Page 26 of Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists

Shaking her head, Maddie chuckled lightly, returning her attention to the computer screen. "See?” she asked. “Told you those muscle-bound himbos can be good for something.”

My heart skipped a beat at her words as I realized that Maddie thought that Tim was the reason for my just-been-screwed look.

“What can I say?” I asked. “Never doubt the great Mads.”

She grinned. “Now you’re learning.”

With that, she and I reviewed her schedule for the day before she hopped over to her workstation to prepare for her first client.

Before too long we opened for business, a steady buzz of energy already filling the air. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee from the breakroom lingered enticingly, mixing with the familiar scent of ink and sterilizer. The hum of tattoo guns hadn’t begun yet, but that familiar sound would soon be in full swing.

The jingle of the door opening interrupted my morning routine, and I glanced up to find the most striking older man I'd ever seen. He had a shock of steel gray hair, cut short, and stormy eyes to match… very familiar stormy eyes.

The man was well into his sixties but maintained a physique that would give any twenty-something a run for their money. His toned arms and broad shoulders were showcased beneath a fitted black Iron Maiden tee, revealing a canvas of vibrant tattoos snaking down both limbs. He wore combat boots and black jeans the same ink-dark color. It was none other than Jack Preston, the original owner of Blackjack's and father to Finn and Kai.

"Jack," I greeted him with a warm smile, rising to my feet. “Good to see you. Welcome.”

He returned my smile, kindness igniting in his eyes. He was a former bad boy who’d settled down with age and though he looked hard as they came, there was a softness to his features that always managed to put me at ease.

"Good to see you, too, Julia.” His voice was as warm and rich as aged bourbon. He stopped at my desk and looked around. “Place looks to be in ship-shape. I see those four haven’t driven it into the ground just yet.” He grinned, letting me know he was only messing around.

“Not yet. Been pretty damn busy, actually.”

“So I hear. And I also hear you’ve been kicking ass.”

A tinge of red formed on my cheeks. “I’d like to think so.”

“I knew you’d be a good fit from the moment I laid eyes on you,” he said. “You’ve got that rare intuition and spark in you. That combination isn’t easy to find.” He winked, and I laughed.

“Thanks, Jack. Anyway, I’m sure you’re here to see the guys?”

“Sure am. Wanted to chat about a few things before the day got going. Those boys of mine around?”

“Yep. Let me call them for you.”

I patched into the office through the intercom, letting Kai and Finn know their old man was there.

“Send the old fart on back,” Kai said, his voice piping through the intercom.

Jack let out a loud bark of a laugh at the barb.

“Thanks, darlin’.” He winked as he headed past, onto the main floor of the shop.

Jack sauntered over to his sons as they emerged from the office. I watched as the shop momentarily halted its work, the crew instantly perking up at his presence as he said his hellos. There was an undeniable shift in energy as they exchanged greetings, his sons and the other artists showing a level of respect and admiration that was reserved solely for Jack.

As Jack neared Finn and Kai, their rough edges seemed to diminish. I’d only met Jack once before, but that was more than enough to know their father was an icon in their eyes, a man who had defied norms, made a name for himself, and created a legacy that they now proudly carried on. They greeted one another with big, back-clapping hugs, the three of them making their way back toward the office.

"So, heading to Napa again?" I heard Kai ask as he broke away from the embrace.

Jack nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, the vines ain’t gonna prune themselves."

"Napa Valley?" Maddie asked, curiosity piqued.

“Yep,” Jack spoke in his gruff voice. “Got myself a little vineyard and I’ve spent plenty of holidays there over the years, back when Grace was still around.”

Finn chuckled. "Remember the last Christmas with Mom, when she had us decorate the whole damn property?” A smile ghosted his lips. "And Kai fell off the ladder trying to put up the star, landed right on his ass.”

Kai rolled his eyes, but his grin betrayed his fondness for the memory. “Yeah, because you surprised me right when I was on the top of the fuckin’ thing.”

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