Page 54 of Courting the Krampus
Quill sits back and twirls the end of his impressive mustache. “I’ve been in charge of production for many, many years—perhaps too many years—but it’s never been as slow as it’s been lately. Children want fancy toys nowadays and the request for books for Christmas is down.”
“I love books,” Jasper says excitedly. “I wish I can get a book, or twenty, for Christmas. Take note, mates,” he adds with a wink.
An amused smile lifts Quill’s mouth. “If only more children would wish for that, then the village would be thriving again.”
Concern draws Cole’s brows down. “Is it affecting the village too?”
“Oh yes,” Quill nods sadly. “Many have relocated to Joulu or moved to neighboring villages. It seems that the fondness for books they once had, is not quite what it used to be. They’ve gone on to explore other passions, other crafts.”
“Doesn’t that leave you in an even more difficult situation with less workers available?” Cole asks, quick to see the business angle.
Quill sighs, his mustache vibrating with the strength of his breath. “In a way, it does. But, we make do.”
We lapse into silence again, but something that’s been tickling at the back of my mind stirs as an idea starts to take shape. First though, I need to redirect the conversation back to Cole’s father and his reason for being here.
My innate desire to call Daddy Santa out on his shit and to fix things for my mate rides me hard. Deciding we’ve pussyfooted enough, I put down my knife and fork and look at all the males around the table.
“Okay, boys. This is about as much awkwardness as I can handle. So, let’s have some real talk.”
They blink back at me, and Cole places his hand on my thigh. Once, my default setting would’ve made me believe it’s an act to stop me from speaking, but I smile to myself as Cole’s admiration and thankfulness floods the bond. On my other side, Jasper mirrors the move, his bond lighting up with amusement.
Leaning over, Jasper whispers against my ear, “I like it when you get all bossy.” He squeezes my thigh and sits back up before I can respond to that delicious innuendo.
Across the table, Nick Senior nods at me and I swear that’s approval flashing in his eyes. “Cole and Jasper are very lucky to have you.” Try as I might, I can’t help but preen a little under that compliment, especially when he’s delivered it with such sincerity.
I tilt my head in thanks. “Feeling’s mutual about them. Maybe now is a good time to tell us why you’re here? And why you approached Cole after so many years of not seeing him?”
He runs a hand over his short beard and his mouth turns up a fraction. “I do want to tell you all of that. For a minute, I had hoped to have a private conversation with Cole, but he deserves to hear my apology in front of his mates too.”
Quill raises his brows. “I can go if you’d like to keep this family only? But I’d be sad to miss what promises to be an interesting conversation.” I appreciate Quill’s candor. He kind of reminds me of an older Jasper, minus the horns and sex appeal.
Nick Senior shakes his head. “Please stay, Quill. As my oldest friend, you’re part of my family.”
I try not to find that endearing, but something tells me Nick Senior isn’t the villain I’ve made him out to be in my head. I’m not going to go easy on him, though. Cole deserves to have someone fighting for him, and that someone is most definitely me.
Looking Cole squarely in the eyes, Nick Senior places a hand over his heart, his eyes shining with earnestness, as he says, “First of all, I want to apologize for putting you in charge of a job you dislike so much. Both you and Jasper. I thought by giving you the Naughty List, when Nick is in charge of the Nice List, would make you feel more part of the family and you two could grow close as brothers. I am deeply sorry about the way it has turned out. I had good intentions, but my execution was poor.”
Oh, shit. His way of thinking kind of makes sense.
Cole’s hand tightens imperceptibly on my thigh. “Thank you. I didn’t exactly see things from that point of view before.”
Nick Senior reaches toward Cole before putting his hand back on his heart. “And that’s my fault for not explaining properly. When Cole was born, I felt so guilty because I broke from tradition by having another child. It wasn’t fair to Cole, nor to Nick, nor to Cole’s mother, or my late wife’s memory. I’ve let grief and my guilt keep me isolated, thinking everyone is better off without me interfering in their lives. Recently, I have started realizing the errors of my ways and would like to make amends. If you’d let me, of course.”
Holy fuck. This guy knows how to do apologies.
No stopping him now, the apology train hits my other mate next. “Jasper, I apologize for pulling you into this too. Just because things have always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean we have to continue doing them so. Your parents enjoyed their job back in the day, but things don’t have to continue like that.”
I know I haven’t known my mates for long, but my soul sighs in relief at the closure between them and Nick Senior, so I can only imagine how monumental it is for them… Cole, especially. I lace my fingers with my mates’, lending them all the silent support I can as they process all of these revelations.
“Thank you, sir. That means a lot,” Jasper croaks. Clearing his throat, he asks, “So you’re good with us finding different ways to change the Naughty List?”
Nick Senior nods emphatically. “Of course. I only wish I had thought of it myself first. I have never challenged traditions. I just did what my father did, and his father before him.” He swallows hard and his voice breaks as he continues, “But seeing you take on this mission, this quest, to find something better, to help children, to inspire them, it’s been eye-opening. And if you were so inclined, I’d like to have another chance at maybe getting to know each other.”
Cole’s breath hitches. “You’ve been following our mission?”
“Oh yes. Nick messaged me when you left. Asked me why I didn’t help you sooner, and I’ve been kicking myself since. I’ve also been checking in with Quill as updates filter in from the other villages. My cabin is here, on the edge of Kirja, and I’ve been readying myself for you and your mates’ arrival. I may have practiced my apology a couple hundred times, but above all else, I just desired to see you again, and to maybe have the honor of meeting your mates—the newest members of our family.”
Now feeling calmer after getting a read on Nick Senior’s intentions, I replace my antagonistic tone with genuine curiosity. “So, while we’re on the topic of family and wanting Cole to be part of it… Why name him Cole when that’s literally what the naughty kids get?”
