#houseoffire

[[MORE]] Here is my contribution for the Kristanna Week prompt "Stronger Together." I hope that you enjoy this.

BONUS CHAPTER 1

Fall, 2017 New Arendelle, Indiana

The family had gathered at Pabbie and Bulda's farmhouse as they usually did every Sunday after church. Kids played, women prepared meals and men watched football. Once dinner had been eaten and dessert was served, Pabbie stood, clinking his fork to his glass of Coke. He spoke once everyone looked at him.

"Everyone," Pabbie said. "I have an announcement." The room was silent. "I've built this company, Bjorn Builders along with my wife and three sons Sven, Olaf and Kristoff, from the ground up. Bulda and I feel that now's the time for us to enjoy our golden years. Henceforth, Bulda and I are formally retiring from Bjorn Builders and leaving a third interest in the running of the company to our sons." Everyone was surprised, except Kristoff. He knew that this day was coming. Lately, he'd been given more responsibilities in the running of the company. Yes, Sven and Olaf pulled their weight, too but Kristoff had a better head for business matters. "We'll discuss the handling of the transition tomorrow," Bulda said. "Let's just enjoy family time." As they enjoyed their time, Kristoff kept wondering what would happen. The look on his face was noticeable to Anna and as they drove home, the kids having fallen asleep in the backseat of Kristoff's truck, Anna looked at Kristoff as he drove, moving closer to him, her right hand on his right thigh.

"Kris," Anna asked. "Honey, what's wrong?" "I'd known that Mom and Dad would eventually retire," Kristoff said. "But, sweetling, how am I going to run the company and be a contractor at the same time? I know that Sven and Olaf are helping but a lot of times, I feel like I'm the only one holding the bag." She smiled, his ramblings always being cute to her. "You know, we're stronger together. Whatever you do, I'm always going to be in your corner, helping you." He smiled. "You know, you're always right. We're definitely stronger together." He wrapped his right arm around her, pulling her closer. They knew that they were always going to be a team, even if they disagreed sometimes. One thing was for sure, they were indeed stronger together. Once everything was transferred over, Kristoff, along with Anna, Sven and Olaf, made Bjorn Builders the best in southeastern Indiana.

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