Chapter Nineteen

Kaleb

I n the morning they all met for breakfast, then the boys were to work in the kitchen with Miss Nadia and the girls baking cookies. Kaleb and Arlo dropped the boys off in the kitchen and made their way to a business meeting in Kaleb’s office down the hallway.

Kaleb sat in his office, the large windows offering a breathtaking view of Lake Tahoe. The water shimmered under the morning sun, a serene contrast to the turmoil he felt inside. His desk was impeccably organized, with neatly stacked papers and a single framed photo of him and Jasha ice skating.

Arlo sat across from him, his expression serious. They had a tough conversation ahead.

“Arlo, we need to find Valentin,” Kaleb began, his voice steady but laced with concern. “He went to Canada, then Russia. We have to track him down so I can talk to him.”

Arlo nodded, his brow furrowed. “I know, Kaleb. But it’s not just about finding him. He owes so much money, and there was that death threat from two other loan sharks. It’s dangerous.”

Kaleb sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I understand the risks. But Jasha wants his father here for Christmas. I want to make that happen for him. We need to find Valentin and send him a ticket to California.”

Arlo leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin as he considered Kaleb’s words. “Even if we find him, what about the money? Valentin can’t afford to pay back what he owes. We’re looking at a significant loss.”

Kaleb’s gaze drifted to the photo on his desk of him and Jasha. “I know. But this isn’t just about money. It’s about family. Jasha has been through so much. If bringing his father here for Christmas can give him some happiness, then it’s worth it.”

Arlo sighed. “Alright. I’ll start making calls, see if we can get any leads on Valentin’s whereabouts. But, Kaleb, we need to be prepared for the worst. This could get messy.”

Kaleb nodded, his resolve firm. “I know. But for Jasha, it’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

As they continued to discuss their plan, Kaleb couldn’t help but feel a mix of anxiety and hope. Finding Valentin was just the first step. But for Jasha, he would move mountains.

After they finished their meeting, the two separated. While Arlo made phone calls, Kaleb decided to find Jasha in the kitchen.

Kaleb walked into his vast kitchen, which was festively decorated for Christmas. Garland and twinkling lights adorned the cabinets, and a large wreath hung above the stove. The scent of freshly baked cookies filled the air, mingling with the cheerful notes of Christmas music playing softly in the background.

Miss Nadia was at the counter, rolling out the dough with her two nieces, Kira and Helina. Jasha and Frankie were also there, laughing and chatting as they decorated cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. The kitchen was a hive of activity, with everyone contributing. Jasha looked like he was comfortable and belonged there, which made Kaleb happy.

They had gingerbread cookies shaped like little men and women, decorated with colorful icing and tiny candy buttons. There were also sugar cookies in the shapes of stars, Christmas trees, and snowflakes, each one meticulously adorned with vibrant sprinkles and edible glitter.

In addition, they were making classic chocolate chip cookies, which were Kaleb’s favorite, with gooey chocolate chunks melting perfectly in the oven. Some cookies were even shaped like reindeer and Santa Claus, adding to the festive cheer.

Kaleb’s eyes immediately caught sight of Kira, who moved and was standing close to Jasha, her eyes sparkling with admiration. She was clearly flirting, her cheeks flushed as she giggled at something Jasha said. Kaleb felt a pang of protectiveness and a hint of amusement.

He walked over, placing a gentle hand on Jasha’s shoulder. “Kira, I just wanted to let you know Jasha is mine,” he said with a warm smile, his tone polite but firm.

Kira’s eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly stepped back, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red. “Oh, I- I didn’t realize,” she stammered, glancing between Kaleb and Jasha.

Jasha laughed softly, giving Kaleb a grateful look. “It’s okay, Kira. We’re just here to make some amazing cookies.”

Frankie, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing smile, nudged Helina playfully. “Looks like we need to focus on our cookies, huh?”

Helina giggled, her crush on Frankie clear in her shy glances. “Yeah, let’s make the best ones.”

The group continued their cookie-making, the atmosphere light and joyful. Miss Nadia supervised, offering tips and encouragement as they decorated the cookies with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Laughter and Christmas music filled the room, creating a warm and festive ambience.

Kaleb felt a sense of contentment wash over him as he watched everyone work together. Despite the challenges they faced, moments like these reminded him of the importance of family and togetherness. And as he stood beside Jasha, he knew they would face whatever came their way together.

After they ate some cookies and the rest were put away on decorative plates with covers, Kaleb and Jasha went upstairs to their bedroom.

“Hey, do girls always flirt with you?”

“Yes, they do.”

“I’ll have to keep a good eye on Kira.”

“She’s harmless and scared to be here. She wants friends, that’s all.”

“We’re going to Echo Summit Adventure Mountain, so I want you to wear jeans and a sweater. Then your jacket and scarf with gloves.”

“Are we going sleigh riding?”

“Arlo and Frankie are coming. I invited the girls, but they didn’t want to go outside.”

“That’s too bad.”

“They might join us in another activity,” Kaleb said.

Once they were both bundled up in warmer clothes, they descended the stairs to find Arlo and Frankie already waiting for them. They wrapped themselves in jackets, scarves, and gloves, feeling the warmth instantly seeping into their bodies. They had to wear boots, which Kaleb had ordered for Jasha yesterday and luckily, they had arrived this morning.

“Where did those boots come from?” Jasha asked, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

“Santa Claus dropped them off early since he heard we were going sleigh riding,” Kaleb said.

“Thank you, Santa Claus. Sorry I missed you this morning,” Jasha said.

Adam had the limousine door open for them. They filed inside and off they went to Echo Summit Adventure Mountain for a day of sleigh riding. Nestled on over forty pristine acres at the top of Echo Summit, the resort offered breathtaking views and three hills with varying degrees of slope, perfect for both beginners and advanced tubers and sledders.

Kaleb rented one sled for him and Jasha, while Arlo and Frankie took another one to share. The crisp mountain air filled Kaleb’s lungs as they positioned themselves on their sled at the top of the hill. The slope before them was a thrilling descent, promising an exhilarating ride.

“Ready, Jasha?” Kaleb asked.

Jasha nodded, gripping the sides of the sled tightly. “Ready!”

With a push, they were off, the sled gliding smoothly over the packed snow. The wind whipped past their faces as they picked up speed. The landscape blurred into a white rush. Jasha’s laughter echoed through the air, mingling with Kaleb’s shouts of joy. They navigated the twists and turns of the hill, the sled bouncing slightly over minor bumps, adding to the thrill of the ride. Arlo and Frankie were not too far behind them.

“This is great!” Jasha said as they were flying down the hill.

At the bottom, they came to a gentle stop, both of them breathless and grinning. “That was amazing!” Jasha’s cheeks flushed with excitement.

Kaleb ruffled Jasha’s hair. “You did great! Ready to go again?”

After several more runs, they took a break and headed to the cozy lodge nearby. Inside, the warmth was a welcome contrast to the chilly outdoors. They found a table and ordered hot chocolate, the rich aroma filling the air as they waited.

Kaleb took a sip of his drink and smiled at Jasha. “I’m really glad we did this. It’s nice to share these moments outside.”

Jasha nodded with his hands wrapped around his mug. “Yeah, it’s been so much fun. I love being out here with you all.”

“It’s important to make memories like these. They stay with us forever,” Kaleb said.

“I think you’re right. Thanks for bringing me here.”

Kaleb smiled warmly. “Anytime, Jasha. Anytime.”