Page 66 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

However, because of everything that had been happening with Leo, Jasper had still not spoken with him about his illness and Kraghol.

“It’s strange. I have heard so much about all your family, I feel like I know them.” Kraghol didn’t talk much about his own. Anytime he did, a shadow always seemed to creep over him. But Kraghol liked to hear about Jasper’s family.

“Hopefully you can meet them soon and put names to faces.” Jasper took Kraghol’s free hand.

“Hmmm.”

Jasper bit his tongue at Kraghol’s lack of enthusiasm. He’d thought they’d made headway on Krampus Night when Kragholhad come into the bakery. But in the days since, Kraghol had not responded positively to any of Jasper’s suggestions of coming to the city or meeting his family.

Still, it didn’t deter Jasper as it had previously. Because he was certain Kraghol cared for him. And he thought it likely that Kraghol did want a future with him. Maybe the krampus just couldn’t picture himself in the city.

If that was the case, it didn’t necessarily mean they couldn’t be together. They could build a life here in the forest. His brother Briar lived with Wulfric out here. Jasper could do the same.

Kraghol’s cave would need work. They’d need to build a rock wall to partially cover the entrance so the wind wouldn’t get in so much. He could bring in furniture and other things from the city.

He’d still return to Anorra to work, of course. But if Kraghol couldn’t make a life in the city, then Jasper would just have to move to the forest. Simple.

When they reached the cave, they created a pile of rocks around the base of the Christmas tree, since they didn’t have a tree stand. It provided no water, but Christmas was tomorrow. So it’d be fine.

“Now we just need to decorate.” Jasper gestured to the box of decorations that had not been put to use at home. They hung the glass, wood, and fabric ornaments on the tree. Kali dozed amongst the furs.

Jasper could imagine living here with Kraghol and being beyond happy. He just had to bring it up with Kraghol and convince him. Perhaps after Christmas.

They stepped away from the tree once all the decorations had been put up. Jasper wrapped an arm around Kraghol’s waist.

“It’s beautiful,” Kraghol said.

“Next year we’ll have to remember to put up the tree earlier.”

Kraghol tensed beside him. For several seconds he didn’t speak. Then he relaxed. “That would be nice,” he said softly.

Jasper smiled. “Now let’s have our Christmas Eve feast.”

He opened the basket, pulling out the contents. Kraghol’s mouth fell open as Jasper revealed pies, tarts, slices of meat, a thick block of cheese, cake, bread, and of course chocolate truffles.

“That’s so much food!”

Jasper laughed. “I know. I went a little overboard. But this is our first Christmas celebration together. I wanted it to be special.”

Tomorrow, Jasper wouldn’t be able to come out to the forest. He had to be present for his family’s Christmas celebrations.

Kraghol took his hand, fingers entwining. “It is very special.”

Jasper wanted to invite Kraghol to his family’s Christmas lunch. But he knew already that Kraghol would not accept the invitation. No point darkening today by asking.

“And I have a surprise for you.” Jasper reached into the basket and pulled out a package wrapped in gold paper with green ribbons. “It’s a Christmas present!”

Chapter

Thirty-Five

“AChristmas present? But you’ve already done so much for me.” Kraghol gazed at the package Jasper held towards him.

For several long seconds, Kraghol just stared at the pretty gold paper with green ribbon, unable to fathom thathewas receiving a Christmas present.

Krampuses didn’t get Christmas presents. They didn’t even celebrate Christmas.

“Well, come on.” Jasper laughed. “Take it.”