The red suit hangs on the back of the bathroom door. Reminding me that years ago I was intimidated by this velvety suit and the legacy that it held. My father and my grandfather wore this suit and they both brought so much joy to everyone at the Lumberjack Bash. I felt like I would never be able to fill their boots. Both as the head of our family and the head of our family’s lumber business. It hasn’t always been easy. There were many days when I wanted to throw in the towel and days when I wanted to strangle every single one of my brothers. But without those knuckle heads I would not have been able to do this all on my own. Through all of the ups and downs we have been able to keep our family’s legacy going and I know that my father would be proud of what we have built.
I slide on the velvet suit and straighten the hat on my head. Looking at myself in the mirror I can see a few more grays in my beard. The new ones were brought out by my daughter announcing at breakfast this morning that she has a boyfriend at school. She’s ten. I thought I had at least a couple more years of boys being gross to her, before I had to worry about boyfriends. Thankfully I have three sons who can help keep an eye on these boys.
Waiting out in the hallway when I exit the bathroom is my son, Nathan dressed in the elf costume that my brother Lucas normally wears. There is a small prick of pain in my heart seeing that Nathan is now old enough to wear the costume. It’s hard to believe that he is thirteen now. Seems like just yesterday he fit in one of my arms.
“Nathan, why are you wearing Uncle Lucas’ costume?” I ask.
“I told Uncle Lucas that I wanted to be the elf this year at the party. One day I will be running the mill, so I might as well start learning about what you guys do for the Lumberjack Bash,” he says proudly.
Laurie and I have never pressured the kids to follow in the family business. We want them to do what makes them happy. Nathan has trees etched in his soul. The moment I put an ax into his hands when he was eight, all he has ever talked about is becoming a lumberjack. When he is not in school he is at the mill learning about everything from balancing the books, to fixing the machines and the best ways of cutting down the trees. Nathan is a natural. He reminds me so much of my father it’s scary. It makes me proud as hell to see him taking such an interest in the business.
“He didn’t seem to mind me taking over,” he adds. I am sure Lucas was more than happy to hand over the elf title to Nathan.Lucas has always hated playing the elf. At least I won’t have to hear him bitch about getting a wedgie from the tights anymore.
“I’m glad to have you aboard.” I give him a pat on the shoulder then hand him the bag of presents for the kids.
The doors leading to the kitchen swing open and out walks Laurie, my angel in her Mrs. Clause costume, looking just as beautiful as the day we met. Her face lights up when she sees Nathan and I. “My boys look so cute,” she gushes. She pulls her phone from the pocket of her apron and snaps a picture of Nathan and I. Her focus shifts to me. Eyes traveling down my body. “Nathan will you please take the presents out to the tavern, Mrs. Clause needs a minute with Santa.”
“You’re gonna kiss aren’t you?” he says, rolling his eyes. Nathan is not the only one of our kids that is annoyed by Laurie and I kissing in public. They are all at that age where we are the annoying parents. My hope and my wish is that when they get older they will strive to find the kind of love that Laurie and I have.
“Son, one day you are going to meet someone you will want to kiss everytime you see them.” My statement does not make his disgust go away. It just leads to another roll of the eyes.
“I will be too busy running the mill to get preoccupied by love.” And there is a little bit of Uncle Aaron coming through his voice. Poor naive Nathan, he has no idea what’s coming for him.
“We will see about that, my boy.” I shake my head and chuckle. Love is going to bite him on the ass and I will be all too proud to say, “I told you so.”
“Never gonna happen.” Nathan hoists the bag of presents over his shoulder and walks through the kitchen doors.
“Stubborn little punk.” Laurie giggles. I take a few steps closer to her and wrap her in my arms. “Fate is going to kick his ass.”
“It will be so much fun to watch.” I chuckle and place a kiss on Laurie’s cheek. She turns around in my arms and gives me a deep all consuming kiss. My arms tighten around her waist. Lifting her up off her feet. Every nerve in my body ignites for her. She still knows how to bring me to life.
“Do we have time for a quickie in Lucas’ office?” I ask, kissing down her neck.
“As tempting as that sounds, everyone is waiting for us.”
“Okay, fine.” I sulk, setting her back down on her feet.
“Don’t worry Santa, Mrs. Clause will reward you for your good deeds later.” She winks, then suanters her sexy ass back into the kitchen. Damn I love that woman.
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