Chapter Sixteen

Kaleb

H e dropped Jasha in the kitchen, the clatter of pots and pans filling the air, before walking to his office to meet Arlo. Arlo coincidentally arrived at the same time.

Kaleb opened the door to his office, and Arlo followed him in. Kaleb sat behind his desk while his cousin took a comfortable seat in front of it. He needed to find more time to spend in Lake Tahoe. They had discussed moving to California. With Jasha in the picture, he would have to see how he felt about it, but then he most likely wouldn’t want to change his college nor would Frankie.

“What’s going on?” Arlo asked.

“Slight problem. Jasha found out his father left the country.”

“I thought he wasn’t to have any contact with his father or anyone he knew. This is going to backfire on you.”

“Nothing is going to backfire. Last night, I became his Daddy Kaleb.”

“Is it for real?”

“He said for the month, then he’ll decide if he wants to continue. He knows he’s moving in with me.”

“So, what are you going to do about his father?”

“I have two guys trying to locate him, then I’m going to move him back to Brighton Beach. I don’t think Jasha will want to continue a relationship with me if I don’t reconnect him with his father. That’s all he has.”

“You said his father is into nasty shit.”

“He’s a big-time gambler, but he owes a ton more money to other loan sharks than what he owes me.”

“Did he leave because you took Jasha or because of some other shark?”

“Don’t know. Maybe he was relieved I took him. I think he’s in a lot deeper than I know.”

“Why bring him back then?”

“For Jasha. I really fucked up that day with his father, but I have Jasha. It has to all work out in the end. It really helps he and Frankie go to the same university. He’ll have a good friend. It’s good for both of them.”

Arlo nodded. “I think those two might get as close as we are.”

“The boys should be ready to leave. I told them to meet us at the door.”

“Oh, they’re going to love it.”

Kaleb and Arlo met the boys at the front door.

“The mobiles are outside ready for us,” Kaleb announced as he took Jasha’s hand and walked outside.

The crisp winter air bit Kaleb’s cheeks as he adjusted his helmet, glancing over at Jasha, who was fumbling with his own gear. The snow-covered landscape stretched out before them, a pristine blanket of white under the clear blue sky. Arlo was already revving up his snowmobile, with Frankie perched behind him, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Kaleb turned to Jasha, who looked nervous. “You ready for this?” he asked, his voice muffled by the helmet.

Jasha gave a hesitant nod, his breath visible in the chilly air. “Yeah, I think so. Just…don’t go too fast, okay?”

Kaleb patted Jasha’s shoulder reassuringly, then kissed him on the nose. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Just hold on tight.”

As they mounted the snowmobile, Jasha’s arms wrapped around Kaleb’s waist in a firm but slightly trembling grip. He started the engine, the machine roaring to life beneath them. Slowly, they moved, the snow crunching under the treads.

“How does it feel back there?” Kaleb called over his shoulder.

“Cold!” Jasha shouted back, but there was a hint of laughter in his voice. “But it’s kinda fun!”

Kaleb smiled, feeling a sense of pride. He increased their speed slightly, weaving through the trees with practiced ease. Ahead, Arlo and Frankie were already making tracks, Arlo’s laughter echoing through the forest.

After a while, they stopped at a clearing to take a break. Kaleb turned off the engine and helped Jasha dismount. Arlo and Frankie pulled up beside them, both grinning from ear to ear.

“How’s the newbie doing?” Arlo asked, clapping Jasha on the back.

“He’s a natural,” Kaleb replied, winking at Jasha. “Just needs a bit more practice, and he’ll want his own snowmobile to ride.”

Frankie hopped off the snowmobile, his cheeks flushed from the cold. “This was so much fun! We should do this again while we’re here.”

Kaleb nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the weather. “Definitely. It’s good for all four of us to get outside and have some fun.”

Arlo grinned, looking at the group. “Alright, who’s ready for lunch?”

Kaleb glanced at Jasha, who smiled more confidently. “You up for it?”

Jasha nodded, his eyes shining. “Yeah.”

They prepared to set off once more, this time for the restaurant. Despite the setback in the morning with Jasha, moments like these made it all worthwhile. He didn’t blame him for checking on his father. Kaleb would have to emphasize to Jasha that his rules were set up for the sake of safety, a situation he had not had to face until this moment.

Kaleb led the way into the cozy, rustic restaurant nestled in the heart of Lake Tahoe. The place was a charming blend of wood and stone, with a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow over the room. Christmas decorations adorned every corner, from twinkling fairy lights to garlands of pine and holly. The scent of pine mingled with the delicious aroma of hearty food, making Kaleb’s stomach rumble in anticipation.

They found a table near the window, offering a view of the snow-covered landscape outside. Kaleb pulled out a chair for Jasha, who smiled before sitting down. Arlo and Frankie took their seats across from them, their faces still flushed from the cold.

“I love this restaurant,” Jasha said, looking around in awe. “It feels like we’re in a Christmas movie.”

Kaleb grinned, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, it’s got that magical vibe, doesn’t it?”

As they settled in and ordered their meals, the conversation naturally drifted to their morning adventure.

“That was some serious fun out there,” Arlo said, leaning back in his chair. “I think Frankie and I might have set a new speed record.”

Frankie laughed, shaking his head. “I can’t believe how fast those snowmobiles can go.”

Kaleb glanced at Jasha, who was still beaming from the experience. “How’d you like your first ride, Jasha?”

“Loved it!” Jasha replied, his eyes sparkling. “Scary at first, but once I got used to it, it was just pure adrenaline.”

“Glad you enjoyed it,” Kaleb said, squeezing Jasha’s hand under the table. “Maybe next time, you’ll be the one driving.”

Jasha chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”

Arlo leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “So, what do you guys think about going sleigh riding tomorrow? There’s a place nearby that offers rides through the forest.”

Frankie’s face lit up. “That sounds fun!”

Kaleb nodded enthusiastically. “Count us in. It sounds like the perfect way to spend the day.”

Jasha’s smile widened. “I’m in too. It sounds like so much fun.”

“By the way,” Kaleb said, looking at Jasha and Frankie, “Miss Nadia wants you two in the kitchen tomorrow to help bake Christmas cookies.”

Frankie clapped his hands in delight. “I love baking! This is going to be so much fun.”

Jasha nodded, his excitement matching Frankie’s. “I’ve never baked Christmas cookies before, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Arlo said, “Don’t forget tonight is bubble bath night.”

Frankie squealed. “I can’t wait.”

“Would you like a bubble bath, too?” Kaleb asked.

Jasha’s face turned red, showing his embarrassment.

“Don’t be shy!” Frankie said.

“I want a bubble bath too, Daddy Kaleb.”

Kaleb was filled with elation and a deep sense of honor when Jasha publicly referred to him as Daddy Kaleb. He leaned over and kissed Jasha.

“You’ll have your bubble bath and a good time.”

Kaleb smiled, feeling a warm sense of contentment. Surrounded by loved ones and the festive spirit of the season, he knew this Christmas would be one to remember.

I’m Jasha’s Daddy Kaleb .