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Chapter 69
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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.
Christmas Cove Chapter 74
Taren sipped hot chocolate as he watched Abby with Kiki, pleased that his daughter had taken up so quickly with Kiki. They spent the evening hollering at the game and drinking hot chocolate. Once, Abby had even yelled at the referee for what she had thought was a bad call. At that moment, Taren knew he had taught his daughter well.After the game ended, Kiki and Abby looked tired, and Taren knew it was time to leave. So, he said his goodbyes as he put on his own coat and helped Abby on with hers. Then he scooped his sleepy daughter up into his arms and carried her out to the car.She fell asleep on the way home from the hospital in the back of Taren's Jeep Cherokee. He had a blast watching the game with Abby and Kiki. Kiki seemed a bit distracted, probably still feeling the effects of the fire. But he was glad that she was on the mend and would be going home the next morning.Snow flurries fell through the headlights as he drove Abby home. What are you doing? He asked himself. After
Christmas Cove Chapter 75
"So, how was the game?" his mother asked, handing him a cup of coffee, fixed just the way he liked it: Black with two sugars.He let out a deep breath as a crease formed between his eyes. "Good.""So, you like Kiki?" Evelyn asked, stirring her coffee as she studied her son's face."Good. Thanks," he replied, not paying attention as he took a sip of his coffee."So, the capital of North Dakota is Bismarck?" his mother teased."Uh huh." He stared into the fire, lost in thought.A sly smile spread across her face. "So, Rudolf and Dasher came over and had coffee with me today while Santa delivered the late presents.""What?" Taren asked, finally snapping out of it.Evelyn gave him a knowing look. "Son, what's wrong?""Nothing." He stirred his coffee as he looked into it.Evelyn sighed. "Why don't you invite Kiki over tomorrow and I'll make a Christmas dinner?""What do you mean?" Taren sighed. "We already celebrated Christmas."Evelyn cocked her head to the side. "But we didn't
Christmas Cove Chapter 76
Kiki came out of the hospital bathroom early the next morning, dressed in the clothes that Jocelyn had brought over for her. The money that her mother had wired her was safely stowed in her purse. True to her word, Jocelyn had picked it up for her that morning before coming to get her. The clothes she had brought for her weren't perfect, but Kiki was grateful that she didn't have to go home dressed in scrubs."There you go!" Jocelyn said, a bit too chipper. "Now you look more like yourself."Kiki smiled, knowing she meant well. "Thanks, Joss. I appreciate you bringing me something. I couldn't imagine having to go home in a hospital gown.""Now, that might be interesting."When Kiki turned around, Taren was standing in the doorway. "You came.""I told you I would." Taren smiled. "Would you mind if I take you home?""Home?" Jocelyn asked, her eyebrows pulling together in concern. Caden stood up from his perch on the edge of the hospital bed, his eyebrows pulling together in concern
Christmas Cove Chapter 77
Kiki smiled. Although she appreciated the invitation, she had to keep reminding herself that he was just being nice, but she had to keep reminding her heart. It seemed to pound erratically whenever he came near her or said things like that. It was almost as if her heart had already claimed him as its own. "I'd love to, but only if you tell me what to bring."Taren smiled. "Don't worry about bringing anything with you other than yourself.""Here we go!" A male orderly walked in, pushing a wheelchair. "I hear that someone in here is ready to go home!"Kiki smiled, knowing he meant well, even though he sounded a bit too chipper. "Yes, please.""Well, hop right on in here and we'll get you going," he instructed, locking the wheels into place. Then he held it steady, just in case.Kiki felt like an invalid, but sat in the wheelchair, as was instructed. "Home, James!"The orderly laughed. "Well, I won't be taking you home. Just out to the parking lot." He laughed at his own joke."Tha
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