Page 44 of Jasha
“Just trying to make sure you look your best,” Kaleb teased, grabbing a stylish blazer off the rack. “How about this for those fancy college events?”
Jasha rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his amusement. “Fine, but only if you let me pay you back somehow.”
Kaleb grinned. “Not in your lifetime. Now, let’s find you some casual stuff too.”
Jasha rolled his eyes and whispered, “Daddy Kaleb, you’re too much.”
They continued their playful back-and-forth as they picked out T-shirts, pants, and a couple of dress shirts. Jasha tried on a few outfits, each time coming out of the dressing room to show Kaleb, who gave enthusiastic thumbs-ups or playful critiques.
The sound of rustling shopping bags filled the air after a successful shopping trip. They put all the bags in the limo, and then stopped for hot chocolate at a cafe nearby. It was a charming little spot nestled on a quiet street corner. It had a cozy, homey feel to it. The walls were covered with vintage posters and fairy lights, casting a warm, inviting glow throughout the space. Wooden tables and mismatched chairs added to the eclectic charm. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air. The counter was lined with an array of pastries and desserts, each looking more delicious than the last. Behind the counter, a friendly barista asked what they wanted.
They ordered large hot chocolate with whipped cream and each picked out a tasty pastry, then carried their drinks and dessert to a table. Sitting by the window, they watched the snow gently falling outside. From the moment they set foot in Lake Tahoe, the air was filled with the soft sound of snowflakes hitting the ground.
Their hot chocolates steamed in front of them. The warmth of the cafe, combined with the comforting presence of each other, made it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the moment.
“This is nice,” Jasha said, wrapping his hands around the warm mug. “Thanks for today.”
Kaleb reached across the table to squeeze Jasha’s hand. “Anytime, Jasha. I’m just glad I can help you rebuild your wardrobe.”
Jasha’s eyes softened, and he leaned back in his chair. “Thank you, and not just for the clothes, but for spending time on me like this. I’ve always had to shop by myself. It feels good having you here with me.”
Kaleb nodded, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. “Didn’t your father take you shopping?”
“Never. He’d give me money in an envelope, and I had to do it alone.”
“We’ll have to do it more often. Especially with college coming up. I want you to make the most of it.”
A warm smile lit up Jasha’s face. “Thanks.”
Kaleb’s heart ached for Jasha, who had had to endure such loneliness during his childhood. He wondered why Jasha’s mother was gunned down.
“Tonight, we’re going to a place with Arlo and Frankie.”
“Where?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jasha
Jasha wanted to lug his bags upstairs to their bedroom, but Daddy Kaleb wouldn’t hear of it. With a gesture, Daddy Kaleb instructed Adam to carry them to up. Jasha couldn’t contain his excitement about his new clothes. He’d told Daddy Kaleb not to spend money on him, but he was delighted and surprised how much time and attention Daddy Kaleb paid to him, like no other person had. Not even his father.
Jasha led the way to the stairs; climbing to the second floor, they made their way to the bedroom. Daddy Kaleb had stopped to have a conversation with Arlo in the entryway. As their conversation escalated, Frankie quietly slipped away and headed towards the kitchen. Jasha didn’t blame him for walking away from the bickering cousins, their raised voices echoing in his ears frightened Jasha. He was glad he was on the way upstairs. After walking down the long hallway, they entered the bedroom and were immediately hit by the scent of lavender and freshly washed sheets. Jasha wondered who changed the sheets. Miss Nadia was busy in the kitchen, so it was possible the girls had changed them.
“Where do you want these bags?” Adam asked, his nose wrinkled as he stood in the bedroom.
“Just put them on the bed. Thanks,” Jasha said.
“It smells like lavender flowers in here,” Adam said.
“It does. It usually smells like pine.”
“I bet the girls were in charge, and they didn’t know Kaleb doesn’t want to smell like a flower in the morning.” The sound of Adam’s laughter echoed through the air.
Jasha giggled when he thought of Daddy Kaleb smelling like a lavender garden. He could only imagine what he would say when he walked in.
“I think Kaleb is going to keep you. I’ve never seen him this happy before. He’s a changed man.”
