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Chapter 65
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Christmas Cove Chapter 66
Once the last of the fire was out, Taren looked over the smoldering rubble that had been Kiki's house. They had fought the blaze for most of the night. Technically, his shift was over, but he wasn't going to leave until the last of the flames were out. In the light of day, Taren could see that the damage was extensive.As he was working, his thoughts went to Kiki, wondering if she had a place to stay. He made a mental note to see what he could do about that when he could. Suddenly, an orange and blonde cat with white socks walked timidly over to the edge of the rubble and laid down, mewing loudly."Come here, buddy." Taren walked over to the cat, but when he reached down to pick it up, the cat hissed and swatted at his gloved hand. "I know your upset, but your Mama's okay. She's in the hospital." Taren stooped down and took off his glove. Then he held out his hand to let the cat sniff him. "See? You can trust me. I'm not going to hurt you."The cat crawled toward him, her eyes wide,
Christmas Cove Chapter 67
When Taren walked into the kitchen, Sal, the next shift manager, was petting Prissy. "And who do we have here?""She belongs to a woman whose house burned down last night. Her name is Kiki Long." Taren replied, filling a shallow bowl with water. When he set it on the floor, Prissy ran toward it and started lapping it up immediately. "The woman's in the hospital and I thought this little lady could stay with us until she can go back to her mama.""You know her?" Sal's eyebrows pulled together in concern. Taren nodded. "We went to high school together."A sly grin spread across Sal's face. "Are you sure you're not keeping the cat to get in good with Kiki?"Taren laughed. "Oh, no! I had enough the first time around." After Scarlett left, he vowed never to fall in love again. "No, I just thought we could look after the cat until Kiki gets on her feet." He bent down and scratched the top of her head. The cat leaned into his hand, obviously enjoying the attention. "By the way, her name
Christmas Cove Chapter 68
Then she turned to Taren. "Please. Sit down and make yourself comfortable. I haven't seen you since high school. So, how've you been?"Okay, but I can't stay long." Taren perched on the edge of a chair. "I hope you don't mind me coming by, but I was worried and just wanted to make sure you were okay.""No, I'm glad you did," Kiki replied. "When did you become a firefighter?" Taren smiled, relaxing a bit. "Shortly after high school. I worked my way up and I'm a captain now."Kiki looked into his eyes and smiled. "I'm happy for you." She bit her lower lip and then slowly released it. "Taren, thank you so much for saving my life. I can't thank you enough." Kiki laughed. "Your mother won't believe it when she finds out that you were the one who carried me out last night."A crease formed between his eyes. "How do you know my mother?""Evelyn?"Taren nodded. "I volunteer at the Children's Home. In fact, I went there last night- before the fire. Then I went home and started a fire.
Christmas Cove Chapter 69
Evelyn's smile faded, obviously afraid of what he was going to say. "Is she all right?"He nodded. "Yes, she'll be fine."Evelyn sighed in relief. "What happened?" A crease formed between her eyes. "I mean, I just saw her last night-."He bit his lower lip and released it. "Her house burned down last night, but we got there in time." He couldn't imagine what would have happened if they had arrived just a few minutes later."Thank goodness for that." Evelyn took a sip of her coffee and swallowed, lost in thought. "She's such a sweet girl."Taren smiled. "Yes, she is." He looked into her eyes. "Do you know that we had study hall together in high school?"A smile lit her lips. "No, I didn't know that. I knew you two went to high school together, but I didn't know you knew her."Taren chuckled. "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but when we got bored, we pulled pranks on Mrs. Li.""Oh?" Evelyn laughed, placing her hands on her hips as she raised an eyebrow. "And what, pray tell d
Christmas Cove Chapter 70
Kiki woke the next morning with a start, thinking she was late for work. Then her chest felt as if an elephant had sat on it, as the events of Christmas Eve rushed to mind. She started to turn over in the hospital bed, but the IVs prevented her from turning too far. Groggy, she took the water from the side table and took a big swig. Her mouth and throat felt like sandpaper and the cool water eased it. The oxygen was back in place under her nose. Since Kiki didn't remember putting it back on, she figured that the nurse probably came in after she fell asleep and slipped it back into place. She made a mental note to thank her later.Kiki was about to fall back to sleep, but her thoughts went to Taren. He had filled out since high school and had muscles for days. Along with his blond-streaked hair and blue eyes, he was better looking now than he had been in high school. How men were able to do that, she had no idea. But he was married now. How could she be excited to see a married man? Of
Christmas Cove Chapter 71
Kiki picked up the receiver and held it to her ear. She would have much rather talked to her on her cell phone, but she feared that it, too, had been lost in the fire."Hello?""Kiki, darling!" her mother's voice rang out from the other end. Constance Long, her mother, had been raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, having come from a very rich and prominent family. In rebellion to her parents, she had married Frank Long, Kiki's father, a working man. Kiki was never really sure if her mother had ever really loved her father, but it was none of her business. With such a domineering wife, her father was usually quiet and let his wife have her way- most of the time. But he was noted for going against his wife's wishes, upon occasion. "How are you? When I heard you were in the hospital, I simply couldn't believe my ears!""Mother, stop being so dramatic," Kiki chided. "So, you were so worried that you waited until now to call me? And I'd bet you're still in California.""I couldn't g
Christmas Cove Chapter 72
"If now's not a good time--""No, it's okay." Kiki replied a bit too quickly. "Come on over and sit down. I'm glad you came by."Taren did as she asked, and placed his hands on his knees. "Well, I have some good news for you. Or- at least I hope it's good news.""What's that?" Kiki asked, suddenly caught up in his enthusiasm.A broad smile spread across his face. "Well, I just came from The North Pole Lodge and Liam is going to give you a room until you get on your feet again--free of charge, for as long as you need it.""Liam White? Really? Isn't he the general manager of The North Pole Lodge?" Kiki's rose almost into her hairline. "Why would he do that?""He's a friend of mine." Taren shrugged. "I paid him a visit and when he heard about the fire and what happened, he didn't hesitate. In fact, he's giving you a suite, complete with a kitchenette, and he's having it fully stocked. And the townspeople took up a collection for you and wanted me to give you this check." He reached
Christmas Cove Chapter 73
He waved goodbye and rushed from the room. She had been surprised when he had kissed her forehead, but she told herself that he probably did it without thinking. Secretly, she was grateful that she would have a few minutes to herself. She felt grubby and needed to freshen up a bit before he came back- if he came back. Regardless, she needed a shower. She hit the call button to the nurses' station and waited."May I help you?" a female voice answered on the other end."Yes, you can. Do you have any soap, shampoo, and deodorant? I haven't taken a shower since I came here. Also, I don't have anything to wear." Then Kiki added for good measure, "I think it'll make me feel better.""Yes, of course," the nurse answered. "I'll be right there."Within minutes, the nurse came in and gave her a few toiletries and a clean pair of scrubs. She looked up at the nurse, grateful that she wouldn't have to wear another hideous hospital gown, especially if Taren was going to bring Abby back with him.
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