“The word love, is simple enough.” Christine inhaled as she unfurled the blanket then folded it and set it beside her. “I always find the best way to teach kids is by leading by example.”
I nodded.
“Thanks for the coffee.” Christine smiled at me, her eyes more tired than they should have been. “I need to get back to work.”
Again, I nodded, and she left me alone to my thoughts. Eventually, I made hot chocolate and a sandwich and brought the treats up to Teddy who was curled up in a fort made of blankets and pillows.
“Permission to come aboard?” I smiled.
“Did you bring snacks?” Teddy asked from inside her fort.
“Aye.”
“Permission granted!”
I knelt and handed her the sandwich.
“Thanks.”
I found somewhere to set the hot chocolate down then rested on my back beside her. Teddy picked up one half of her sandwich and bit into it.
“I think Christine is pretty,” Teddy said.
I laughed.
“You have to forgive her,” Teddy told me.
“What do you know about it?” I asked softly.
She set her sandwich down and cuddled into my side, resting her head on my chest. “Remember you gave me mom’s diaries?”
“Mhmm.”
“She has a quote in one—the one thing humans have that makes us better than the animals is forgiveness.”
“Something else you should remember about your mom—she was very smart.”
“She was?”
“Yes.” I kissed her head.
“Besides, I’ve braced myself for you dating someone,” Teddy admitted. “You’re not going to marry her tomorrow—but dinner can’t hurt.”
I laughed. “How many pages do you have left?”
She picked up the book. “About twenty or so.”
“You can do this.”
“Remember what we talked about.” Teddy tapped my shoulder. “The mom letter for my last birthday, she said darkness should only last for a night.”
“Then the sun rises again.”
Teddy smiled.
I kissed her nose and climbed from her fort.
Christine
After a quick bite to eat at Primrose’s diner, I wandered to Kyle’s place and changed into my swimsuit. It was workout day to strengthened Mrs. Henderson’s muscles.
“Okay, Mrs. Henderson,” I said, leading her toward the steps of the indoor wave pool. “Time to get out.”
She smiled at me and gripped the metal banister. I assisted her out, helped her to dry with a towel then walked her back into her room where I could help her dress.
“You did amazing today,” I told her. “Now, let me get you some fruits—”
“And get me that book, please?” she asked.
I smiled and picked up the romance novel she’d been reading. I also paused to grab her glasses and brought them back to her.
“You know, my grandson is single,” she called as I headed for the door.
I stopped to smile at her over my shoulder. “I know.”
“And I understand what happened back in the day—you’ve grown up since then?”
“I’d sure like to think so.”
She smiled at me, slipped on her glasses, and opened her book.
I wasn’t sure what any of that meant, but I left to do as I said I would. Once she was settled, enjoying her fruits and reading, I sat in the living room to finish up the day’s reports. I must have lost track of time for Kyle and Teddy returned, covered in snow. While they rushed into one of the bathrooms to clean up, I quickly started the fire and put the kettle on. It was whistling by the time they were dried off.
“You made tea?” Teddy asked.
“You really didn’t have to do that.” Kyle smiled.
“I know. What’s going on out there?”
“Well.” Kyle blew into his palms then rubbed them together. “You might want to pick one of the guestrooms. The storm is here.”
“A storm?” I quirked a brow then tried looking out the back. I couldn’t even see the bench. “Ugh.”
“It won’t be so bad.” Teddy beamed. “Each room has its own fireplace. Dad made sure when he designed the house. We don’t want you trying to drive home in that.”
I couldn’t help touching her cheek gently. “But I don’t have any clothes here.”
“I’m sure we can find something,” Kyle told me. “Nan was a fashionista in her day.”
I laughed, looked out the back again. When I faced them once more, I nodded, accepting the offer of staying. During blizzards, signal for cell phones crapped out. The landline might work for me to call Bailey and let her know I’d be spending the night.
When I did try, it was dead.
Kyle, Teddy and I made supper, then, I wheeled his grandmother to the dinner table so she could eat with us. She was getting stronger by the day.
I was very sure that heart attack wished it had afflicted someone else.
I smiled at the thought.
Teddy filled the dishwasher and Kyle scrubbed the pots while I helped Nan prepare for bed. I left her with her book, a glass of water and the radio playing on some oldies station. I wasn’t even sure how that was happening. From time to time the signal faded out to static, but she didn’t seem to mind.
Kyle was in his office when I was finished with his grandmother. He was standing by the window, staring into the howling whiteness of nature’s fury. His hair was brown, and he’d grown tall and fit. I wondered if my dark hair, blue eyes and curves would attract him now.
“Um—I thought I’d take the room next to Mrs. Henderson.” I spoke after clearing my throat. “I figured that would be easier in case she needed me during the night.”
“Nan will be fine.” He didn’t face me.
“I don’t mind,” I admitted. “Look, Kyle, I’m sorry. I wish I had been a better human being to you. I just—I’m sorry.”
He shifted to rest his bum on the windowsill and folded his arms across his chest. “Esme liked to say darkness only lasts for a night. Do you think all these years—do you think the sun is ready to come up yet?”
I shrugged, shoved my fingers into the side pockets of my scrubs. “It depends on whether or not you forgive me or not.”
A smile trailed his lips. “What do you think?”
“I think it can’t be that easy.”
“Sure, it can.” Kyle approached me. “How would you like to have dinner with me?”
I tilted my head up to meet his beautiful eyes. They were still the same puddles of green they had been the day I’d reached into his chest and pulled his heart out.
“Um…”
He framed my face and lowered his lips to mine. I melted into his chest, feeling my mind fill with nothing but him.
“What about Teddy?” I wrenched my lips back to ask.
“She thinks you’re pretty and I should forgive you.” Kyle rested his forehead to mine. “Second chances, Chrissy.”
“No one else has ever called me that,” my voice cracked.
“A second chance.” He caressed my cheeks. “Are you in?”