Chapter Twenty-Six

Jasha

J asha couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Daddy Kaleb in jeans and a sweater, his heart-warming at how sexy he looked this morning.

Jasha wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close, then leaned in for a passionate kiss.

“How come you seem sad?” In all the time Jasha spent with him, he had never seen him unhappy. There was definitely something bothering him. Jasha couldn’t tell if it was related to work or their relationship. Hopefully, it wasn’t the latter.

“One of your presents isn’t exactly what I wanted, but it will be up to you to accept it or not.”

“You’ve already given me enough presents.”

“This one is a promise I made myself and to you.”

“Don’t look sad. This is our first Christmas together. You’ve made everything so festive and full of love.”

“I want to give it to you here because it’s no one else’s business.”

Jasha’s anxiety grew as Daddy Kaleb reached into a drawer and extracted a vivid red envelope. He handed it to Jasha. His hands trembled as he opened the envelope, his heart racing. Inside was a letter and a one-way ticket to Russia. He took the letter out and read it.

Dear Jasha,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of regret. First, I want you to know how sorry I was when Mr. Bronson took you from me because I didn’t have his money. After that dark day, your love for me will stay with me for the rest of my life. Your sacrifice to save me was something I never expected. I love you very much.

Second, I had to leave abruptly and without warning, and for that, I am truly sorry. The situation with my creditors became untenable, and I found myself with no other option but to flee to Russia.

I know this must be a shock to you, and I can only imagine the confusion and worry you must be feeling. Please understand my sudden departure was not a decision I made lightly. It was a matter of survival, and I had to act quickly to ensure my safety.

Enclosed with this letter, you will find a ticket to Russia paid for by Mr. Bronson. I’m asking you to consider joining me here. I miss you terribly and long for us to be together again. Life here is different, but I believe we can make a fresh start and build a new life together. You could attend the university in St. Petersburg. Your presence would mean the world to me and would help me.

I understand this is a lot to ask, and I respect whatever decision you make. Please know that my love for you stays unwavering, and I’m here for you, no matter what. If you choose to move here, I’ll be waiting for you with open arms.

Take care of yourself, my dear son. I hope to see you soon.

Love,

Papa

“Don’t decide now. Give it a day or so. The ticket is for December twenty-sixth. I’m sad because I don’t want you to leave, but if this makes you happy, I’ll have to let you go with great sadness.” Daddy Kaleb stroked his beard. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“I don’t know what to say.”

Jasha sat on the edge of the bed, his mind swirling. Daddy Kaleb had just told him he had found his father in Russia and was willing to send him there to live with him. The news was shocking, and Jasha couldn’t believe that he would suggest he leave the States.

Daddy Kaleb’s love for him was undeniable, and Jasha knew he didn’t want him to go. Yet Daddy Kaleb had made it clear he wouldn’t stand in his way if he chose to leave. This selflessness only made Jasha’s heart ache more. He felt torn between the desire to reunite with his father and the deep love he had for Daddy Kaleb.

The thought of leaving Daddy Kaleb behind was unbearable. Jasha had found a sense of belonging with everyone here at Lake Tahoe. The idea of starting over again in Russia, away from the life he was building here, filled him with uncertainty and fear.

Jasha looked at Daddy Kaleb, who was sitting quietly beside him, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. He knew that Daddy Kaleb’s suggestion came from a place of love, but it didn’t make the decision any easier. Jasha’s heart was heavy with the weight of the choice he had to make, and he wished there was a way to have both his father and Daddy Kaleb in his life without having to choose between them.

“How did you find him?” Jasha asked.

“Arlo helped me, then I talked to him on the phone. He sent the letter for you to open today. He wanted you to have two days to think about it.”

“I’ve never met anyone who commits himself to loving his family and to me the way you have. I love you.”

“I’m willing to put your happiness above mine because I love you too.”

Jasha couldn’t hold back his tears anymore. He loved his father and Daddy Kaleb. He had to decide what to do. He didn’t want to move to Russia, but that was where his father was, safe and unharmed.

Daddy Kaleb took him in his arms and held on to him for a long time.

“I have plans for just us today. Tonight, we’ll spend it with the others.”

“What are we going to do?”

“How would you like to hike in the snow? We’ll take hot chocolate in a thermos and some snacks.”

“That sounds fun.”

“Get dressed and I’ll prepare our refreshments.” He kissed Jasha and left.

How was Jasha going to function with this pending decision weighing on him like a ton of bricks? He dressed hurriedly and raced downstairs to the kitchen. Daddy Kaleb had two backpacks, each filled with snacks and hot chocolate.

“Are you ready?” Daddy Kaleb asked.

“Yes.”

After they put on their jackets, boots, and scarves, Daddy Kaleb put a red beanie on covering his ears and he had one for Jasha too. They put on the backpacks and left the house, stepping into lightly falling snow.

Jasha pulled his scarf tighter around his neck as he and Daddy Kaleb trudged through the snowy woods. The trees, heavy with fresh snow, stood like silent sentinels around them. The air was crisp, each breath a visible puff of white. Jasha glanced at Daddy Kaleb, who was walking beside him, his cheeks flushed from the cold and his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“This place is magical,” Daddy Kaleb said, his voice breaking the serene silence. “I can’t believe how beautiful it is.”

Jasha smiled, trying to match Daddy Kaleb’s enthusiasm. “It really is. I’m glad we came out here. I love Lake Tahoe.”

They continued their hike, the snow crunching under their boots. Jasha’s mind, however, was not as serene as the landscape. He was deeply worried about his father in Russia and the decision he had to make. But he didn’t want to ruin the moment for Daddy Kaleb.

“We might have some time to go ice skating again,” Daddy Kaleb suggested, his eyes lighting up. “And then we can go Christmas caroling in the evening. It’ll be fun!”

“Yeah, I love to ice skate,” Jasha replied, forcing a smile.

Daddy Kaleb laughed. “Maybe the girls will come skating too.”

Jasha laughed, but his thoughts quickly drifted back to the decision he had to make.

“Daddy Kaleb,” Jasha began hesitantly, “there’s something I need to ask you.”

Kaleb stopped and turned to face him. “What is it, Jasha?”

Jasha took a deep breath. “My father…he’s in Russia, and he’s having a really tough time. I don’t know what to do. If I don’t move to Russia, will I ever see him again?”

Kaleb’s expression softened, and he reached out to take Jasha’s hand. “You can visit your father, Jasha. Family is important. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

Jasha felt a wave of relief wash over him. “Thanks. That means a lot to me.”

They continued their hike, the silence between them now filled with unspoken understanding. Jasha knew the decision still wouldn’t be easy, but having Kaleb’s support made it a little less daunting. For now, he decided to focus on the present, cherishing the time they had together in the snowy woods.