,” Cole says. I sense lots of bonding coming between these two brothers. Natalie might have put more in motion than she set out to do.

All of us stand and I move to Cole’s side when Nick asks, “Would a month be enough time for this trip? I think that’s the maximum amount of time I can give you before we would need to start production on whatever you pick, if we’re planning to get things done by Christmas.”

I place an arm around Cole’s shoulders. Thankfully, he’s not nervous or stiff, just leans into me as the shock of the visit most probably has thrown his defenses off.

“Yes. Definitely. That’s really generous. Thank you,” Cole says, gratefulness for his big brother shining in his eyes.

“Maybe spending time in the villages will also give the other elves the opportunity to get to know you. To see what a great male you are.”

Cole shakes his head. “Yeah, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. One thing at a time.”

We see Nick out and promise to keep in touch.