Chapter 8
Jacob
Ican't believe I took Marci's virginity. I can't believe I asked her to marry me. I need to talk to her mom, but right now we're late for the Hope Peak Christmas Parade.
I park in front of Perfect Brews and ask Marci to join me. I'm already dressed like Santa, but I have a surprise for her. We go inside, and Carly greets us.
"Hey, I got what you asked for, Jacob."
"Thanks, Carly."
She hands me a garment bag and smiles at both of us.
"You're going to enjoy being a part of the Parade, Marci."
"Oh, I'm not…"
"Yeah, you are. Here's your costume. You can change in the bathroom. I'll be waiting here for you."
She eyes me warily, but takes the garment bag anyway and walks towards the bathrooms.
"I see you finally made a connection." Carly smiles.
"Yeah, well…"
"You deserve to be happy, Jacob. Marci is great."
"She's amazing."
"And here comes Mrs. Santa Claus." Carly looks past my shoulder.
Except this is a tamer version of my Christmas wife. Marci's face is flushed, and she gives me a half smile.
"Now you're ready to join me on the firetruck. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, here we come."
"I think I'm overdressed," she whispers.
"You look perfect. Let's go."
I take her hand and pull her out of the coffee shop, waving goodbye to Carly. I want the people of Hope Peak to see her as my mate, my partner, and this is the perfect way to do it.
We walk toward the fire station, where all the other Santas are waiting for me.
When we get there, the guys start whistling and catcalling at Marci.
I know she looks hot, but I still give them the look so that they know she's off limits.
Everyone gets into the firetruck, which has been decorated for the occasion.
I help Marci up into the main cabin of the truck and make sure she's buckled up.
She's been very quiet since we left the coffee shop, so I wonder if she's mad at me for getting her the costume. I jump up into the driver's seat of the firetruck and start the engine. My hand goes to hers and squeezes it gently.
"Are you mad at me?"
"No. I'm just…glad to be included."
"Stick with me, kid, you'll go places."
"Is that right, Santa Daddy?"
I feel my cheeks grow warm as she teases me. My eyes go to hers, and we lock gazes. She's so damn beautiful. I'm the luckiest son of a bitch that there ever was.
"Barnes, are you about ready to go? Everyone is waiting!" The captain says.
The interruption manages to get us back on track, and I drive with my cargo of Santas in the back of the truck. Several cars have been decorated for the parade, and we are the last of the bunch. So when I get to the starting point, I make sure the other cars are in front of me.
Some of the cars have presents for the children, and others have candy canes and assorted candies. The assembly before us is a group of motorcyclists who frequent our bar, Willow Hope. They are suited up in their leathers, but have on Santa hats.
I lent one of them my motorcycle so they could participate in the parade, but I'm worried about the road's condition. It takes about half an hour for everyone to get on their way, and as I slowly follow everyone, I watch Marci's expressions as we move down the town’s main street.
Families are gathered throughout, waving at us and enjoying the show. I see Marci blowing people kisses, and I get a little jealous. She's mine. I don't want her giving anyone else kisses. I try to concentrate on what's going on in front of me so that my mood improves.
We go slow enough that the kids can come close and get their presents.
When we're almost at the end, I see some of the bikers start to do stunts on their bikes.
My gut churns in distress. This could lead to an accident.
Things quickly get dangerous, and of course, the guy driving my motorcycle tries to do a wheelie.
The ice on the road is too slippery, and both he and the bike are thrown against a tree.
The firemen from my car rush to help the idiot who just crashed my bike, so I turn the engine of the firetruck off.
"I'll be right back, baby girl. That was my bike that got thrashed."
"Oh, that's awful. I'll spend some time with Elena and her daughter while you sort things out."
"Great idea. I'll see you soon."
It takes me about thirty minutes to be able to get the bike towed to August's Auto Body & Repair, where Clarissa, the bike specialist, is already waiting for me.
"Hey Clarissa, thanks for meeting me here."
"Yeah, I saw everything. Knew you'd need me to check out the damages."
As Clarissa notes what needs repairing on my bike, a young man I don't recognize comes over to us.
"Hey, was that Marci Sweeney with you on the firetruck?"
His tone is combative, so I bristle.
"What of it?"
"I need to talk to her."
"Who is asking?"
"Do you know where she went or not?"
"I have no idea." I lie.
The young man turns around and leaves without saying anything else. I've got a bad feeling about this.
"Clarissa, I need to check on my girl. Just send me the quote after the holidays."
"Your girl, huh? Finally got up the nerve to talk to her?"
"Jesus, this town is something else. Does nobody mind their own business?"
"Just make sure you're good to her. Otherwise, a lot of us will take exception and have to do something about it."
I know a serious threat when I hear one, but I'm glad my baby girl has the town on her side. She deserves it. I know she volunteers a lot and has made many friends here. I leave Clarissa and head to Perfect Brews. I know the women are probably gossiping there, and I need to hold my girl close.
The scene that unfolds in front of me as I open the shop's door raises my hackles.
The man who was asking about Marci is dragging her toward the coffee shop entrance against her will.