Chapter 90

Kiki perched on the edge of the couch in her stocking feet, leaning her elbows onto her knees, her eyes wide. He picked up the gift and tore it open, revealing a ski jersey and a gift certificate to go skiing at The North Pole Lodge. "Wow! This is wonderful! Thank you! You didn't have to do this!"
"Yes I did," she replied and then her eyebrows pulled together in concern. "You do ski, don't you?"
"Yes, of course I do!" He slipped on the jersey and it fit perfectly.
"Well, I knew you were into sports, so I thought we could go skiing together sometime- that is, if you skied...."
"This is perfect!" Taren quickly closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her in for a hug. "I haven't went skiing in a long time, so it'll be fun."
"If you'd rather take a friend, that's okay, too--"
"The only way I'll go is if you go with me," Taren cut her off.
Kiki's shoulders relaxed and she smiled in relief. "Good. I'm glad you like it. It's not as extravagant as what you gave me, but-."
"It's perfect." He sat on the couch next to her, and slid his arm around her shoulders as they watched Abby open the rest of her presents. Prissy moved to the other end of the couch, indignant.
Kiki had gotten her a china doll, a Charlotte's Web book, and a small art set, complete with artist paints, pencils, watercolors, pastels, and much more.
"Oh, how very thoughtful!" his mother said as she opened the gift from Kiki, a gift certificate to the restaurant at The North Pole Lodge. "I've been wanting to go there for a long time, but you didn't have to do that!"
Kiki smiled, obviously pleased with her reaction. "Oh yes, I did. It's not much, but I hope you like it."
"It's more than enough," Evelyn replied, "but I'll only accept it if you agree to come with me."
A broad grin spread across Kiki's face as she cocked her head to the side. "That's a deal."
"Thank you," Taren whispered just over her head.
Kiki smiled, turning her head slightly. "You're welcome. And thank you."
For a moment, Taren was glad that his mother and daughter were there. If Kiki would have just raised her head, he could have easily kissed her. Her auburn hair framed her creamy complexion just right, setting off her emerald green eyes. Fighting back the urge to kiss her, he forced himself to focus on Abby, playing with her doll on the floor.
Evelyn rose from her seat, carrying her coffee cup with her. "Would either of you like some coffee? I'm buying."
Kiki and Taren both laughed.
"No thanks, Mom."
His mother nodded. "I'll be right back."
After she left the room, he turned to Kiki. "I'm so glad you came over tonight. I haven't had this much fun in a very long time."
She smiled, her eyes shining brightly. "Me neither."
Taren was just about to sneak in a quick kiss when his mother came back into the room.
"So, what do you say we clean up this mess and go to the family room to watch the fire?" Evelyn asked, breaking the spell of the moment.
"Yeah!" Abby shouting, jumping up and down.
Taren pulled her onto his lap. "You, my dear, need to get to bed so that Santa Claus can come."
Abby flung her arms around her father's neck, taking him by surprise. "Thanks, Daddy. This was really great." Then she pulled him in for a hug and then looked into his eyes. "Will you tuck me in?"
He nodded. "Of course, princess."
Then Abby wrapped her arms around Kiki and pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you for the presents."
"You like them?"
Abby nodded as she pulled back, a broad smile spreading across her face. "I love them."
"If you like, I could show you how to use the art set sometime." Kiki smiled, obviously enjoying herself as she stroked Prissy's coat.
"That sounds great!" Abby's face suddenly turned serious. "When?"
Kiki shrugged. "Any time you like. But only if you promise to play me another game of chess."
Abby hopped down. "Sure! If you think you can handle it."
"Okay," Taren interrupted, taking his daughter's hand. Turning to Kiki, he said, "I'll be right back."
"Take your time," she replied, smiling.
Abby skipped down the hallway and he followed. When he reached her room, she as already in bed, the moon high in the sky outside her window, bathing her room in a light blue glow. He flipped on the overhead light, chasing the blue hue from the room.
"Let's get you dressed for bed first."
Taren rummaged through her dresser and was glad to see that her Christmas pajamas were clean and ready, thanks to his mother. He made a silent vow to start doing more around the house, like doing laundry and cleaning. But he and his mother had a deal: She would take care of the inside of the house if he kept up the outside. So, he didn't feel quite so bad. But, then again, she spent plenty of time taking care of Abby for him. Taren knew that he wouldn't have survived without her help. Or if he had, it would have been much more difficult. His mother had really been a godsend.
After he dressed her in her Christmas pajamas and her dress was properly hung in the closet, he pulled back the blankets on her bed. "Okay, little girl. Time for bed."
Abby hopped up into bed. Then Taren tucked her in and sat down on the edge of her bed. "Would you like me to read you The Night Before Christmas?"
"You mean, A Visit from St. Nicholas?"
Taren laughed. "Yes, I know what its real name is." Then he touched the tip of her nose. "Sometimes, my dear, you're a little too smart for your own good." He tickled her sides as she laughed with delight. Then he tucked her in again. "Now. You stay in bed and Santa will come again tonight."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "After all, I think he already gave me enough this year."
Taren shook his head, amazed at how bright she was. "Well, he just wants to come by and leave you the presents he missed the first time around." He leaned close, his eyes wide. "It won't be a mountain of gifts, I promise."
She laughed, knowing he was teasing. "We won't need to move then?"
"Why?" Taren asked, wondering where that came from.
"You know-." She looked at him, smiling. "- to have enough room for the gifts."
Taren chuckled. "No. We won't need to move. I promise." Unless he ended up getting married someday. But he quickly pushed the thought aside. "Now. Get some sleep, silly girl, and I'll see you in the morning." Then he gently kissed her forehead. "Love you."
"Love you, too, Daddy." She turned onto her side and curled up into a ball. Before long, she would soon be dreaming of wizards, castles, and butterflies. Taren hoped it stayed that way for quite a while. He flipped off the light, letting the blue moonlight fill the room once again, and then quietly closed the door, leaving his daughter to her dreams.