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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.
Chapter Seventeen
Jasha
Jasha enjoyed his day with Daddy Kaleb, but in the back of his mind, he worried about why his father had moved to Russia without telling him. It wasn’t like him to do that. Daddy Kaleb had to make a few phone calls, so he rushed to the kitchen to find Miss Nadia. She was alone, drinking a cup of coffee.
“Can I talk to you?” Jasha asked.
“Of course you can.” Miss Nadia put her coffee on the island. “Sit down.”
Jasha sat on a worn wooden stool facing her. “Do you know why my father moved to Russia?”
Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his words. “No, sweetie. I didn’t know he’d left. I’m so sorry. I know this must hurt.” She got up from her stool and hugged him. She poured him a glass of milk and put two Christmas cookies on a plate for him. “Have some milk and cookies to make yourself feel better.”
“Thank you.” Jasha fought back his tears, refusing to let them fall. “Kaleb doesn’t know either, but he’s looking into it.”
“If he’s looking into it, then he’ll find out where he is and why he left. He wants to make you happy. He has a very special place in his heart for you.”
Jasha sipped his milk and bit into a sugar cookie, then he nodded with a smile. His heart ached for someone who would lovingly call him “his boy” and to be claimed by Daddy Kaleb.
“Oh, he talked about you in New Haven. I didn’t approve of how he got you here with us, and I told him so too. Kaleb isn’t perfect, but he always corrects his mistakes. I think everything will turn out.”
“I hope so. I’ve never been kidnapped before. I wasn’t really kidnapped, but sometimes I wonder how I got here.”
“Please don’t use the word kidnap around anyone, especially Kaleb. It’s going to turn into a Christmas miracle. I think you like Kaleb. I see the way you look at him.”
“I liked him before I really knew him. Then the situation scared me. He’s like two different people.”
“He’s a loving person in his private life. I can’t speak about his business life. Remember now, you’re in his private life. He already sees you as family.”
“I hope he stays loving.”
