CHAPTER FIVE
Romona
Today’s the annual party, and I’ve been up since four, going through everything I need to do this morning.
I managed to stay in bed till around five, but then I couldn’t stand it anymore and got up to start the day.
I wish I could be one of those people who can lie in bed for a while and just read or relax.
Since Jason moved in, I’ve been better about it, but a woman can only change so much.
I pour my second cup of coffee, add a little cream, and take the mug with me over to my favorite chair, where I sit in front of the wood stove. I have central heat, but on cold days like this, I enjoy the warmth of the wood stove more than anything.
Sipping my coffee, I look over at our Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments over the decades from our kids and Jason’s grandkids.
To the untrained eye, my tree looks like an unorganized mess, but to me, it’s an expression of love and the memories of Christmases past. This is my granddaughter’s first Christmas, but it brings me back to memories of Mick’s first Christmas.
Mitch and I had only been married a couple of years and were still trying to get ourselves settled as parents and adults.
Mick was the fourth baby boy in the club, and that December was the first Yuletide party the club held.
We were all so young, but we were determined to make memories for our kids that most of us never had.
If my tree is any evidence, I think we were mostly successful.
Mitch and I weren’t perfect. We had our challenges, but we raised Mick right, and he’s a good man, husband, and father.
Come to think of it, I think my wish that first year was to give him a childhood full of memorable Christmases. I’m forever thankful that wish came true.
From what I know and the evidence on the tree, I think Jason and Lani gave their kids a similarly memorable childhood.
I know Jason doesn’t regret his marriage, and I don’t regret mine to Mick.
I think the two of us were meant to be our first relationship and our last—but that doesn’t lessen what we had with our spouses.
Like Linnea says, love isn’t divided. It’s expanded.
I hear a rustling behind me before a hand comes down on my shoulder, and I feel a kiss to the top of my head.
“Mornin’, baby. You’re up early. Couldn’t sleep?
” I shake my head. “I can’t shut off my mind of all the things I need to remember for today.
It’s one of my favorite days of the year, and with having more little ones around now, I know it’s going to be memorable.
” Jason kisses my temple and heads toward the kitchen, coffee most certainly calling his name.
“It’s gonna be a memorable day, even if you happen to forget something.
You and the other women have busted your asses to make this a great party.
The guys decorated the trees at the clubhouse, and they actually look pretty good.
Fuck, if nothing else, you and I can have a memorable night since I get to bring home the Santa costume.
” He’s gonna be the sexiest Santa my two eyes have ever seen, and I’m here for it.
I turn and watch him take a sip of coffee.
“All I want for Christmas is you, Santa Baby.” Christmas is the time of the year when a high level of cheesiness is perfectly acceptable. You know it’s true.
Jason
I just brought in the last load of food that Romona and everyone else made for today.
The kitchen of the clubhouse is fuller than I’ve ever seen it.
Leif, Micah, and Luke are stocking the bar with beer and more non-alcoholic drinks than I can count.
Anna’s daughter, Hanna, is supervising Mary and Christy as they make eggnog from scratch. The whole place is abuzz with activity.
Pres comes out from his office, his little girl, who is almost a toddler, in his arms. He looks at me and gives me a chin lift and a grin that tells me I’m probably not gonna like what he says.
“Time for you to go get changed. Santa needs to be dressed and ready to greet all the kids who should be here shortly. If you go get changed and head to my office, Romona, Anna, or Ma will be in to help you with the whole beard and wig thing.” These youngins are having way too much fun with this Santa thing.
I won’t admit this to anyone, but I’m actually kind of looking forward to it.
I love kids, and I sure hope Zaria is fooled by the costume so I can hear what her real Christmas wish is.
We all know that as kids, we only ever told Santa what our biggest wish was.
Probably why I never got the Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle that I had asked for multiple years.
I quickly change into the red suit, put my boots back on, and walk over to Pres’s office.
I open the door, and both Romona and Linnea are inside waiting for me.
Romona looks great in her holiday sweater, leggings, and boots.
“Baby, you look amazing. I—” I’m interrupted by Linnea.
“You two do not have enough time for what that sentence would lead to. I’m not tryin’ to cockblock you, but we’ve got a bunch of people set to show up here in a few minutes, and the kids would not understand a half-dressed Santa.
” She holds up the beard in one hand and the wig in another.
Romona gives her a glare, but looks back at me and holds up a couple of pillows.
“You’re more fit than the kids who know what Santa looks like will expect, so we gotta stuff that suit.
I don’t care what Linnea here says, we will be revisiting you in this tonight when we get home.
” And there’s my Christmas wish coming true.
I think I become a human rag doll as both Romona and Linnea descend on me and start stuffing the suit, attaching the white beard, and putting on the wig.
I know better than to say anything, so I just stand in one place and let them do their thing.
See? A man can get some smarts and wisdom with age.
Linnea is finishing adjusting the wig on me when she looks at me and asks, “I know your brother is stopping by today at some point. Do you think he’s gonna be able to not hurt Millie’s feelings again?
” Fuck me and my brother’s fucking mouth.
I shrug and answer Linnea with the only answer I’ve got when it comes to Jeremy.
“My brother and his lack of filter when it comes to women is…well, we all know he’s got shit taste in women and he’s an idiot when it comes to your better gender.
But he did feel bad after Rob pointed out what he’d done, so I think he’s been more careful around her since.
Plus, Rob and I both threatened him, so there’s that.
” My answer must satisfy Linnea, as she gives me a nod and finishes what she’s doing.
Romona finishes buttoning the suit and pats my chest, leaning in for a quick kiss.
When she breaks the kiss and leans back, she gives me one of her beautiful smiles. “I’m gonna make it a goal of mine to catch you under the mistletoe as often as I can, Mr. Stone.” I lean in and give her another kiss. “I love it when you’re so goal-oriented. I’m all for this one, love.”
A single clap of hands interrupts us. Linnea walks to the door.
“It’s Santa time for the kids. Kissin’ Santa can’t come out for a few hours, you two!
Let’s get going.” Romona gives Linnea a glare and gives me one more peck on the cheek for spite.
“You go do the Santa thing for a bit. Once you’re released, come find me and I’ll reward you for all your hard work.
” Romona turns and walks out of the room. Fuck me, I’m a lucky son of a bitch.
After trying to recall the number of interceptions the Seahawks have thrown this year, I walk out into the main room and into a buzz of people and activity.
Most of the brothers have arrived, and the extended family is starting to trickle in as well.
I see Millie over by her son, Jameson, along with a few other family members trickling in.
My attention shifts when I hear a voice call out, “Hey, Santa!” I look over to the other side of the room and see Ry waving me over.
The fucker is dressed like a freaking elf.
If he’s got on the shoes too, I won’t be able to contain myself.
I walk across the room to where Ry stands, and before I make it all the way over, I’m stopped by his man, Nicky.
“We got it all set up over there. An armchair for you to sit in and let the kids sit on your lap, the tree in the frame, and the camera all set up.” I must show surprise on my face because Nicky rolls his eyes and lets out a huff.
“Let me guess, my darling boyfriend didn’t let you in on all of this, and you were just told about the dressing as Santa bit.
” I nod, “I knew about the kids sitting on my lap and all, but didn’t know you were gonna set up a camera and background for it.
” Nicky storms over to Ry. I follow him because, well, I’m the only one in the room dressed as jolly old Saint Nick.
I miss what Nicky says to Ry, but I can tell by Ry’s expression that he’s not bothered by what was said.
His words confirm my assumption. “Babe. It’s not like it was a secret or anything.
Jane didn’t decide to do all this till a few days ago.
Besides, he’s a prospect and gotta do what we tell him to do.
” I ignore his and Nicky’s bantering and go to the chair they’ve got set out.
I know the kiddos will be here any minute, and I don’t want any of the little ones to think I’m not Santa.
I know my grandsons, Jack and Zack, will know it’s me, but there are quite a few kids Zaria’s age, and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna be the one who hurts their belief in Santa.