The two things that Hank cherished the most were his pristine floors and his unyielding pride. In response to the fact that his daughter’s boyfriend arrived on Christmas Eve wearing dirty boots, Hank kicked him out of the house. However, by the morning, the individual whom Hank had driven out revealed a shocking revelation that compelled him to rectify his own error.
As a father of three, Hank, who was 55 years old at the time, held two beliefs: the first was that floors should shine like glass, and he was never incorrect. Hank liked being in charge of everything, whether it was driving, cooking, or parenting.
“I’m not asking for really much!” “Hank shouted, pausing as if he was anticipating a cheer,” he said. A spotless home with a healthy dose of respect. The end of it! Those that come into my house and track dirt out will be kicked out.
Brynne, who was in the kitchen, cried out to Hank, “Hank, it’s Christmas,” while sounding exhausted. The potato was being chopped by her. It is imperative that you refrain from behaving as a guard dog before Nessa and her fiance arrive.
Someone once said to Brynne, “People judge you by your home, don’t they?” While scrubbing a floor that was already pristine, Hank made the statement. “This guy will think that we are messy people who don’t care if he sees dirt,” the speaker said.
While he was staring at her, he mumbled, “Last winter, your sister came in with muddy shoes and ruined my holiday!” I am not going to allow that to occur again.
Deep sighs came from Brynne. Hank was proud, obstinate, and certain that he was the one who knew best. On that particular evening, his pride would be put to the test.
At precisely seven o’clock in the evening, the doorbell rang. Hank, who was constantly on the lookout, was the first to arrive at the door and opened it with a ferocious frown.
Nessa was standing there, smiling uncomfortably, and standing next to her was a young man who Hank had never seen before. He was well-groomed, clean-shaven, and dressed in a nice manner… the exception being his boots.
The MUDDY BOOTS.
The appearance of Hank’s face was contorted, as if Cole had dragged in a heap of dirt. As sharp as a hawk, his eyes riveted on the target.
“WHY DO YOUR BOOTS HAVE SUCH STIFFNESS? You are not going to enter my home with such belongings! Hank let out a cry that was so loud that it shook the windows. You wrestled in the mud before I sat down to eat Christmas dinner, right?
The sudden surprise caused Cole to blink. “I… was assisting a friend in moving some yard stuff,” she said.
“YARD GROUPINGS?” When Hank yelled, he grabbed a pillow and waved it around as if it were a warning sign. “It appears as though you have dropped a fight with a pile of mud!”
“Daddy!” While she was crying, Nessa pulled Hank’s sleeve. It must stop! What a commotion you are causing!
Can you leave your shoes outdoors for a moment? Hank demanded while crossing his arms.
Looking down, Cole was perplexed. “Of course… However, there is no mat. Is it appropriate for me to place them on the porch?
The eyes of Hank became wider. “There is no mat? When he meets his potential in-laws, what type of a guy doesn’t bring shoe covers into the room?
Cole was staring. Covers for shoes? Have you lost your mind?
“You are dead serious,” Hank yelled out. “This is not a barn; there is a proper house here.”
Cole’s jaw became more tense. “I am able to stay at a motel if it is such a significant matter.”
I’m not sure whether my daughter deserves a guy who can’t afford to purchase her shoes that are nice. Where exactly did you locate him, Nessa? Didn’t you realize that we were looking for a suitable partner, and not THIS guy? The voice of Hank was loud. “You are completely unsuitable for my girl.”
“Dad, you need to stop!” Nessa pleaded, her face getting hot as she did so.
However, Cole maintained his composure and met Hank’s gaze. “And I was surprised to find someone who is more concerned with shoes than they are with their heart. Is it clear to you why Nessa is unique? She is really intelligent.
She let out a gasp. Hey, Cole!
The face of Hank became as red as a fire truck by that point. “That’s that! ” As he yelled out, “GET OUT!” he pointed at the door as if he were a judge.
The hands of Cole were raised. All OK, but you’ll have a hard time finding somebody who’s willing to put up with this crap.
Nessa appeared to be on the verge of crying. Dad, what exactly is the matter with you?
What is it that’s wrong with me? Hank screamed out. Is there something wrong with HIM?
Listen to me, young man! When you are able to afford anything decent, you should come back. In addition, you should learn how to polish your boots! ” he said as Cole rushed to his car, with Nessa following closely behind.
As if it were a scene from a movie, the door slammed shut, leaving Brynne staring at Hank in a state of startled realization.
“You just kicked out our daughter’s fiancé,” she exclaimed, her voice quivering with rage and shock at the sheer magnitude of the situation. Hank frowned and grabbed his mop as if he had just rescued the entire world from a catastrophe caused by dirt.
That night, Cole and Nessa were sitting in a room at a low-cost motel, and the atmosphere was tense.
With her hands, Nessa covered her face from view. “I am very devastated, Cole. My father is a terrible person. It’s like a hurricane with a mop in his hand.
Cole, who was seated on the side of the bed, responded with a sour laugh. My father kicked me out of your home and threw me out.
Nessa mumbled, “Nessa, I don’t understand him.” “It’s almost as if he’s being arrogant rather than sensible.”
Cole gave a sneer. “Pride and muddy boots, huh?” the speaker asked.
A feeble laugh came from Nessa, who suddenly became serious. “However, those floors are not the only problem. It encompasses… everything.”
“What exactly do you mean?” While sitting up, Cole inquired.
“They’re having a hard time, Cole,” she responded after a moment of hesitation. It’s something I know, but my folks won’t admit it. Her mother puts in a lot of effort at the business, and her father’s cleaning duties barely cover the bills. They have an enormous amount of debt.
A frown formed on Cole’s face. It’s debt, right?
Nessa gave a slight nod. I agree. A sale has been made on the house. It will be lost to them if they do not make a payment shortly.
However, Cole did not immediately respond. He then smiled in a deceitful manner over his face. Immediately, he reached for his phone and began typing.
Do you know what you’re doing? Nessa inquired, feeling both inquisitive and timid.
“You can put your faith in me,” Cole replied, his eyes light up with a sly grin. “When you evaluate someone based on their shoes, I’m going to show your dad what happens. It was his suggestion that I return when I was able to “afford something decent.” The next day, he will be granted his request.
“What does that even mean?” Nessa inquired about it.
Cole threw a grin. “He is about to be taught a lesson in gratitude and modesty. It’s going to turn out to be fantastic.”
Hank awoke on Christmas morning with a sense of triumph, making it appear as though he had triumphed over a chaotic situation. His humming could be heard as he entered the kitchen and watched Brynne lay the table.
However, at that moment, powerful motors screamed outside, and they were loud enough to wake up the community.
This caused Hank to frown and grab his coat. What is that noise, exactly?
He froze as he opened the door, his jaw falling to the point where it seemed as though it could break his priceless floor.
In the driveway, there were a dozen black SUVs and a BMW that was really slick. The way they appeared was reminiscent of a movie about a wealthy individual.
Hank was not impressed with the men who were standing on the lawn dressed in suits. This was the kind of flair that would be problematic.
As he stood there, in the middle, with his hands in his pockets and a sneer on his face, it was as if he owned the place.
This is what it is. The trembling in Hank’s voice was audible. “Is that a Christmas stunt?”
Cole took a step forward while smiling. Morning to you, sir. Happy Christmas to you!
“You once more?” A high pitch was reached by Hank’s voice. Is this something? A retribution for filthy boots?
Alongside Cole, a man cleared his throat, which was a sign of significant news. “Mr. Hank, we are meeting with you today to complete the sale of this property. Mr. Cole, the purchaser, has made a complete payment.
While standing next to Hank, Brynne appeared with a pale face. She hushed, “Hank,” and said, “What exactly is going on?”
With a stuttering voice, Hank pointed toward Cole as if he had witnessed a ghost. “DID YOU BUY MY HOME FOR ME?”
Cool as a movie star, Cole smirked at the camera. It’s true. You mentioned that I should return when I was able to “afford something decent.” This is where I am.”
Hank’s body shook in shock. “However—why—”
Oh, did I fail to add that last thing? Cole stated in a casual manner, as if he were discussing the weather. As the son of a millionaire, I am. Do you have a muddy boot drama? The best price I’ve ever gotten.”
Nearly passing out, Brynne was. Hank’s face became even whiter than the floor that he had just cleaned.
In a dramatic gesture, Cole waved his hand toward the entrance. “Take off your dirty shoes before you go inside,” the host instructed. “You are currently in MY HOUSE!”
Cole and Nessa went inside and placed Brynne and Hank down in a chair. The tension was so intense that Hank’s mop could be used to cut through it.
“You are not kicked out,” Cole remarked with a sly grin, as if making a masterful statement. “You are free to remain. The word “free”
Hank was as surprised as a deer caught in headlights, and he blinked. “Are you even serious?”
The finger was raised by Cole. A single rule. Make sure to cover your shoes in this residence.
She laughed so hard that Brynne came dangerously close to knocking down a Christmas candle. Hank, it is absolutely wonderful! “Karma has arrived!”
Cole threw a grin. Forget about them? You will be required to pay a fine.
With a grunt, Hank sagged down like a tire that had popped. “You’re joking around.”
Cole responded with a totally serious “Nope.”
Twelve Months Later
Whenever Cole and Nessa, who are now married, came to visit, Hank would trudge around in bright blue shoe covers that looked silly. While he complained about “kids” and “dumb rules,” the fact remained that rules were rules.
During the subsequent Christmas, Cole presented Hank with a gleaming gift box.
This is what it is. Despite his suspicions, Hank mumbled.
It was Cole who said, “Open it, Hank.”
In a cautious manner, Hank opened the lid. On the inside were slippers that were designed to be comfortable.
The words “Merry Christmas, Hank!” Cole remarked with a wink. Do not use shoe covers when you walk.
It was a genuine, heartfelt chuckle that conveyed a sense of companionship and submission. The phrase “Cole, you are a real troublemaker”
“And you’re welcome,” Cole responded with a grin that was worthy of a champion.
A clap was given by Brynne, and her eyes sparkled. I was aware that Cole was a keeper! A man who is able to make my husband laugh while also outwitting his stubbornness? What a marvel it is this!
After slipping on the slippers, Hank shook his head in a way that conveyed both despair and warmth. “That’s fine. On the other hand, if I find muddy shoes on my flooring…
There was a roar of laughter from everyone, and Hank wasn’t just a participant in the joke; he was the one who was leading the fun.
A Christmas that began with a disagreement over muddy boots finished with a family relationship that was stronger than Hank’s fixation with scrubbing the floor. And just like that, the Christmas was over.