Kaleb turned to Jasha, who looked nervous. “You ready for this?” he asked, his voice muffled by the helmet.
Jasha gave a hesitant nod, his breath visible in the chilly air. “Yeah, I think so. Just…don’t go too fast, okay?”
Kaleb patted Jasha’s shoulder reassuringly, then kissed him on the nose. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Just hold on tight.”
As they mounted the snowmobile, Jasha’s arms wrapped around Kaleb’s waist in a firm but slightly trembling grip. He started the engine, the machine roaring to life beneath them. Slowly, they moved, the snow crunching under the treads.
“How does it feel back there?” Kaleb called over his shoulder.
“Cold!” Jasha shouted back, but there was a hint of laughter in his voice. “But it’s kinda fun!”
Kaleb smiled, feeling a sense of pride. He increased their speed slightly, weaving through the trees with practiced ease. Ahead, Arlo and Frankie were already making tracks, Arlo’s laughter echoing through the forest.
After a while, they stopped at a clearing to take a break. Kaleb turned off the engine and helped Jasha dismount. Arlo and Frankie pulled up beside them, both grinning from ear to ear.
“How’s the newbie doing?” Arlo asked, clapping Jasha on the back.
“He’s a natural,” Kaleb replied, winking at Jasha. “Just needs a bit more practice, and he’ll want his own snowmobile to ride.”
Frankie hopped off the snowmobile, his cheeks flushed from the cold. “This was so much fun! We should do this again while we’re here.”
Kaleb nodded, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the weather. “Definitely. It’s good for all four of us to get outside and have some fun.”
Arlo grinned, looking at the group. “Alright, who’s ready for lunch?”
Kaleb glanced at Jasha, who smiled more confidently. “You up for it?”
Jasha nodded, his eyes shining. “Yeah.”
They prepared to set off once more, this time for the restaurant. Despite the setback in the morning with Jasha, moments like these made it all worthwhile. He didn’t blame him for checking on his father. Kaleb would have to emphasize to Jasha that his rules were set up for the sake of safety, a situation he had not had to face until this moment.
Kaleb led the way into the cozy, rustic restaurant nestled in the heart of Lake Tahoe. The place was a charming blend of wood and stone, with a roaring fireplace casting a warm glow over the room. Christmas decorations adorned every corner, from twinkling fairy lights to garlands of pine and holly. The scent of pine mingled with the delicious aroma of hearty food, making Kaleb’s stomach rumble in anticipation.
They found a table near the window, offering a view of the snow-covered landscape outside. Kaleb pulled out a chair for Jasha, who smiled before sitting down. Arlo and Frankie took their seats across from them, their faces still flushed from the cold.
“I love this restaurant,” Jasha said, looking around in awe. “It feels like we’re in a Christmas movie.”
Kaleb grinned, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, it’s got that magical vibe, doesn’t it?”
As they settled in and ordered their meals, the conversation naturally drifted to their morning adventure.
“That was some serious fun out there,” Arlo said, leaning back in his chair. “I think Frankie and I might have set a new speed record.”
Frankie laughed, shaking his head. “I can’t believe how fast those snowmobiles can go.”
Kaleb glanced at Jasha, who was still beaming from the experience. “How’d you like your first ride, Jasha?”
“Loved it!” Jasha replied, his eyes sparkling. “Scary at first, but once I got used to it, it was just pure adrenaline.”
“Glad you enjoyed it,” Kaleb said, squeezing Jasha’s hand under the table. “Maybe next time, you’ll be the one driving.”
Jasha chuckled. “We’ll see about that.”
Arlo leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “So, what do you guys think about going sleigh riding tomorrow? There’s a place nearby that offers rides through the forest.”
Frankie’s face lit up. “That sounds fun!”
Kaleb nodded enthusiastically. “Count us in. It sounds like the perfect way to spend the day.”
